Ethnic Hairstyles in the Workplace
Afros, Cornrows and Dreadlocks in Corporate America
Ethnic hair continues to be a controversial subject in corporate America.
Over the last decade ethnic hairstyles have become more prevalent in the workplace. You see everything from braids to dreadlocks in the corporate world. Although these hairstyles seem to have been accepted by many, are there still some environments that consider ethnic hairstyles to be a taboo?
Glamour magazine came under fire recently when one of its associate editors (a white female) labeled afros, cornrows and the like as unacceptable business hairstyles. This controversy became so heated that the female editor eventually resigned. Amidst all of the controversy, one can’t help but wonder if there might be some truth to her statement. Not in the sense of what she might personally deem as acceptable, but what is the true pulse/climate of corporate America when it comes to this subject?
- Corporate America has more than one personality. Suite 101 interviewed career counselors and professionals in the field of human resources. Although none were willing to go on record, there was a clear consensus that corporate America is two-faced so to speak. First is its conservative side. This includes industries such as banking, investments, insurance and accounting. Originally known as the Big Eight, top public accounting firms as well as banks formerly required very traditional dress. The typical uniform was a dark/conservative business suit, white shirt and tie for men, and a conservative skirt suit, blouse and closed toe shoes with pantyhose for women. Although there has been quite a bit of latitude in these industries over the last decade or so, the overall uniform still remains more conservative than the norm. Industries such as retail, entertainment/media and computer technology are the more creative and innovative side of corporate America. These industries tend to be much less conservative and always on the cutting edge of change. Consequently, one can be sure that ethnic hairstyles tend to be more acceptable in an industry such as retail or publishing, than in a banking or legal environment.
- Demographics make a difference. In certain areas of the country, ethnic hairstyles seem to be more widely accepted. For example, an accounting firm in a large city on the east coast might be more accepting of an associate with cornrows than a firm in a small city in Ohio or Iowa. Obviously corporations in cities with large ethnic populations are also more accepting, i.e. Detroit, Atlanta or Washington, D.C.
- Personal grooming may make the difference. The truth is that any hairstyle can become unacceptable without the proper care and grooming. Potential problems with ethnic hairstyles may be avoided by making wise choices. First off, hair should always be clean and well groomed. Long hair, whether straight, braided or locked, should be pulled back. This is especially true in conservative environments. Locks or braids pulled back into a chignon or bun are not only professional, but are very classy looking.
- Ethnic Hair Ornaments and Accessories. Wearing ethnic hair ornaments and accessories like beads, coils and rasta hats should be avoided in the workplace. More conservative headbands or scarves, however, are acceptable.
To wear or not wear an ethnic hairstyle should be a personal choice. Nonetheless, one needs to evaluate what is important. It is clear that some corporations believe that certain ethnic hairstyles, especially afros, cornrows and dreadlocks, will adversely affect their corporate image. So in reality, choosing to wear an ethnic hairstyle could potentially have a negative effect on one's success in corporate America.
