Public Policy Associate:
“I’ve been in my current position for about a
year and a half and would say that I wear my hair
natural 98% of the time, so people in my work
environment know this as my norm. Thus, when
I straighten my hair I get tons of compliments /
comments. Everything from “wow, your hair
looks great!” to “what’s the special occasion?”
Sometimes they preface it with “I like your hair
curly, but...,” which makes it seem like they don’t
really like my hair curly / prefer it straightened.
I think one instance in particular that stood out
was when someone I knew from another orga-
nization told me my hair looked more polished
straightened; however, she preferred my curly
hair because it matched my personality (lively /
personable).
few), I let them touch my hair. For
whatever reason they find it fasci-
nating. I usually try to educate them
on the natural hair struggles (heat,
humidity, styles such as twist outs).
But for the randoms that I don’t
speak with on a normal basis, or
those that compliment from afar
but have questions, I keep it short
and sweet with them.”
I think it’s also interesting to observe how I’m
treated at networking events when my hair is nat-
ural (I work for a tech company and regularly at-
tend policy events / meetings on and around the
Hill). I definitely stand out quite a bit when my
hair is natural, which I totally embrace. People
typically always remember me and who I work
for. That being said, I do feel like I need to of-
fer an explanation for why I’m at an event very
quickly after meeting someone new aka justifying
my presence. There are many factors in play here
(I look young, am relatively new in my position,
am black, attend a wide array of events where I’m
a new face, etc.), but I do think my hair plays a
role.”
As these three ladies discussed their stories, one
thing remains a fact: natural hair in the govern-
ment is still not normal. That said, there’s still no
reason to ask to touch someone’s hair, no reason
to ask mentors their advice on hairstyles and no
reason to justify your work capabilities because
of your hair texture. Then again, this is life. This
is life working in the government, the life of a
women and the life of a natural, black woman. As
if we don’t have enough to worry about.
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