Haircare policies in the military were big news a while back. The policies ruled out a lot of lower-maintenance hair style options for black women. Basically the only options left were a chemical relaxer or tiny braids. Both of those are expensive, time consuming, and rough on your hair and scalp.
After a lot of bad press and backlash, the military backed down. But there are plenty of private companies which have rules like this, but more quietly and unofficially.
In many cases, it’s a private conversation from a boss or HR person, about having a “professional appearance.” This happened to a friend of mine recently, who was offered a job and, in the same phone call, asked to straighten her hair.
Even more subtly than that, someone may be hired or not hired because of having natural hair. There is no real way to track that, because the reasoning exists inside the head of the hiring manager or HR person.
Many people don’t realize the time and effort it takes to straighten black hair. Another friend of mine got hers chemically straightened every few weeks to months. The best comparison in white haircare would be getting a perm to make your hair curly. There are harsh chemicals involved that may burn your scalp, and it takes a good chunk of time and money to get it done.
In between treatments, my friend had to spend about 45 minutes with a flat iron to get her hair straight. She compares it to going to the dentist.
@Dutchess_III above mentioned that dreads look “counterculture,” or like hippies. Natural, low-maintenance hairstyles look counterculture because white people have defined mainstream culture and fashion for so long. We’ve made it so that the only “acceptable” hairstyles, especially if you want to get a job, are white hairstyles. The default is to have straight hair that lays flat. We aren’t surprised to see this, because that’s what a default is. But if someone has dreads or an afro it stands out- enough that these traditional hairstyles have become a form of protest.
@JLeslie said: I do understand why black women feel unfairly pressured about their hair styles, but I can tell you as a white girl I have spent a shit load of time and money on my basically straight hair, it has a small wave, also. I can’t just wash my hair, let it dry, and show up at the office. My hair would be a stringy, thin, flat, mess.
It’s not the same thing. Thin, flat hair might be unfashionable, but it is acceptable in the workplace. You might want to have thick, wavy hair, but not having it won’t hold you back professionally.
Imagine if your natural hair color were pink or blue. Everywhere you go, people notice your bright pink hair unless you dye it brown. If you don’t want to do that, you can wear a wig or comb brown powder into it every day to hide how pink it is. You have to keep up with this all the time.
Pink hair is considered counterculture and punk-rock. Some workplaces are progressive and understanding, and they’re ok with your naturally pink hair. But most traditional jobs will quietly tell you that you should do something about your pink hair to look more professional.
Not having to worry about this stuff at all is an example of white privilege in our culture. Black women have to think about this stuff all the time.
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