Beauty Discrimination in the Workplace That African-American Women Face Everyday

I remember growing up my parents would always say “You have to work twice as hard for half as much,” a quote which never rang more than true. Entering the work force, I have lived out this quote entirely and sadly it’s very true. I was always instilled to be strong, confident, and worthy while growing up. Of course, in any environment I am put in, my foundations are being put to the test. Specifically, the working environment, and the subtle, political, conversational issues black women’s hair has become.

Black women are being highly targeted and discriminated frequently in the work place and one of the biggest factors of this is due to their hair. It baffles me how one’s hair can become a controversial topic of discussion. Although some may think hair is merely an identifier or a part of one, “black hair” means so much more than what meets the eye.

Hair Journey

Our hair comes from history and the roots that leads a compelling story of “journey”. As we go through life, our hair is met with many changes, which is different from everyone.

I know from experience, I started out as natural until the age of 8 or 9 my mother decided to take me to the salon to chemically relax my hair. From there I kept chemically straightening my hair and I even learned how to do this treatment on myself. It wasn’t until 2013 I decided to transition from chemically relaxed to natural. Throughout my transitioning phase, I went through many “protective styles” to ensure I use less heat and not to apply a lot of tension to my hair. I did not decide to commit to the big chop, and because of this decision my hair has still has heat and chemical damage. However, it is getting healthier as I’m taking my hair regime more serious.

My hair has gone through its own journey for all my peers to see whether it is work, school, or in the general public. I have always in the back of my mind wondered the judgements and comments made about my hair. Changing our hair can mean dealing with the blank stares, mindless questions, and microaggressions in the workplace from “non- black” peers.

Corporate "White" America

Unfortunately, in 2019 the thought of wearing natural hair in dominated “white” corporate world America creates a sense of shame and fear in the minds of many black women. I would be the first to admit this, but this challenging narrative needs to be put to an end. The ban on discriminating dreadlocks, natural hair styles, hair colors, braids, etc. needs to stop. I’ll never forget when the federal courts ruled it legal to ban dreadlocks in the workplace, given the historical root of African culture the hairstyle reflects. It’s ignorant to discriminate and even have a federal court rule this to be legal. If a woman/man is qualified for a job, their hair should not be a deciding factor on whether they receive an offer.

Influence Change

Recently, New York City is banning discrimination based on hair. The consequences are pretty hefty if caught unlawfully not practicing this new law. The city commission can levy penalties up to $250,000 on defendants that are found in violation of the guidelines. In addition, there is no cap on damages! Thankfully, a progressive state (New York City) is recognizing this issue and seeking change. The standards and judgements of discrimination of hair are racist standards of appearance. Hopefully, other states and legislation will follow the same path as New York City.

I believe your natural hair does not affect your ability to work, and you should not have alter your hair to conform to society’s views of what is “acceptable”. My advice is to be unapologetically you. When we’re accepting of ourselves and self-confident, we create a culture of acceptance around us.

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