Luke,
First, thank you for the service you give in this column.  I greatly enjoy reading it and your perspective.  I agree with most of your response.  For the record, I am a black, professional woman.  However, I strongly disagree with your closing thoughts that began with:

"However, please consider this carefully: Sen. Obama won a decisive majority of white people's votes, so if you think your company really isn't "ready for that," it may be that your perception is out of date."

Whether the universal acceptance of President-Elect Obama carries over to everyday blacks/African Americans in this country is not yet proven.  His background (racial, education, geographic residence, family structure) is a lot more exotic than most of us.  There is a long history in this country of only "accepting" minorities with attributes that some whites perceive as less ethnic. The "You're not like the rest of them." sentiment became a cliche for a reason. I am not defending or validating this phenomenon -- just reporting.

To declare the reader's perception "out of date" is premature at best and harmful at worst.  Those of us in certain industries are very well aware of what is considered acceptable concerning afro-textured hairstyles in our workplace.  

Disclosure:  I work in government relations/lobbying and wear a wig.  My hair can't withstand the chemicals.  A prominent black lawmaker who sat on a judicial review panel once confided in me concerning a black, female judicial candidate that her hairstyle would hold her back (she wears short twists).  That incident was this year. In a casual conversation, a white colleague confessed aversion to locks as she considered them "unclean."  Another white colleague effusively praised a new wig (straight, dark bob) I wore as being "so professional."  

In another arena, how many television journalists [seemingly now an accepted path to public office] grace the screen with kinky, natural hair --no mid-texture curls like Robin Roberts, but full blown kink?  And no counting Charalyne Hunter-Gault who moved to South Africa years ago.

I want to acknowledge that it's true Change is happening.  But, not so fast for concerns like those of your reader to be "out-of-date." How I and my poor hair wish it were so.  The prudent course is to monitor your geographic region, industry sector, and company culture.  There is light at the end of the tunnel, though.  Look up Xerox's 2 Executive.

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 How right on time this article is. My daughter works for a call center and had begun to wear twists in her hair. She was told by her manager that she would have to do something about her hair style as it is very unprofessional and they work in a professional atmosphere.

I was really shocked at this as I was under the impression that any hair style you choose for your self as long as it is neat and clean you should be able to wear it.

I cannot understand why Black hair is such an issue in the work place.

Forty years ago in my workplace in NYC I wore my hair au naturale' (a very large Afro) and I had no problems. Every now and then some smart aleck would say did you stick your finger in a light socket? I laughed right along with them because I knew the ignorance behing the comment.

I guess what I am saying is your hair should not be equated to your intelligence and the ability to perfrom your job duties.

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 I loved this post! My heart goes out to the woman who asked the questions about skin tone and hair texture in relation to perceived professionalism. It must be so frustrating to move to America from an African nation and deal with such blatant racism and ignorance.

I think you handled your response well, but I also believe that your response was a little more optimistic than realistic - at least for the moment. Obama's victory is a wonderful thing, but as another blog reader responded, American whites can "relate" to Obama and claim him as half their own. He's more like everyone and less like the average black American. And his wife's hair is relaxed.
This "blacks must be like us" mentality stretches across the spectrum. It's not just politics and media. I worked in fashion for years and would hear whites tout how they see dark-skinned American models all of the time. No, they saw Naomi Campbell (a black British model with her annoyingly long, straight, almost Asian weave/lace front wig/fake hair look) all of the time and a small percentage of medium toned European looking models. OR exotic African models who don't look much like your average African-American.
Hair and skin toned prejudice is still alive and well in America. Hopefully that is changing, but we're not there, yet.

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 Very relevenat topic, and one that is often not discussed to the detriment of all concerned. I have seen so many black women come into jobs with their natural style, african styles and as they have opportunities to progress you invariably see the hair going from natural to relaxed. This is something that should not be happening, but it is becoming a problem and even the sisters that start out with the natural style are part of the problem, because they make the initial statement, but then decide (in many instances not all of course) to just see the terrain and make the change to a more "mainstream" style. This is so backwards that this they have to make these decisions, but also a problem that only black people really can do anything about. My wife wears locks nd has for 15 years, she recently mentioned thinking of straightening her hair and I was bowled over by this and had very strong opinions against her doing it, and hopefully she will not do it,but the fact that a strong woman like my wife, (who looks incredible with her locks by the way) would consider such a thing makes me even more aware that for us to really move forward, situations like this need to be attacked and awareness still needs to be raised. It is not the job of black women to make their white counterparts feel more comfortable with their style.

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 AWESOME ARTICLE!!! I respect all the comments that have been made as well as the the young lady who came forth with the question.  We all as black women have worn our hair natural until for me, it just got to the point I wanted to be able to manage my hair a little bit better. Yes God did make us as he did and in his own image but I'm sure he knew from day one we would be faced with life's issues such as being called "nappy head", etc...so I believe He put the knowledge in the minds of both blacks and and some whites to come up with something to enhance the beauty we already possess.  I do agree that it should not be an issue in today's society but as a witness it is true that not only is it the whites in corporate america who have to tell our sisters and brothers to "do something with their hair styles", twists, locs, etc..., but its our own (meaning black brothers and sisters) who are managers and supervisors.  Much respect and love to my natural hair wearing sisters! I just don't want to be natural in the hair now that I have choices and I don't think God is going to disregard me for using chemicals on my hair.  We put chemicals in our body when we have to take medications and through the foods we eat. Thanks Luke for keeping it real!   

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 I am an African American student who also works in a federal govt. building and I have been wearing locs for 2 years and have not had any issues, when I started my locs I was working in the private sector, the positive comments far out weighed the negative ones and even then the negative comments unfortunatly came from other people of color.

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 I was glad to see that I'm not the only one who thinks that Obama being elected is giving some people a false sense of security. His presidency proves that all is possible but not at all does it mean the racial obstacles are gone. When it comes to hair in corporate America, you not only have to deal with the white perception of natural hair but some unexposed and hypocritical Blacks as well. Some of us have been told to straighten that nappy hair for so long we believe there is truly something wrong with natural hair. I straightened or relaxed my hair until I had the opportunity to experience professional, proud Black people with natural hair. It truly opened my world. I can't tell you how many positive reactions I got from people that were not Black versus people who were. Still, I know that many job interviews came and went without results because of my locks. But my locks came at a time in my life when I began to ask questions, know myself and become content with myself. So I'm really not ready to trade that for straight hair and a job at a cookie cutter company that pays lip service to diversity but doesn't practice it.

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 I really enjoy your column, how it has the ability to shake it up.....but I had to write in to post a question to your question? Why is there such a discussion about how someone wears their hair? I am a dark-skinned black women. I wear a weave, (not as long as Naomi Campbell but close) I never think I look more "white" or that I will fit in more now because of long hair. It was my personal choice to choose this hair style. I find it more than tiresome to consistently try to prove who I am (I know I am black). White people are not the only people with straight hair! It is insane to me for someone to think that I am any less black because of the way that I wear my hair. I read a few of the comments from above.....I am black/african-american, meaning I was born here in the USA, not Africa. I am not discounting my "roots", I Love my people there and here. I am doing nothing more than expressing my right to individuality. I look the way I want, if my daughter or friends wear natural hair that is "their" choice. Let the argument be about the lack of acceptance, not the choice.

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 Thanks, that was definitely an interesting article. My old manager said
something only once to me about my hair after I cut out the relaxer, but
I kindly let her know not to take it there or it could/would become an
HR issue. I wash my hair every other day so it's definitely clean nor
did I wear it big and out at work I tried to keep it conservativly
pulled back or up in a bun or a puff. She told me it maynot be
conservative enough for the workplace, and the really sad thing to me is
that she herself is a black woman! My hair is healthier than it has been
in a really long time, more managable than I ever imagined, and as long
as it's not a henderance to my job or others I say get off my back. What
are your thoughts? 

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 Let's keep it real ladies!  The way we were our hair should not be an issue, but it is to some both Blacks and Whites.  So just because you get compliments on your natural hair style--good for you.  Nonetheless, the issue of natural hair sytles does exit in many other places.

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There are many people who have problems with Black Hair. We in America have been conditioned that we must straigten our hair or Perm the hair to be acceptable. I know a Black female who lives in Georgia and had her hair braided nicely and neatly, but had problems getting a job as a master teacher after she received her Master's degree. She went out purchased a wig with a straight Short bob cut, and she got a job. After she got the job she removed the wig. Don't let other peoples intolerances get the best of you.

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A few months ago, I decided to give my hair a rest from all the overprocessing and let it go natural, wore it in neat afro.

I was, until a few days ago, the only Black person working at a Verizon store in Cheyenne.

You should have seen the fallout from my first day wearing an afro! I got (mostly good-natured) comments from my coworkers about being "an angry Black woman", questioned as to whether I was "stickin' it to the Man" and, "Oh, look, Catt cut her hair!" (That last was from the office racist so I didn't take it as complimentary...)

It never occurred to me that letting my hair return to its natural texture and shape would have such an impact on my coworkers. I'd already worn my hair a variety of ways, but nothing had ever elicited the reactions I got by "doing nothing" to it...

Needless to say, I let my hair rest only two weeks, then relaxed it again. The odd looks, silly comments and the creepy feeling went away, but I still feel I'd betrayed something/someone somewhere. Maybe myself.

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America has a problem with natural black hair, and from what I can tell, a problem with naturally curly non-black hair as well. Just one glance at the media tells the story.

Beyond skin color, which black women are held up as beauties? Gabrielle Union, a beautiful brown-skinned sister wears long, straight hair. Beyonce, a beautiful caramel colored sister wears long, straight hair with blond highlights.

I challenge you to find any black women put forth as a sex symbol or leading lady who doesn't have long, straight hair. This has become the standard for black women. Relaxer or weave.

The message the media sends is clear: you can only be beautiful with long, straight hair. If you're white you better have long, straight blonde hair.

So femininity and beauty are tied to this idea of straight, long hair. It doesn't matter if you're white, black, or something in between. This is the beauty standard and it's reinforced by media images.

So, this is an America problem. Unfortunately for Black women it extends beyond the boardroom and into the familial and dating world as well.

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There are so many highly intelligent points made in response to this article. Most of whom can speak from experience from which we can draw several conclusions. However, there are two conclusions that I'd like to address specifically: 1)It is mostly the non-acceptance of natural hair by black people that has caused this to be a major black women's issue. Of course, there are the limited few caucasian/whites who may take notice and have an opinion, but they are judging by comparison, to what they've seen in this country. Compared to other nations, ours is the only one that ridicules blacks for wearing their hair in it's natural state, and that's sad. It's natural, and what we were born with yet we have to compromise that in order to be accepted? Nonsense.

2)I must admit, in my opinion, a lot of people who wear their natural hair (myself included) tend to be quite intelligent. Of course, I'm not saying that the chemicals are affecting the minds of people who use them, I am merely stating that companies who do not employ these people might just be fearful, because they may be threatened by their intelligence. Anyone who wears their natural hair knows that after so many years of the harsh chemicals, you are bound to suffer from thinning and/or baldness and believes in self-preservation; not destroying their folicles to impress others. I say: stand out, be an individual, and do to the necessary research in order to take good care of yourself and your hair.

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There are so many highly intelligent points made in response to this article. Most of whom can speak from experience from which we can draw several conclusions. However, there are two conclusions that I'd like to address specifically:

1)It is mostly the non-acceptance of natural hair by black people that has caused this to be a major black women's issue. Of course, there are the limited few caucasian/whites who may take notice and have an opinion, but they are judging by comparison, to what they've seen in this country. Compared to other nations, ours is the only one that ridicules blacks for wearing their hair in it's natural state, and that's sad. It's natural, and what we were born with yet we have to compromise that in order to be accepted? Nonsense.

2)I must admit, in my opinion, a lot of people who wear their natural hair (myself included) tend to be quite intelligent. Of course, I'm not saying that the chemicals are affecting the minds of people who use them, I am merely stating that companies who do not employ these people might just be fearful, because they may be threatened by their intelligence. Anyone who wears their natural hair knows that after so many years of the harsh chemicals, you are bound to suffer from thinning and/or baldness and believes in self-preservation; not destroying their folicles to impress others. I say: stand out, be an individual, and do to the necessary research in order to take good care of yourself and your hair.

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It is very disturbing to have issues about hair when there are so many more important topics to be discussed and remedied. Unfortunately, I am also a victim of the "hair chronicles" as last year I decided to go natural. I was told by one of my male friends that natural hair makes me "unapproachable" to men, and that perhaps I should "press" it out with a hot comb. I was offended actually because I felt like I shouldn't have to alter myself that much to be attractive to men. Then when I considered locs or twists another male friend said that a man wouldn't want to be with a woman who looks like she has sticks growing out of her head. Ok, offended again, so I tried one of my sister's mid length, straight bobs and I got all sorts of compliments on that, but it was hot, and I felt self conscious because I knew it was a wig. It's terrible when you get hassles from the workplace, but it is even more painful when you get negative comments from Black people when you wear the hair God gave you. I went back to wearing my natural hair, and if a person can't like me for me I don't need them in my life anyway. If God had wanted me to have hair like society deems beautiful he would have given it to me. Black hair is beautiful as it is and I shouldn't have to have chemicals, synthetic hair, or wear someone else's hair (weave) to prove self worth.

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Oh, the natural hair thing. People there is nothing wrong with having natural hair and depending on how it is worn, I have seen plenty of sisters in the work place with a head full of nice natural curls. There are women with curls, women with nice smooth short naturals, and women who have natural hair pulled back in a low slung chignon. When worn correctly, no one will complain. However, if you go into work with nappy uncombed, hair, month old dirty extension braids, expect people to reject you. Just because your hair is natural does not mean that you don't have to comb or groom it. Also, we aren't the ONLY people with this type of hair. Jewish people have a range of hair just as we do and they deal with it. The secret is to not cut it into a length that is not able to be managed. Also dreadlocks are not "black" hair. It is more or less associated with a religion. .

I'm a white guy. In regards to the corporate world's acceptance to hair styles, I can attest that men also have to deal with similar problems. The key is 'grooming' to fit a corporate model of what is considered 'appropriate' or 'professional'. Unfortunately natural hair, afros, really long (waist length) hair for women, really big hair, long or artificially colored hair for men, beards and mustaches, can all be no-no's.There is no contempt by whites when blacks wear afros. It is however an UNGROOMED look when compared to relaxed hair. It is also out-of-style, much like a guy showing up for work with a greasy 1950s pompadour or a bowl haircut. Professional work places are all about grooming and conformity. Look around and see how many guys have 1970's style hair. Do they even still make Jehri Curl? Think about the problems black men with dreads could have in the workplace. Or the brother with the big afro. The blond dude with the ponytail. Men are expected to have a clean, neatly groomed look, or military style hair. Men have more recently been going with no hair. Bald, and not because hair is falling out. This is acceptable nowdays but 20 or 30 years ago this would have been taboo. Grow a patch out on the top and shave the sides, that's police style, but grow a thin strip instead, and that's a mohawk, and that's considered completely unprofessional. See where this is going? I have no problem with anyone sporting hair or beard as nature intended. I used to have hair past my shoulders. Thin, stringy mess of wavy split ends, a 'natural' if you will. Yeah I got hassled for it. Meanwhile, women wore little boy haircuts, permed, treated, colored, braided, bleached, extended, or put-up hair styles with no problem, so why not an afro? Men get the same runaround for not shaving or sporting a fu manchu. I guarantee a man will get flack about his facial hair or his cornrows or ponytail, to the point of being coerced to shave or cut, before women will be required to alter their personal styles. Non-professional they say. What a crock.Ladies, wear your hair the way you like it. If you feel so inclined, go natural. It is a sad thing when the corporate world gives a person trouble wearing hair in its natural state, period! .

I haven't relaxed my hair in years...I wear the texture that grows out of my head, just like all my caucasian, Asian, and Latino counterparts. It's ridiculous to suggest that an entire race of people are intrinsically "unprofessional" due to their natural physical features. You might as well try to have a rule against Asian eyes...or naturally blonde hair. Good luck with that. I wear my hair in curly fros, afro puffs, twists, up-dos, braids, you name it. I am a director in my company...I have interviewed with my natural hair, attended board meetings, negotiated contracts, and executed every other part of my job. I didn't feel the need to straighten my hair, bleach my skin, or eradicate any of my other racial characteristics. My compentence speaks for itself..

I enjoyed reading this article, both the initial question and the resonse from Mr. Visconti. I also agree that the way one chooses to wear their hair should not be equated to their abilities as a professional, but unfortunately as Mr. Visconti points out, sometimes it does. As I began to read some of the readers' comments, however, I became a little offended at the number of people who act as though having relaxed hair is somehow a negative thing or makes you less Black. I choose to relax my hair and I acknowledge that the relaxer makes my hair straighter (although it is still curly) but I personally do not feel that I am going against God by making the curls He gave me a little more loose. As long as the hair stays healthy, what is wrong with changing it a little? Variety is the spice of life right? I don't mean to stray away from the original question, but I feel the need to acknowledge that straight or curly, natural or relaxed, we are all in this together. A more diverse and inclusive environment in the workplace benefits us all, and discrimination hurts us all, even the light-skinned black girl with the straight hair..

I really do believe it depends on which sector in which one works. I work in the independent school sector, and, depending on how progressive vs. conservative the school is, a Black woman, or a Black man, for that matter, can wear his/her hair however she/he chooses. Right now, at my current place of employ, there is a Black woman who wears dreads, and a Black man who wears shorter dreads. Their choice of hair style, in this particular venue, has not impacted their respectability or promotability. .

Having struggled with the decision to go natural for over 5 years, I took the leap, the comments, and the questions as I continued to climb the corporate ladder. As a VP, I have gained far more confidence in the fact that you are the professional and your hairstyle of choice compliments your personality. I would add that it takes all three, confidence, professionalism, and personality to demonstrate your unique ability to impact the organization you work for or are seeking to employ your talents. .

As a white woman, I really don't know much about the nature and care of Black hair. It's really only been in the last couple years that I realized (duh) that everything about cutting and caring for that hair type is probably totally different from dealing with my Caucasian hair -- and that a lot of what I'd assumed was normal for Black women's hair, is in fact the product of extensive chemical processing.I suspect that a lot of the "it's unprofessional" attitude comes from this kind of ignorance, from white folks who simply aren't aware that this is what certain kinds of hair are SUPPOSED to look like. Or that by pressuring people to change their style, they're actually pressuring them to use a lot of harsh chemistry to do something completely unnatural.I'm still learning. I don't work in the corporate world and therefore wasn't aware of the problem -- or of the number of Black women who wear wigs in order to deal with this issue. This article is enlightening, and also makes me sad. I'd hate to have to put myself through all these chemical treatments, or wear a wig, in order to fit someone else's idea of "professional." That's just wrong. .

As a woman of color who wore her hair in a short afro for many years; I decided to don a new hairstyle which was more in line with mainstream society a few years ago. As a member of a specialty team in a large medical center; I was so shocked to hear comments from my colleagues especially the doctors on how happy they were with the change.One M.D. went as far to say that now I truly looked professional and was much prettier than he originally thought I was. It was because of my skills and expertise that they just took my eccentric appearance in stride.Hmmm..... This attitude is everywhere and frankly I'm in shock. I shouldn't be but with these particular people whom I felt were progressive and open minded; another way to view is certainly in order.That alone is very disconcerting..

At the beginning of this year, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I underwent chemotherapy treatments and lost my natural hair. I had been wearing my hair with its natural texture for around ten years. It took about a year for the comments to change from, "I liked your hair better the other way," to "I like your hair!"I choose to wear a wig to work, but the closest wig I could find to match my style was three times my natural hair length hair half braided and half straight texture. I will acknowledge things are progressing when I can find wigs styled for natural African textured hair in the mainstream. Now that is summer time, I could really use a micro fiber wig with a short style.If anyone has a current recommendation in the South Jersey area, I would greatly appreciate it. .

I believe that White America has come a long way in putting aside their corporate prejudices and has become more accepting of the diversity in Black hairstyles. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said of Black America.As a very light skinned Black woman with long, naturally curly hair not a day goes by where I don't get a negative comment from another Black person about my hair. I'm accused of "selling out", wanting to look white, thinking I'm better than other Black people because I have "good hair"...you name it. I can't remember the last time a White person disrespected me because of my appearance, yet my own people do it every day.I LOVE the different styles and textures of Black hair and have never thought mine was better than anyone elses (each head of hair has it's own issues). "Good hair" is hair that looks good on you, no matter the length, texture or color. People of ALL races need to understand that and stop judging each other on such superficial things as a person's choice of hair style. .

I am glad this issue has been brought up for discussion. As a white professional working in the field of diversity and inclusion, I like this topic because it illustrates just how devastatingly personal the effects of systemic racism can be. We are talking about a cultural value that upholds all things white-european as normal and casts everything else as different, and in many cases, suspect. A non-white woman's "different" hair style becomes a question of grooming, cleanliness, attitude, even professionalism. How ridiculous, and what an indignity to put up with! Spending thousands of dollars on hair care becomes necessary for an entire population to "fit in" as normal, something that whites don't have to do in most cases. And all this just to get to the playing field! This is a white problem. We whites have got to quit expecting everyone else to "be like me." .

Luke - Thank you for your post. "so if you think your company really isn't "ready for that," it may be that your perception is out of date." resonates with me. I firmly believe that TODAY black women are more likely to take issue with kinky hair worn in organic styles, than the white males with corner offices. Deep and sad, but true..

I think it is absolutely outrageous that one's capabilities should be undermined because of their hair style or texture. I am a student living in South Africa. While similar problems exist here, making an issue out of hair texture seems really trivial. Discrimination unfortunately will alwys exist in any society, but it is up to you to take pride in yourself regardless of how you choose to maintain your hair. It is important to also remeber the norms of any society, and and of the workplace. I believe that one can look and feel professional with their natural hair. It is also not our place to judge or discriminate against those who choose to relax their hair..

I have chosen to go natural....well not completely. I no longer use chemicals to straighten my hair. My hair is of a texture that I can get away with it. However, it is not straight enough for my workplace, so I pull it back to lessen the look of a 70's afro. I told one of my coworkers that when I retire in 9 years, I'm going to grow dreds. She replied, "Why not now?". My reply, "Our workplace is not ready for it." She didn't understand why I could not just be myself. Strange....coming from a white female. I've had some that say they like my hair as is. Then I've had upper management look and treat me as though I'm either a radical or some type of alien being. If my natural hair interfered with my brain functions causing the quality of my work to suffer, I could understand the impression that natural hair is not favorable in the workplace. But that is not the case. So what do I do? ...Not be myself. Shame on me! .

I used chemicals for as long as I could and decided what was best for my hair and health. As a 43 year Federal employee I received mixed reviews when I decided not to "Perm" any longer. Although I was an upper level manager, I took pride in wearing my hair without chemicals. This was 2 years ago! I retired in January of this year and still enjoy my real hair. I made the decision to do what was best for me and decided to not let others make decisions for me!.

First, I want to thank Luke for his honesty once again. The subject of Blacks and how we should or should not style our hair has been hypothesized in both Black and White communities. Subsequently after reading many of the post I agree with both Lisa and Jeanine Hills.Unfortunately, this issue and the fact that we are discussing it is another piece of evidence (not like we need it) that systemic racism breeds both racial inferiority and superiority. However, without forums such as these we may never be able to speak about this issue so openly.Thanks everyone for their contributions..

As an African -American woman in a middle management position this article was timely for me. When I started working in my current facility I came here with a very low cut a Cesar with waves. I let my hair grow, then cut it then grow it out, all the while keeping it chemical free. I decided to Loc my hair 2 months ago and I was very excited about the process. I have an interview this week and I was concerned about the appearance of my hair and how I would be perceived. I even considered cutting it for the interview to look more professional. But then I thought about it, more professional in whose eyes. I have the same degrees and accomplishments no matter if my hair is Loced or bone straight. I hope that my hair does not become an issue. It is my hair and part of me; I would not change my hair for a promotion or a job. If the people hiring doing the hiring cannot see beyond my Locs then, do I really want to work in an environment that is that superficial? My hair should not be a factor in hiring or judging my ability to do a job..

As an African/British woman, having my hair in locs is one of the most freeing things I have ever done - see Myspace. Thankfully my daughter is following in my footstep! .

I believe it depends on what was the hairstyles of Blacks at the time you became part of the job. In other words, when you applied for a position, did you notice what type of hair styles the Black women were wearing? If you saw natural styles, braids, etc, along with relaxed hair, then you knew that such styles were accepted. However, did you ask any of those wearing such natural styles about promotions? In comparison to those women who wore natural styles, were they promoted just as equally as those who wore wigs, weaves or relaxed styles, or were they "looked over" or were considered last for promotions and assignments that would show off their skills? When it comes down to it, we need to be more observant of what Blacks in white corporate American are wearing, especially hair styles.I have dealt with high school kids going to interviews with the most ridiculous outfits and hairstyles, and get upset when they don't get the job. Then I've seen adult Blacks "styling" like they're going to the club or chilling with their hoodies at work or even on an interview. There is nothing wrong with natural styles. There are other people who are not black but have "naturally curly" (we call it "nappy")that have to use relaxers (by the way, when you have curly or nappy hair, you relax, not perm. You perm when your hair is straight and you need curl or texture)that have been told that their hair is not acceptable.In this society, we sometimes have to conform, just to keep a job. When you accept a position, you are accepting the conditions of the company's policies; those seen and unseen. Where I work, the natural styles are acceptable and are worn with class. Those who prefer to relax or wear wigs and weaves make sure that they are professional in their looks.But after work, you are on your time therefore you can wear your hair anyway you feel. .

A simple rule of thumb is: "If you think someone will look at your personal dress and grooming as unprofessional, you are probably right." If you want the job, present yourself the way you think the employer wants to see you. If personal style or pride is more important than employment you are free to make it a higher priority. Since you are already aware that you are choosing to put yourself at a potential disadvantage, don't be disappointed when you don't get the job. .

I would think that this is the same problem in America that my daughter has with her tattoos! She is a beautiful white, blue eyed twenty-one year old that has a artistic passion in life has always been driven to make sure people understand diversity, especially since her parents are Gay women. She has been looked at and turned down because of her two very beautiful tattoos on her arm and back. They make up who she is and she has had the hardest time getting a job in the "corporate world" if you want to call it that. They either think she is a gang member or on drugs which are both very wrong. When will America come to the right conclusion that everyone weather they are black with natural hair, white with tattoos or any other Diverse group around and believe they are good candidates to hire. I don't like to think that in the 21st century we are still having these problems especially with all the companies that say they are Diverse and have Diversity and Inclusion in their Corporate statements that they are this stupid to not hire people for who they are not what they look like. Just my opinion..

First let me say I am a caucasian of very northern european descent and have the blue eyes and hair and skin color of the stereotypical aryan. Although I think hair is a very personal matter and statement of style, I have always had a bit of a bias toward the natural hairstyles for all varieties of hair, as I do not think that it is really a positive statement of self image for anyone to try to look like some other race or ethnic group. So my bias has been in favor of those who wear their hair the way it grows out of their head, without any chemical intervention for color, curliness, whatever. I have always been aware of this and have been very careful not to let my bias influence any sort of decision concerning the worth of the person under the hair, but if asked I woudl have to say, "let it be" and be natural rather than artificial, regardless of your ethnicity. .

I am a white female in the professional workplace. It is my opinion that everyone should want to look their best when they arrive at work. I need to wash, curl, straighten, style, gel and spray my hair everyday... If I came to work with my hair "natural" I am sure someone would say something to me about my messy hair. I say Get Over it, and join the rest of us..

To DONNA KAYSI am also a white female. DONNA, YOU MISSED THE POINT. This is not about being lazy to do whatever you need to do to make your natural hair look good. This is a social issue about people not accepting perfectly work appropriate hair style (a.k.a. professional) because it is curly or an afro or twists, or whatever. Who is anybody to say that this or that style (straight, curly, short, long, twists, bangs, pulled up, lose, bundt, etc.) is professional or work appropriate or not? Yes, we all want to keep certain decorum in the work place, but it has nothing to do with hair styles. If men want to wear their hair long, I just say, keep it clean. Why ask of men to wear a pony tail when you don't ask the same from a woman? The same applies to african americans hair. Why ask of them to straighten it or do anything else to it regarding the style, when you wouldn't ask white or asian or hispanic folks to wear any particular style? I feel for african americans that are struggling with this issue. And I would encourage them to wear their hair as natural as possible and to hold themselves and each other only to the grooming standards which apply to all in the work place, regardless of race and hair type (which by the way should only be concerned with whether the hair is clean and neat. May be that will help people begin to accept that no particular hair style is telling of any particular trait of any person (whether you are smart, or not, professional or not, etc.).To everybody, be kind to your hair and be kind to other people! I hope that we ALL can help change the way african americans have been unfairly and irracionally treated when it comes to this issue. .

I find most of the comments very interesting, but I'm amazed that no one has mentioned that (I believe) a black woman invented some of the products to modify hair to "look more mainstream" and while this shouldn't be necessary in our enlightened (???) era, black hair products have made some black folks wealthy and more able to have their childreneducated to move up to professional positions!.

Whether to change a hairstyle to make oneself more "promotable" should not be an issue, although I'm sure it is. I'm a white woman who once was fired from a lowly waitress job because my supervisor did not like my long straight hair, which was shining clean, tied back, and covered with the mandatory hairnet during work hours. Nobody should be passed over for a promotion because of hair style, skin color, or body shape, but it happens. When it happens, the best answer is to take ones skills to a more open-minded employer. However, that isn't always possible. There have been times in my life when I was not in a position to do that, and just had to take my lumps. I have been passed over because I was newly married and might want to start a family soon, because I was not athletic enough, because the job was at a rough school and called for a male teacher, and because I did not socialize enough with the "in" crowd at work. I'm now old enough to face age discrimination. Sometimes we just have to take our lumps and learn to be philosophical. Think long and hard about which is most important, the promotion or your freedom of expression..

Jealousy, Hater… Maybe?As an African American I read this article and the associated comments and could not help but think back to the "good ole days," when our ancestors were called "darkey," or "big lipped," even "big but." But what I have come to understand is that those people were often jealous of our wonderful looks. Look at "copper tone" and various other tanning creams, and don't forget the multi-million dollar tanning salon industry as an example of a group of people who wanted to look more like us. Think of the injections that some get to enjoy fuller lips, or, a shapelier "bottom."And on our side, there are those who want to look more European, see Michael Jackson as yet one example…this desire to assimilate goes both ways as we are often taught not to appreciate what we have been given; but this is changing and there is nothing that Madison Avenue can do to stop it. There is a new generation that is here, one that is ready to accept you as you are, and one that accepts who they are. There are only a small percentage of those who "hang on to the way it use to be," and their "hater days" are rapidly coming to an end. .

No way,I think hair should be natural. No grease,oils,dyes,etc. unless a medical condition warrants a wig or chemicals. We are all different and let's celebrate our differences. .

I am Caucasian, but have been told at work that wearing my hair down in its natural curly state at work is too wild/unprofessional. I put a lot of effort into getting under control every morning. I know it's far more difficult for black women to get their hair into a state that's more acceptable to white sensibilities. However, at most professional workplaces, there will be standards of what look is professional that apply to both races..

Luke, thank you for your candid response. I would suggest people not rely too heavily on the Diversity rankings though. I work for a company on the top 30 list, and I would say they do an excellent job on branding their diversity message, but a poor job of implementing it. You only need to look at the lack of diversity in senior leadership. .

As an attorney, I work in the legal field which tends to be conservative. My hair is natural with no straightening chemicals in it. Whenever I have applied for a job and been granted an interview, I always straighten my hair and wear it pulled back in a bun just because I'd rather play it safe and err on the side of being conservative. For some reason and for some people, Black or White, natural hair on a Black woman is a political statement. Once I get the job, I then wear my hair in any style that I choose, such as natural, straight, or in braids. Whatever style I choose, I make sure that it looks professional. I love that fact that the new CEO of Xerox Ursula Burns sports a short natural! .

I work for a "liberal" non-profit and there are a couple of us naturals there. I've never heard a negative comment, but the reaction I received when I straightened my hair one day was surprising. My hair was literally the talk of the office all day, with people even coming from different floors to "check it out" and saying how "different" I looked( and they were implying it was different in a good way) I was on the elevator with my white colleague when she blurted out " So is that a weave?" in front of other people. Her eyes were wide open with astonishment when I explained that I could straighten my hair and revert back as much as I pleased. I never wore my hair straight to work again!.

Earlier this year, I made the decision to forgo the relaxer I had worn since I was nine. I'm 26 now. And I had myself convinced that relaxed hair was more manageable, easier to deal with and, honestly, more beautiful. I never felt more pretty than the first day I had a fresh relaxer and my hair was silky straight and flowing. I'm now nearly 9 months into my natural transition, and I've never felt more beautiful. It took a complete shift in perception for me to feel this way in the first place. I don't knock women who wear their hair in a relaxer. I just hope that it is the product of a personal choice and weighing all their options, as opposed to a choice that was imposed on them as a child that they were never able to get past.As black women, I truly believe we are all beautiful the way we choose to be. If that means relaxed or with a silky straight weave, so be it. If it means wearing kinky, curly hair, dreads or braids, then so be it. India Arie said it best. I am not my hair. I made my decision because I'm trying to live a more chemical-free lifestyle overall, and if it ever inhibits my ability to get a job or be perceived as a professional, then that's a consequence I'll have to live with. And I'll do my best to try to educate the ignorant people who would perpetuate that kind of stereotype and hope for the best next time..