Posted by HMH Blogger By Patience Muia Many African-American ladies have been encouraged by the natural hair movement to embrace the kinks and coils. Even though some agree to do so, they proceed with caution in fear of what their new hair style might do to them at their workplaces. It is not surprising to find co-workers discriminating one of their colleagues just because of her natural hair. There are a number of reasons behind the increase of natural hair styles at workplaces. For instance, if your relaxed hair is constantly break and become thin, what would you do? You will obviously cut it off out of frustration, and then you wouldnt have any other option than to go natural. Your friends might appreciate your natural hair, but you should be ready to encounter differences in opinions at your workplace. You might face a lot of co-workers scrutiny especially if you work in a predominantly white public relations agency. That is why many African-American women still prefer straightened hair. You will realise that while some women have negative experiences, some get a lot of positive reactions as well. The more confident and attractive you feel with your natural hair, the easier you will be able to handle natural hair discrimination at workplace. The time you spent growing out your perm (the transitional phase), is the time you should test your patience.

Some women also have concerns that once they go natural, their hair won’t be able to be the way they were while they used chemicals. Wearing hair in its natural state at workplace is more of a convenience than a hassle. Even if your co-workers disagree to your belief, you can still have fun and work without worrying about their perceptions. You can test different types of hairstyle in order to reduce the chances of discrimination at work. Pulled back, pinned up or twisted hairstyles are usually acceptable and workplace friendly.

Posted by HMH Blogger By Patience Muia If you are a woman rocking your natural texture, feeling comfortable about your hair and skin is very important. But you will also come to realize that if you are working in a corporate world, you will be compelled to find the balance between socially acceptable hair and self-acceptance in your workplace. If you experience natural hair discrimination in your work place then you definitely have co-workers who rarely acknowledge your presence. Then you will also have co-workers who will occasionally stop you in the hall-way and tell you how they like your hair or how your hair looks professional. So where exactly do we draw the line between natural hair discrimination and corporate guidelines? Here are a few things to consider: 1. Know your work environment

It’s a new millennium, we all expect every work place to accept natural hair but that is not the case. It is important to proceed with caution while entering a new work environment. You know it, unless you are working in an artistic or a fashion field, you should always stick to blue or black suit. In a corporate world where you don’t want to distract from your skills, your hair should be simple you don’t need to straighten your hair. After understanding the limits of your work place you can try a few styles on your hair. If you are in a liberal work environment where your co-workers wear jeans then you won’t have problems even if you make it big. Knowing your work environment might help you reduce natural hair discrimination at your workplace. 2. Always take good care of your hair

It is important to note the difference between unkempt hair and natural hair. There are some attributes that describe unkempt hair. Never try a new style on your work day but you can always try new styles during weekends. If a style goes wrong be ready to have a backup plan. 3. Learn to distinguish between discrimination and corporate guidelines Most companies have certain dress code requirements. If you feel that you are being harassed because of your hair texture then it is time to grab the company handbook before you contact the Human Resources.

Posted by HMH Blogger 

By Patience Muia

In the business world, maintaining certain standards of appearance is important. How you present yourself determine how others perceive your reputation, education, intelligence and capabilities. Apart from influencing people, appearance can affect the performance levels of business. In a professional environment, presentation can serve as a basis of creating a positive impression and getting new workers onboard. Afro Textured Hair  Believe me or not, even in this age and day, Afro-textured black hair isn't greeted with open arms in most work places. For example in a work environment that deviate towards conservative policies. However, if you are being discriminated, there is nothing to worry about, and you should know that there are other women like you who are being discriminated because of the same reason. You must agree with me that most dress codes doesn't allow mohawk hairstyles, or hair with unnatural colours. But at the same time, there are dress codes that do not allow women to have locks and braids at work. You must have heard of black women not being hired for a certain job, or being fired because of their braided extensions. Is that fair? No! I don’t think it is. So what should women with natural hair do? Work dress codes are something that you should always keep in mind before choosing a place of work or a hairstyle. So if natural hair is allowed in your workplace, it is good to keep it simple. Don’t let your appearance leave a wrong impression on others, or become a land mine of potential distractions. Make your appearance by trying out some classic skirt-and-suit in a colour of your choice, and put on some accessories that match your suit. Keeping it simple like this might help others appreciate your natural black hair at work.

Posted by Lil 

1) Introduce yourself

My name is Tekita L. Williams. I am a divorced 42 year old who resides in Byram, MS. I’m a graduate of Mississippi State University where I received my Bachelor & Master degrees. I’ve been employed with Hinds Community College for almost 19 years. I’m an active member of the Beta Delta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and I serve as the Nursery Ministry Administrator at my church, Greater Pearlie Grove M. B. Church and sing in the Mass Choir. I love children, love to sing, travel, shop, love listening to a variety of music, enjoy organizing things and value spending time with my family.

2) Describe the moment you were spotted by Hug My Hair.

I first met Jessica when she was a young girl at church. She quickly grew into a woman, went off to college then graduate school and I can remember when I noticed on Facebook she did the big chop and went natural. I decided to follow her journey when I noticed how BEAUTIFUL her hair was at every length. Every single picture she posted, was beautiful! She’s beautiful anyway, but her hair was ALWAYS styled so pretty. I can’t think of a style she’s done that I didn’t like. She has truly been blessed with the gift of styling natural hair. I also noticed how quickly her hair seemed to be growing so I became even more intrigued. At this time, I was in the process of “considering” going natural but I had stopped getting relaxers, I just wasn’t sure I wanted to do a big chop because I have always had long hair and I like my hair with length on me. I continued to follow her journey, reached out to her for hair tips and she became my inspiration for me to continue on my natural journey.She always gave me tips, suggestions, encouragement when I asked and has even styled my hair for me. I still have A LOT to learn about styling my own natural hair, but I LOVE being natural and I love this natural journey!!!

 3) Have you always rocked and loved your curls/kinks/coils? If not, how did you come to embrace your natural hair?

I can say that I have always embraced my natural hair. Initially, because I was working out 5 days a week, I wore braids or buns a lot only because of convenience. Plus, I wanted my hair to grow out more because as we all know, natural hair shrinks and I wasn’t used to my hair drawing up so short. So I had to get used to that on me, but I wasn’t trying to hide my hair nor was I ashamed of it, I just had to learn how to work with my hair in its natural state . I had my relaxed hair routine down to a science and wanted to have this natural hair on lock too! Once I learned that I could spray water on my hair mixed with an oil and go in the mornings if I wanted too, that was even more convenient for me. So I REALLY embraced it even more!

 

4) How would you describe your hair texture?

My hair is VERY THICK, but also very soft. I would say my hair is curly/coily I guess. I’ve never understood the high type thing I hear Naturals talking about. I don’t know what “type” my hair would be considered, but my roots are very straight and my curls/coils are very tight. However, the very back of my hair, the curls are very loose and if I brush my hair up, it looks bone straight while the rest of my hair has a wave pattern going around my head….LOL.

 

5) Tell us one “Do” and one “Don’t” for your hair type.

Well, like I just stated, I don’t know what my hair “type” would be in the natural world, but I have learned that my hair LOVES water and moisture. It will perk up and curl up immediately when I spray anything liquid on it. So I would say DO use a lot of water and keep your hair moisturized and trimmed. My “Don’t” for my hair would be not to let it dry after you shampoo/co-wash without detangling because it will tangle and fast and make you very frustrated trying to detangle it. I have to work fast because my hair has always tangled very easily even as a child.

  6) What advice would you give to someone considering going natural?

I would tell them to be patient. Hair will grow, but you have to accept that your hair might not grow as fast or long as others. I would also tell them to never compare their hair to others. GOD gave us the head of hair and grade of hair HE wanted us to have. There is NOTHING we can do about what type/texture of natural hair we have. We have to embrace OUR HAIR and our texture whether it is curly, coily, kinky or as some might say nappy. It is what it is. LOVE what you have on your head and learn what works for YOU. All products and styles we MIGHT like just MIGHT NOT work for us and we have to be OK with that. Embrace what does work and enhance that!

 

6) What advice would you give to someone considering going natural?

I would tell them to be patient. Hair will grow, but you have to accept that your hair might not grow as fast or long as others. I would also tell them to never compare their hair to others. GOD gave us the head of hair and grade of hair HE wanted us to have. There is NOTHING we can do about what type/texture of natural hair we have. We have to embrace OUR HAIR and our texture whether it is curly, coily, kinky or as some might say nappy. It is what it is. LOVE what you have on your head and learn what works for YOU. All products and styles we MIGHT like just MIGHT NOT work for us and we have to be OK with that. Embrace what does work and enhance that!

    7) How do you love to wear your hair?

Since I’m still trying to learn how to style my own natural hair, my favorite would be the puff. I Love pulling my hair up in a puff because it’s so easy and convenient. Not to mention, in the mornings I just spray water/oil on it and GO!! I also love wearing an afro. Since Jessica thought me how to do my afro, I LOVE rocking my big hair!!

 

8 ) How often do you wash your hair and what products do you use?

I co-wash and deep condition my hair weekly. I will shampoo it once or twice a month at the most UNLESS I feel I have product build up. Then I will shampoo it as I feel I need to. Whether I shampoo or co-wash, I always deep condition, put a plastic bag on it and sit under the dryer or use my thermal wrap. I also use a leave in conditioner. I LOVE shea moisture products and the coconut line by Proclaim. I also use coconut, argan & Jamaican black Castrol oil. I use all of these products regularly. But I am a product junkie so I will try anything to see if it will work for me.

 9) Describe your worst hair day.

I think my worse hair day was when I attempted to do a twist out on wet hair and didn’t know what I was doing. At that time, I hadn’t learned that my hair doesn’t dry well over night wet. I woke up with my hair just as wet as I went to bed the night before. I got ready to take my hair down and it was still very wet and it was time for me to leave for work. I was thinking, “Oh my Lord….what am I going to do with all of this hair because it looks a mess!!” THANK GOD for a band because I scooped it up in a puff and went on my way.

 10) Your Twitter/Facebook/Instagram pages (if applicable) are?

Twitter: @Japaaka Facebook: Tekita L. Williams Instagram: @Japaaka

11) Website/blog address (if applicable)

Not Applicable

Posted by HMH Blogger By Patience Muia The “natural hair professionalism” has been a common debate topic especially in black beauty industry. It is true that there is still natural hair discrimination at workplace. Some women have been successful in their careers with their natural hair while others have failed, and are constantly blaming natural hair for their failure. Even if discriminations exists the way it does, women should not conclude that natural hair is unprofessional. Here are a few reasons that can be used to justify this statement. Natural Hair is a Naturally Occurring Bodily Characteristic The reality is that the skin of a black women or the shape of an Asian woman isn't considered as unprofessional. Hair, skin and shape of the eye are all natural physical characteristics. If someone insists that natural hair is unprofessional then he or she should be able to explain to us why the skin is not. It can be Styled Conservatively Although afros look amazing and lovely, all women with natural hair know that it cannot be allowed at a workplace. Depending on your work environment, you might be sometimes forced to pull your hair down your face. You can also be in a workplace where styles such as twist, curly fros and braid outs are considered professional.

It Breeds Paranoia If you fail to get a certain job, it is not healthy to walk around saying that you failed to get the job just because you are natural. There are other reasons that might have caused the failure. You might be unkempt, or you may have behaved unprofessionally during the interview. There are Numerous Successful Natural Hair Professionals It doesn’t matter where you are living or what you are facing, you can be a natural hair professional. Haven’t you met black women rocking pumps and suits with elegant natural hair styles?