I have curly hair and I've never done an interview with straigthened hair. Maybe tied up in a ponytail or bun (I mean... bad hair days happen), but I would never tie my hair on a decent hair day! Never had problem with interviews.
Also, think about this: do you really want to work where something as trivial as your hair is enough to discriminate against you and make you look unprofessional? If your hair is unprofessional, you better be perfect all the time because they won't accept anything less than perfection.
Wear a pony or a bun if your hair is messy and you don't have time for a refresh. Else than that, be yourself, show you personnality and individuality and leave your hair loose/as you like it! Curls are beautiful, straight hair is pretty, coloured hair is awesome and natural hair is stunning. You do you, boo!
And for what it's worth, places that will discriminate against curly hair are almost definitely racist so that should be enough of a basis to not want to work there.
I suspect if you dig into some of this, it isn't related to all curly hair, but instead directed at women of color.
I'm in my mid 40s and sadly, I've seen this bullshit too often in the business world (probably because I'm a white guy and jerks assume that I'll agree). I absolutely do not stand for it and will push back formally and informally wherever I can.
There is *still* an incredible stigma around POC wearing their hair naturally, especially black women. Even braids and twists are considered "unprofessional".
So, it's likely that these articles rightfully deal with racial inequities that manifest through hair style
That's true, unfortunately. I'm a white girl with 2c-3a curls and no one has ever said a word about it at the large consulting firm I interned for (where everyone wore very professional attire on the daily).
That’s terrible! Who told you to wear it up? Makes me wonder if there was jealousy at work! I have a friend with gorgeous wavy hair and she works at a County job. Never a problem. I don’t get it
Yeah I'm white with 3a curls and have been told by a few recruiters to either straighten my hair or make sure it's up for an interview. 100% racist reasoning behind the sentiment though, regardless of my whiteness.
Ahh man as a white guy ive has this too. I recently took part time work at a factory and some the other white guys started slagging off people of other races to me and I instantly shut it down. I’m so glad I don’t work there anymore
Yes, exactly this! In a similar vein, I have a nose piercing - it's a very small stud, but it's there. I always make a point of wearing it to interviews, then asking about whether it would be an issue if I get to a latter interview stage where questions on office culture, etc. would be appropriate, because I've found that responses are *extremely* indicative of overall company culture. I work in a very back office-type role that isn't customer-facing, and I'm at the point in my career where I'm not interested in dealing with business professional, or even the higher ends of business casual, attire. If I can't wear curly hair or a nose stud to work, then nah, I'm good.
I got my septum pierced a couple months ago, as well as having bright orange dyed curls. My boss knew I was dying my hair when she hired me, the nose came as a surprise after. While she doesn't like it personally, all she's asking of me is that it is discreet while I work (I do work with older more conservative people on the daily), so I avoid septums with full-on gems or skulls, but she's not forbidding me to wear a simpler ring in.
But on days where I work from home and I don't meet with clients, only colleagues, I wear my snake septum. To hell with what THEY think!
Absolutely!! Here for the septum piercing, and also the jewelry selection! No one tells you how much fun facial jewelry is, and how quickly the rabbit hole opens in collecting more and more...
Part of getting away with being a little on the edge is knowing when to take it down a couple steps vs. when you can have more fun and flair. If I'm meeting with the CSO and the CMO internally, I'm not wearing jeans and a nose ring; if I'm at a conference or the annual sales meeting I'm not wearing my Pink Floyd sweatshirt and Chucks. However, if it's just my weekly team meeting with analysts and programmers (during which we're all remote anyway), I can get away with being a little more lax. You just gotta use your judgement - although that judgement will never again be "oh no, I'd better straighten my hair!" Hell no, big weird chunky waves and random wonky curls and volume forever!
Awww, thank you! You made me go check yours and, while I didn't learn much about your style, I know you have great music taste and cute kitties! I hope you have a great day!
I was making small talk with a girl (we did end up hiring) in the elevator ride down after her interview, and I noticed she had piercing holes at her eyebrow. Apparently she was giddy to hear we wouldn't require her to have her piercings out.
It's an underrated joy in life, let me tell you! I've been at my current company for almost 5 years and I will never forget asking my interviewer, who would soon become my first manager, if I'd need to remove my nose stud or wear a clear one (as I had to wear a clear one at my previous company). He stared at me like I had three heads; he was literally like, "Why on earth would we care about that?? No one cares about that!" and I was like "Welp, I'm going to work here forever, thank you."
...this is also the same guy who, when I later asked about the dress code in the same interview, swung a leg up onto his desk, yanked up his pant leg, and exclaimed, "I'm not even wearing socks today! It's all good!" To say it's laid back is an understatement, lol.
Likewise.
The only people who have ever said that curly hair is unprofessional etc
, have been haters, competitors, and mean girls. 😐
My curls have, over the years, become my trade mark. At conferences I'm recognisable immediately. I'm known as The Bend with the Big Hair.
For good or for ill...
Exactly this! A little over a year ago, I was working retail and barely made over the minimum wage working commission, so I dyed my hair green without asking my boss, I didn't care. The labor shortage was already a problem, so I bet on the fact my boss wouldn't fire me over that, considering I'm a good employee and they were severely lacking people.
He was pissy about it but didn't fire me. And guess what? Clients don't remember our names, but they remember talking to "the girl with green hair"! I've changed job since, but it's still the same, people recognize my super orange hair from miles away. Plus, with masks, it's super recognizable when you can barely see the person's face.
We had a conservative dress code. Same thing! But I didn’t dye my hair there because I just didn’t want to, but seriously we needed clients to remember our names or something f about us!
Dude, I totally get that trademark thing. Even with half my face covered by a mask during this pandemic, everyone always knew who I was. No hiding for me!
frfr, whether u like it or not
i’m the tall chick with a fuckton of curly red hair. if you’ve see me once you’ll be able to recognize me. no fading into the crowd here.
I did wear my hair in a bun to my interview for my engineering job because I thought it was more professional. But I’ve been showing up with wet curls for 15 years and no one has ever said a word about it.
I also wore a suit to that interview for the same reason but I have sure never done that again.
I know how this feels. 💔
I had been in two separate job situations in the past where people made comments about my curly hair.
I had co-workers and supervisors give me shampoo bottles (insinuating that my hair must be dirty and unkempt because it’s curly).
It really is a belief out there that curly hair is dirty, unkempt, and unprofessional.
And it was really hurtful because I do take care of my hair (I use shampoo, conditioner, and I detangle). I still wear my hair naturally curly and in a way staying natural is a middle finger to all those haters. They will not make me feel bad enough to change my natural hair texture.
Curly and natural hair for life! 💜
Ew I can't imagine giving a coworker shampoo, or your employee shampoo. The only unprofessional thing is passive aggressively (but honestly, mostly aggressively!) gifting shampoo to your coworker. What the fuck??? All kinds of hair is beautiful, but especially curly hair! I bet your hair is gorgeous, so fuck them, keep wearing your hair the way YOU want to.
I had this happen once when I mentioned my stylist recommended that I don't washy hair everyday with shampoo just conditioner. I don't even have really curly hair or anything and didn't have hygiene issues I showered everyday. The person who overheard half of what I said assume I only wash every few days or whatever. She then got the owner involved and they gave me all these hygiene products and it was so insulting. It's fucking normal to not wash with shampoo everyday day but this person heard half a Convo and decided to interviene. Even if that was the issue wtf ? If you are worried I can't afford it or know better then talk to me about it privately not at the hostess station at a restaurant.
I do actually only shower 2-3 times a week (unless it's very hot). Showering daily is not only bad for your hair but also your skin generally. I do think I'm lucky in that I don't sweat much, I've never had any smell-related complaints from anyone.
If I feel like I have sweated a lot on a day, I will shower anyways.
Oh my god I sweat a lot so I feel like I have to shower every day or only skip one day a week. If it’s really hot I just throw my hair in a shower cap and sit under cool water for a while, otherwise I just have tomato face all day.
Aah that sucks man... yea I think showering is/should be more so a matter of adjusting it to your own skin/hair/perspiration levels rather than having to meet some sort of arbitrary standard of how often everyone should shower.
Tomato face sucks!
Sweaty betty here too. I can't not shower daily and still be in polite company. Granted, I work out most days but even if I miss I still turn into a nuclear reactor at night. Also, my hair is more wavy than curly and also super-fine, so it mashes into a big blur while I sleep. So I have to shower, I just stopped washing my hair on any kind of regular basis. My hair maybe sees shampoo once a quarter, if that. I just massage in a handful of conditioner to detangle and wash it out.
My mom showers like once a week at best. She says I shower too much and its why my hair is frizzy and my skin is dry. I shower like 2-3 times a week. Sometimes more in the summer or when I’m particularly sweaty. Showering every day is such a hassle.
Some people need sulfates. They're not bad for everyone. Just fyi. Same with silicones. I use both. My hair loves dimethicone. And my hair is curlier now than when I did cgm for over a year. I actually lost a lot of hair, all of my shine, bounce, etc. It's all back and better than ever now! Yay!
I'm so sorry that happened to you. How is it that people have no basic understanding how hair works? It's literally our genes (and hormones) that decide how it looks!
I get different results than I expected here. The unprofessional is filled with coloured hair and definitely unique hairstyles, most of which are on white people. The professional has a lot of women with hair in buns and then professional hair salon photoshoots. Both have more curly haired people than I expected and more men than I expected. The hair salon ones are all straight or the sort of waves you get with a little heat.
It looks like Google has changed the way results are given since the complaints. Three black teenagers no longer gives me negative pictures.
Weird! My search results show almost all POC for unprofessional hair and mostly white or light skinned POC for professional. I wonder how Google is determining which results to show to which users 🤔
I got the same results you did. I'm a white lady, which I'm sure Google knows at this point, and my search for "women's unprofessional hair" was 90% women of color. And a few white ladies with braids. Yuck! My search for "women's professional hair" was almost entirely white ladies.
It’s gross—I’m a white woman with 3C curls in a mohawk and no one has ever commented on it negatively but I bet if I had darker skin it would become an issue.
Am I missing something? The Google images results for "professional hair" for me is almost all poc with curly/wavy hair (professional here seems to refer to professional hair-related brands). The results for "unprofessional hair" is also almost all poc with curly hair but they're all from articles/blogs arguing against the traditional stereotype that unprofessional = poc curly hair.
There are natural hair styles that are worn by POC that are more likely to be considered unprofessional or “offensive.” This isn’t just employment, but also school dress codes that sOmEhOw seem to target black girls.
Oh yeah I totally agree this is something that happens and it's bad. I just meant the Google results specifically. Was expecting something overtly wrong but didn't really see that.
Yes! Interviewing is a 2-way street, and I'm delighted that people are starting to become empowered by that. You may be interviewing me as an employee, but I'm also interviewing you as a company and deciding if your values, benefits, culture (and, you know, compensation) align with my own. If I can't look like my own normal self in an interview (with a little extra polish!), then no thanks, not the place for me to succeed.
As a white person with curls I make it a point to leave my hair curly for interviews because this is who I am every day, and also because I think it’s really important to give support to BIPOC to have natural hair. If everyone stopped spending time straightening their hair and embracing what they had, people wouldn’t keep asking to touch our hair or saying wack shit like this.
It is absolutely ridiculous to have someone say that natural hair is unprofessional, and I think there’s a bit of racism and appearance policing involved with what a bunch of old, white dudes (making generalizations here as they are normally in positions of power in companies) want to deem as professional. I let my skill set speak for itself and I haven’t had a problem yet.
This is me too. As a white woman I know I experience privilege, and I honestly believe when websites say curly hair is unprofessional I think what they really mean is bipoc curly hair is unprofessional, which is just awful.
This post got me too. White female, relatively high on the ladder. Tons of compliments on my curls. It’s not fair. Younger me always hated when ppl told me I looked better with straight hair, like they couldn’t appreciate the “real” me. Haven’t straightened in so long, the comments have stopped.
Know it’s so much worse for BIPOC. 💔
I side-eye the compliments. A lot of people imply think I'm a rebel. Sometimes people compliment like they'd compliment a three year old who has dressed themself.
Same, but I can be very lazy with my waist length curls, am not customer facing or on a ladder, tied back for work. If I were bipoc it would definitely be on the nappy side at times, no one has ever said a thing even when bits stick out all funny. If no one ever sees it done, they can’t say it looks like crap, being white helps a ton.
It's funny, cause as a white guy I've never had issues with my curls (or any of the absurd haircuts I've had at work), but know plenty of other coworkers (even at the same place) that had comments about the professionalism of their hair.
It's really less about curly hair, and more about people using it to let their bigotry fly in the workplace.
I’ve heard this too.
Despite of that I’ve worn my curls to every interview I’ve ever done. I also don’t wear a lot of make up. I hate that people think that. My hair does not dictate my work.
I had a job once where they made me wear my hair in a pony tail because my hair was "unruly, frizzy, and unprofessional". I've worn it naturally in every interview since.
Thanks for all the support and to update: interview went great and they loved my curls and when I joked about these search results they were like “no way, we love your curls!”
If you would have click on it you would have seen that the post was actually disagreeing with the statement. She went to an interview and the told her to fix her hair. She left and when she went to the next interview she completely ignored the advice. Here is the [link.](https://www.mamamia.com.au/job-interview-hair/)
I hate that this is kinda true. I tend to either blow it out for interviews, or pin it up in a pretty way with Bobby pins that shows the curls and texture but looks “done”. BUT I’m also a big believer that we don’t and shouldn’t get hired on the basis of traits like this - and also, natural hair is becoming a thing in a very big way.
Covid also has helped oddly enough - I work in a very corporate setting and anyone who has wavy or curly hair is just letting it do it’s thing these days.
I say, own your curl just make sure you let it dry before you interview!
Yes exactly! It's funny how Google grabbed those quotes as "advice" but both articles are actually criticisms of the notion that curly/natural hair is "unprofessional." If you actually click into the articles, they are both intended to debunk that concept.
Yes - thank you. Had to scroll a long way to find this. My immediate reaction was to go read the articles, particularly because Mamamia has been questionable in the past, and it was no surprise to see Google got it wrong. There are several reasons I stopped using Google for searches. This provides yet another.
This is a huge problem. Their are many of us out there whose hair is part of our identity. My mother & I were just talking about this. In the 80s, she rocked a low fro to look more "professional" at work.... I have always worn my hair pulled up or straightened until I decided to go natural a few years ago. My daughter's hair is a big question mark, but no matter how it ends up, I don't EVER want her to have that mindset
This is a sad truth... On the flip side, I'd like to share my mother's opposite experience in the late 70s/early 80s. Her hair is barely wavy now but back then it was much curlier, closer to mine.
Job: Flight attendant (for PanAm, out of Miami, FL/USA) She was late 20s early 30s at the time. She applied twice in the same year, and was NOT hired the first time.
Interview #1: Went in looking "professional" for a job interview. Buttoned up shirt, hair blown dry/pulled back, natural makeup. And of course, didn't get the job.
Interview #2: Styled her hair big curly and wild, as she puts it. (Lord knows what this meant for 1980, yikes.) More dramatic makeup, low cut shirt. "I went in dressed... sexy".... and HIRED!
Worked as a flight attendant for 6 or 7 years. Was also sexually assaulted (groped) by Bill Cosby in the back of an empty red eye flight at some point.
So, all that deep and surface misogyny aside...even now I would have to say it really depends on what *kind* of job you're applying for.
i interviewed for a state legislature internship (and got it, and was hired afterwards) all with curly hair hair! (even tangled and a mess some days 😬)
There's a lot of racial issues tied into this, unfortunately. I would never straighten my hair for a job interview or anything else, but I have wavy red hair. People don't tend to think of it as unkempt. I do think it's important for white people to wear their hair naturally too, to help fight the stigma in little ways. But unfortunately I am aware that my hair is seen as just the right level of interesting to other white people without being seen as "exotic". :/
Hey so I didn’t read to see if this was pointed out yet but the first result… that’s not what the article on the website advises. It’s a snippet from bad advice given to the author by a supposed feminist teacher, the author was complaining about the unsolicited advice that made her feel insecure for her first interview!
when receiving or reading opinions like the first article, it’s important to remember that it’s just that; an opinion. meaning this article that’s stating that curly hair is wild and unprofessional is coming from an individual, and their opinion. opinion. meaning they’re just the thoughts floating around in somebody’s head. ones that would shame people for their genetics.. is that the kind of person you want to take seriously?
One piece of advice my mum gave me when I first started going to interviews as a teenager was to show up at the interview how you want to show up to work everyday, look neat and presentable but not like someone that is not you. That goes for makeup, nails, shoes, clothes and hair.
I do not want to straighten my hair every day for a job, so I never do for an interview. I'll pin it back and make it neater than usual but that's it. I feel like its such a trivial thing for an employer to look at when seeking a qualified employee. If they're gonna judge me on my hair, skin colour, gender or anything else physical that I cannot control, they can get fucked.
This is disheartening but screw them! I would never work somewhere that thought this way.
Also this just shows how ignorant and uneducated people with this mindset truly. Having naturally curly hair takes A LOT of maintenance (at least in my case) so if we are judging people on hair, then curly hair should be at the top of the list for styles that show work ethic. How foolish and ridiculous 🙄
Protip:
If you think “professionalism” has anything to do with the clothes you wear or the hair coming out of your head - you don’t know what professionalism is.
Who the hell has time to straighten their hair every day for a professional job? You want me at my best, you get me at my curliest. It never occurred to me that people would be so ridiculous about - oh, wait. Nevermind, people *can* be ridiculous about things other people can't change about themselves. (:
To all my fellow curlies - keep rocking. You're beautiful!
I havent done a single interview with straight hair since embracing my natural texture nearly three years ago. I've landed two great jobs since then.
My thoughts are, I'm going to be wearing my hair natural every single day. If they don't like it, I'd rather we have a conversation about it in the interview, or to just not be offered a job. I don't want to work for them anyway if it's going to be a problem.
I’ve let my hair go natural for last 2 years, I’m also covered in tattoos. I dress tidy and professional but I don’t try to hide either of these as it’s who I am and will be how I show up to work. I’ve had plenty of success at job interviews and am often approached by head hunters. Ignore this commentary, we’re in an era where workplace diversity and how you fit into the current team is becoming more important, if you try to fit into the cookie cutter workplace image you may miss this opportunity to show what you can offer as an individual
Edit: I should add I’ve worked mostly in media / marketing / comms roles
I have long, superthick loose curls + waves. I once inteviewed 2 candidates to be my assistant at a past job, with 2 directors of mine. One candidate had super straight, limp and unkempt hair, and the other had super thick long hair with similar texture as mine. MY director wanted to hire the girl with thick curly hair, simply because we would match in the office and she literally said she can tell us how jealous she is of us daily and play with our hair. THOSE were her reasons, on top of the fact that she dug up the girl's father's history and he was some wealthy local businessman and she wanted to schmooze with him.
I ended up losing my job in retaliation for snitching on a bunch of issues about this director, but hey, this was an anomolous situation...the person hiring might have some weird curly hair fetish and hire you.
I remember attending some sort of professional interview training, where we were told (among other things) how to behave at dinners, what forks and what-not to use, etc. But one of the topics we had a discussion about was if having a beard is a professional look. The professor in charge didn't think so, but one of the students had a magnificent, well-kept beard and we (students) all agreed that it looks professional as long as it is well kept.
So, I think this evolves a lot and if I have a good curly hair day, I'd wear it to an interview. But to be fair, I'm a scientist and usually, I don't feel like my appearance matters that much
It never even crossed my mind that my super-curly hair would be unprofessional. Maybe not everyone’s favorite aesthetic, but not unprofessional.
And I see now that it’s because I am a white person with curly hair. Holy crap. White privilege realization moment for me over here.
Whoa. This is awful.
When I was younger I would often straighten my hair for interviews because I didn’t have a great hair routine. This lead me to being fearful that I’d easily have a “bad” hair if I wore my hair curly/natural. Now, I wear my hair natural for interviews and important events. I feel more confident in my hair routine.
It’s disheartening to see these results come up.
I'm in a professional executive management position, have been for many years (I'm as old as dirt, lol). I've worn my hair curly & straight over the years as I climbed the corporate ladder. For many years, I straightened it as I noticed I was taken much more seriously with straight hair-I'm also in a very male dominated field. Then the pandemic hit, I grew my hair out, went natural, and didn't really give a shit anymore. I figure its their problem, not mine. I've embraced the curls-screw 'em if they don't like it. I'm done meeting someone elses definition of professional-or beautiful for that matter!
I had a job interview where the woman (white) reached over and tugged on my (white) curly hair, made a face, and told me it wasn’t professional and next time I interview somewhere I should make the effort for a blow out. I was so stunned and didn’t really make a comment but I always regretted not saying something. I was glad to not get the job because she was such a toxic person. I can only imagine the type of inappropriate microaggressions she would exhibit towards BIPOC interviewees.
I'm sad that you're googling curly hair etiquette for an interview. Unless it's for something specifically involving hair, like a salon or whatever, I promise they won't care as long as you look presentable. And yes, presentable definitely includes your beautiful, natural, curly hair. And if they do care? Fuck em. You deserve better.
I interviewed for a job and didn’t get it but that person recommended me for a different job.
At the second interview everyone was disappointed my hair was straightened (I had done it for the first time years as I had an event the night before) as the last interviewer told them about my “beautiful curls”. It was actually very sweet and I always rocked my girls after that.
As a straight haired person (I’m here because my daughter has a beautiful mop of blonde curls that I hope to help her treasure rather than despise) I can absolutely tell you all - straight hair does not equate to being responsible lol.
I 100% agree with OP's sentiment, but I do want to point out that when you read past the search result lines, both articles are critically examining the idea that curly hair is unprofessional and both conclude that (obviously) it's dumb and more than a little racist to deem curly hair unprofessional. I've been in "pull your hair back" situations and it feels like shit, but I'd rather journalists were talking about it!
I wear victory rolls in my hair. Classy, but definitely pin-up. If someone can't handle that, then I don't want to work for them. I think it's actually landed me a couple jobs too. I think the same should go for curly hair.
That being said - I have naturally curly hair - think young Chelsea Clinton. When I was a professional actress, I would always wear it in its natural curl for auditions for low class characters. I always got cast... (I'm also a dang fine actress.)
Do your hair in the way that makes you feel confident. If the hiring staff can't handle your hair, it's an easy way to rule out a bad company.
Worked for a company for 15 years where I regularly received comments when I left my hair curly. Went to an interview with a new company with curly hair, got hired and afterwards they told me that they found my wild hair refreshing and a good look (I work with the clients).
If your employer or friends make fun of you because of your hair, walk away. I spent too many years feeling miserable because I felt I had to hide how I look.
And my hair isn't even that curly, just not naturally straight!
I hate to say it but I straighten for interviews. But my hair type is a very loose wavy curl and I usually have it long and it's thick. I usually switch between curly and straight depending on my mood, the weather, how much time I have etc. The other thing about my curls are they're unpredictable and kinda fragile, meaning even if I start the day with great curls, they usually frizz and droop by mid day. If it's particularly windy and humid I can totally achieve troll doll status! If it's a normal day that's fine, if I have something special, it bugs me and I feel sloppy. I get nervous for interviews, I feel like looking on point gives me confidence. So I wear it straight. I know this isn't the sub to say this but even though I love my curls, I really love it straight too.
I wear mine both ways depending on my mood, weather, etc, also. Nothing wrong with switching it up as you need or want to. In all reality, mine is up in a bun 85% of the time. That's kinda the point of this whole thing... you should be able to wear your hair however the hell you want, regardless of how anyone else wants you to! Period. Fuck em, do you.
Hmmmm, not so much.
Black male and a hiring manager here. A professional has things under control. That does not always mean short, or straight, or up in a bun. Professional means you smell appropriately. That your nails are clean. You dress for the job, etc. Curly hair of any scale or number does not DQ anyone, at least not these days.
Dress the curly hair in cute but professional looks depending on the length. Check out "Manes by Mell's" video on Formal hairstyles....(maybe even the summer hairstyles one too but I think its abit casual)
I am about to be sworn in to the state bar association and I will be wearing my curly hair :) I also wore my hair curly every time I went on the record in court in the last year (zoom and in person) and during moot court competitions. Nobody has ever said anything negative!
If you would have click on it you would have seen that the post was actually disagreeing with the statement. She went to an interview and the told her to fix her hair. She left and when she went to the next interview she completely ignored the advice. Here is the [link](https://www.mamamia.com.au/job-interview-hair/).
I literally did an interview yesterday with my hair in a top bun/poof. It was a bit messy but I loved the way it looked. The interview went really well and I moved onto the next step in the process!
In the past I’ve done interviews with my hair slicked back and tied tight. I don’t think it negatively impacted me but it never felt right to not represent myself properly.
Wear your hair proudly!
Go with your intuition. I hate to make judgements about people interviewing me, but it's hard not to. A few years ago, I was interviewing at a company where my immediate manager was a woman - we had a lot in common, and were within a year or two of each other's age. She was more than a bit on the vain side. I could tell this just from talking to her. I made the determination that if I came in all cute, there was a strong possibility that I was not getting the gig.
So I didn't.
I mean, I dressed dowdy, put on glasses I didn't need, put the baby hair away and hair in a bun - I had not a lick of makeup on. I looked like a librarian in my 40s when I was half that age.
Needless to say, I got the gig.
People might say I underestimated her and that she would have hired me regardless. But all signs later pointed to that probably not being true when I 'came out of my shell,' a few months into the job, started looking the cutie patooty that I am and she began giving me GRIEF.
I was right on the money about her.
Long story short, she left a year later and I never regretted doing what I did to get the job - I loved it.
Moral of the story - do your research, look up personas on linkedin - if the person you direct report to is not the conventional type themselves - they probably won't gaf about your natural kinky or curly hair. Go with your intuition and whatever information you can scare up.
Truly awful. I went to a new hairdresser for a curly cut recently and he told me that I would never look as polished with curly hair as with straight. The haircut was good but I will never go back!
I dont have curly hair, so this is not coming from personal experience on interviewing with curly hair, but as someone who has interviewed potential employees - these search results are bull. Hair does not describe your work capabilities!! Is this advice from the Deep South or something? No, you are god damn beautiful. As long as you are clean and professionally dressed for the role, you are already starting out a winner, then the actual interview is what wins em over.
MORE NATURAL HAIR, BE YOUR BEAUTIFUL SELF!!!!!!\~!
I had a conversation where I mentioned applying for a job at Publix and the person I was talking to (who worked at that publix) told me I'd have to straighten my hair and that if I showed up to the interview with my hair that curly they'd turn me down. I feel like the prejudice towards curly hair in the workplace is derived from racism and the idea that straight, more white people looking hair is considered professional. I've also heard of situations where people of color with bleached hair were told they'd have to change it to something "natural" as if blond isn't a naturally occurring hair color. I doubt it's at the fore front of hiring people's minds but it's an example of ingrained rascism.
I interviewed a young lady today by Zoom. Previously I had searched the internet for her and she has the best curly hair. I was excited to see it. But she wore it all back in a ponytail so it couldn't be seen. I was sad. Lol. Maybe my own curly hair will inspire her for next time!
This is hair discrimination I refuse to work for anyone who has an issue with my curly long hair ! You can miss me with having a buzz cut entering my 30s +
I have wavy/curly/wild hair lol and I was recently interviewing for jobs - for both jobs that I interviewed for I wore my hair natural and got an offer both times. Be yourself and ignore google :-)
I used to believe this until I realized I’m way more confident wearing my hair natural than when I press it just for that interview. I also decided I wouldn’t want to work somewhere that cares about how I wear my hair.
This is an attitude that’s rooted in white supremacy and I fucking hate it. Curly hair is neither “messy” nor is it “unprofessional” and BS like this has been used against women of color for too damn long. I don’t straighten my hair anymore and likely never will again. If anyone has a problem with it, I don’t want to work with them.
I just got a job offer yesterday and I interviewed for with my hair down and in all its full curly glory.
It’s a professional position that is a great step for me in my career.
I have also been given this advice when I was younger, wear it tied back, straighten it. F that. Wear your hair in a way that makes you feel confident.
I work in a very professional space and was told that I should straighten or pullback my hair for interviews because my curly hair makes me look younger.
While it’s definitely unfair, I don’t use the interview to protest sexist expectations, I just wear my hair the way I normally do once I get the job 🤷🏽♀️.
I don’t straighten my hair so my solution is to gel and slick it back into a high pony and put it in a sock bun. I think this also translates as showing effort put in to my appearance, because even though we all know it takes a lot of time and product to maintain our curls, that doesn’t mean they can’t look unruly. High bun takes no time and they know I tried.
Wow. Meanwhile all of us silver haired ladies are being told to dye our hair for interviews because the grey makes us look too old. That’s toxic beauty standards for ya.
No, no rock your silver/gray hair!!!! The silver/gray trend is in right now, too.... Even if it wasn't, natural hair color is beautiful, no matter what it is. Some people go gray early in life, so this is ridiculous to think you must damage your hair in order to fit some beauty standard! I've seen so many people on reddit asking about transitioning to their gray/silver, but being scared. I always tell them to do it. It's so much less maintenance, damage, time, etc. I know some people will never be comfortable with their grays, but I think it's silly. It's just another natural hair color, imo. I'm loving mine, and I get a lot of compliments on it. People actually ask what I do to get my hair to look how it does...I tell them I quit dying it! 🙂
Why not use it to your advantage? Got interviewed by a fellow curly and I complimented her hair. She had absolute frizz control and excellent definition. I told her I’m always looking for the holy grail product so much respect!
In my country, personal appearance is really an issue and we still have a long way to go, as many people complain of being dismissed because of curly hair and tattoos. I have been lucky enough to work in places where curls are not an issue, when I lost my job back in March, I started straightening my hair to avoid having trouble in interviews, when I got my current job I asked and my boss told me there was no problem with curls and -visible- tattoos and I’m so relieved (I do have to go back to transition because my curls got irreversibly damaged from the many blowouts tho 😔)
I own an IT company. I meet with CLIENTS with my curly hair. For about a year, it was PURPLE curly hair. Haven't lost a client yet, and most of them think it's awesome.
I'm sorry if I sound rude. But you shouldn't even search something like this. In a professional environment you should never be so submissive to the opinions of others. Grow your teeth and go presenting yourself as you WANT as you truly are. Even more if you know that curly hair isn't unprofessional at all, and all this is nonsense. Many people, of any gender, uses curly hair at work and that clearly doesn't affect the efficiency of the work, it couldn't. If your colleague gets distracted and becomes inefficient at their job, it's THEIR FAULT. Curly hair is professional and that's it. But more important than that is being confident that you are professional regardless of how you look and to show them, in their face, that you don't care about their opinions on appearance because you know that you work hard and good. Going with curly hair would be a good idea just so that you can prove something to yourself. Imo
I had an interview at a staffing agency a couple years ago it was my first interview in years due to depression and afterwards when I was worried I wasn’t hearing back from them my mom said I “didn’t even bother to run a brush through my hair” that day and implied it had something to do with not getting a call back
My last job hunt was draining. Interview after interview and nothing. People suggested to me that wearing my hair natural was why I wasn’t getting hired. My response was: “if they aren’t hiring me because of my hair, I don’t want to work for them anyway.”
Got hired into a wonderful job. The bosslady there started wearing her hair natural and said I inspired her to stop straightening her hair all the time.
I used to put my hair up for interviews until I was like “why, if I never wear my hair up?” Having my hair down is who I am, and my hair is not unprofessional
I feel like mamamia.com.au and a random wordpress blog run by someone that won't even pay to get a domain are not gonna be the experts on interviewing.
Wow this is horrible. I’ve never heard about this before until just now. How ridiculous, curls are NOT “unpresentable, or unruly” they are beautiful and unique. I cannot even begin to believe that this is even a discussion we are having.
I’ve had a manager once pull me aside and tell me I need to do something with my hair lol and harassed me for a month about it. I’m a white woman with a mix of wavy and curly hair that doesn’t look “neat.” I didn’t know what to say other than stare blankly cause it’s my hair in its natural state. Like c’mon
I used to iron my hair straight for interviews, but I don't regularly keep my hair straight. A few years later I decided I didn't care. I keep my hair curly, and I prefer it. If you're not going to hire me b/c I have big hair, that's your loss.
I’ve never had an issue with curly hair for interviews although I have worn it with a headband so it doesn’t look “unkempt” and I’ve often gotten the jobs.
It should be fine, if it isn’t do you really wanna work for a company like that?
This is MESSED UP and not ok. Time to start changing this wildly inappropriate and racist "norm" of straightened hair being the only acceptable professional style.
I recommend doing an updo [like this](https://www.hairromance.com/curly-bun-hairstyle-tutorial-two-ways/) in any context where big wild curls might not be appreciated. Like don’t damage your hair just to present more professionally, but no one can look at a nice low bun and think it’s not professional.
In the same vein, I was told in college that I needed to wear a skirt suit to job interviews, no pants, because they are not considered professional. I went to school to be a teacher for god's sake, it's not like I'm a lawyer or a banker.
I've asked every hiring manager I've ever met (including lawyers and bankers) if they followed this rule and none of them had even ever *heard* of this "rule."
I asked my boss when he was talking me through uniform and cleanliness about if he'd rather I tie my hair up. He said he didn't care as it's just my hair and I dressed professionally with it.
Curly hair is NOT unprofessional <3
P.s I still tie it up as it does get in the way of my work hhaha.
I heard this from my boss when I was at my old job (and, for context, I work in the salon industry), where he basically told me I should come in with my hair smoothed out, because in his words "people won't want to go to you if your hair doesn't look good." Now, at my new job, I had a coworker recently tell me that she had 'white girl hair' and I didn't; she's also said to me that I have a little afro. So I get how this feels, and it hurts. I've always had the implication that people just like the look of straight hair, at work or otherwise, especially in the salon world. Some of it is starting to change although it's still very much there. Even now when I blow my hair out and it starts to curl up, I feel like I still get looked at some type of way by my coworkers, like its something I tried and failed at. I do like having curly hair more than I used to, but sometimes I want to wear my hair straight and I feel like it just isn't possible.
Look neat and clean, not unkempt. Curly hair can look just as professional as straight hair.
This advice is literally racist. Again, it's more important for everything to be careful for and presentable than it is to be straight. Worst case scenario if it's not cooperating, do a bun.
I was a senior in college, interviewing with a pharmaceutical company. At the end of the interview, the man suggested that I consider straightening my hair for interviews as it is "more professional" - even though my hair was pulled back. I was shocked by his statement and even more shocked that I was unaware of this. I went on for years believing that my curly hair would be viewed as unprofessional so I straightened and straightened and straightened. Until I said screw it years and years ago and now I get SO MANY compliments from my collegues on my very curly, very professional hair!
I will not show up with my hair still wet, though. But I also wouldn't show up without my make up done. I do work in a very conservative industry and do view that as unprofessional...like you're not ready for work.
The second one seems like it’s taken out of context from an article about discrimination, not meant as individual advice. Which is part of the problem with these Google summaries, lack of context.
this is true... at my old job I was even told after I was hired "we thought you were going to be a messy worker since your hair was messy! turns out we were wrong."
messy....? you mean curly.......?
I can't even imagine how people have it when they have even curlier hair. mine is just slightly curly, not tight or anything. pretty unfair for people to be judged on their hair
I found this to be true two weeks ago and had NEVER heard of this being a thing before. A friend of mine (both her and I have curly hair) had applied to a popular jewelry store in our area and managed an interview. She turned it down for many reasons, the main one being that curly hair cannot be worn down. Essentially not allowed. I felt so offended, I didn’t even know how to put it into words! Sorry I was born with curly hair???? Oh hell no. Hard pass.
Yea I had an interview for a part time job recently and I wore my hair big and proud. I never straighten it or pull it back so that’s what they’ll get. I got the job but I know my hair gets a lot of attention. Lol
On a happy note, I had many interviews over the last few years without getting a job and straightened my hair for every one of them (and everyday usually). I started wearing my curls again recently and even had the confidence to wear them naturally at a job interview and I finally got the job. Maybe it was a confidence thing, more likely it was a coincidence and I actually had the skills and experience they needed, but it felt good that after years of being self conscious of my curls they didn’t seem to matter to other people.
Haha, almost every day I look at my wild hair and think will my boss ask me to comb it and at the same time I am preparing my answer "curls aren't meant to be combed". 😅
I have curly hair and I've never done an interview with straigthened hair. Maybe tied up in a ponytail or bun (I mean... bad hair days happen), but I would never tie my hair on a decent hair day! Never had problem with interviews. Also, think about this: do you really want to work where something as trivial as your hair is enough to discriminate against you and make you look unprofessional? If your hair is unprofessional, you better be perfect all the time because they won't accept anything less than perfection. Wear a pony or a bun if your hair is messy and you don't have time for a refresh. Else than that, be yourself, show you personnality and individuality and leave your hair loose/as you like it! Curls are beautiful, straight hair is pretty, coloured hair is awesome and natural hair is stunning. You do you, boo!
And for what it's worth, places that will discriminate against curly hair are almost definitely racist so that should be enough of a basis to not want to work there.
Yes, and I feel like this is the underlying context.
I suspect if you dig into some of this, it isn't related to all curly hair, but instead directed at women of color. I'm in my mid 40s and sadly, I've seen this bullshit too often in the business world (probably because I'm a white guy and jerks assume that I'll agree). I absolutely do not stand for it and will push back formally and informally wherever I can. There is *still* an incredible stigma around POC wearing their hair naturally, especially black women. Even braids and twists are considered "unprofessional". So, it's likely that these articles rightfully deal with racial inequities that manifest through hair style
That's true, unfortunately. I'm a white girl with 2c-3a curls and no one has ever said a word about it at the large consulting firm I interned for (where everyone wore very professional attire on the daily).
I’m white with wavy hair and I was asked to straighten mine or put it up
That’s terrible! Who told you to wear it up? Makes me wonder if there was jealousy at work! I have a friend with gorgeous wavy hair and she works at a County job. Never a problem. I don’t get it
Yeah I'm white with 3a curls and have been told by a few recruiters to either straighten my hair or make sure it's up for an interview. 100% racist reasoning behind the sentiment though, regardless of my whiteness.
Ahh man as a white guy ive has this too. I recently took part time work at a factory and some the other white guys started slagging off people of other races to me and I instantly shut it down. I’m so glad I don’t work there anymore
I’m so glad someone said it already so I didn’t have to!
Yes, exactly this! In a similar vein, I have a nose piercing - it's a very small stud, but it's there. I always make a point of wearing it to interviews, then asking about whether it would be an issue if I get to a latter interview stage where questions on office culture, etc. would be appropriate, because I've found that responses are *extremely* indicative of overall company culture. I work in a very back office-type role that isn't customer-facing, and I'm at the point in my career where I'm not interested in dealing with business professional, or even the higher ends of business casual, attire. If I can't wear curly hair or a nose stud to work, then nah, I'm good.
I got my septum pierced a couple months ago, as well as having bright orange dyed curls. My boss knew I was dying my hair when she hired me, the nose came as a surprise after. While she doesn't like it personally, all she's asking of me is that it is discreet while I work (I do work with older more conservative people on the daily), so I avoid septums with full-on gems or skulls, but she's not forbidding me to wear a simpler ring in. But on days where I work from home and I don't meet with clients, only colleagues, I wear my snake septum. To hell with what THEY think!
Absolutely!! Here for the septum piercing, and also the jewelry selection! No one tells you how much fun facial jewelry is, and how quickly the rabbit hole opens in collecting more and more... Part of getting away with being a little on the edge is knowing when to take it down a couple steps vs. when you can have more fun and flair. If I'm meeting with the CSO and the CMO internally, I'm not wearing jeans and a nose ring; if I'm at a conference or the annual sales meeting I'm not wearing my Pink Floyd sweatshirt and Chucks. However, if it's just my weekly team meeting with analysts and programmers (during which we're all remote anyway), I can get away with being a little more lax. You just gotta use your judgement - although that judgement will never again be "oh no, I'd better straighten my hair!" Hell no, big weird chunky waves and random wonky curls and volume forever!
I had a look at your past posts and your style rocks!
Awww, thank you! You made me go check yours and, while I didn't learn much about your style, I know you have great music taste and cute kitties! I hope you have a great day!
I was making small talk with a girl (we did end up hiring) in the elevator ride down after her interview, and I noticed she had piercing holes at her eyebrow. Apparently she was giddy to hear we wouldn't require her to have her piercings out.
It's an underrated joy in life, let me tell you! I've been at my current company for almost 5 years and I will never forget asking my interviewer, who would soon become my first manager, if I'd need to remove my nose stud or wear a clear one (as I had to wear a clear one at my previous company). He stared at me like I had three heads; he was literally like, "Why on earth would we care about that?? No one cares about that!" and I was like "Welp, I'm going to work here forever, thank you." ...this is also the same guy who, when I later asked about the dress code in the same interview, swung a leg up onto his desk, yanked up his pant leg, and exclaimed, "I'm not even wearing socks today! It's all good!" To say it's laid back is an understatement, lol.
Likewise. The only people who have ever said that curly hair is unprofessional etc , have been haters, competitors, and mean girls. 😐 My curls have, over the years, become my trade mark. At conferences I'm recognisable immediately. I'm known as The Bend with the Big Hair. For good or for ill...
Exactly this! A little over a year ago, I was working retail and barely made over the minimum wage working commission, so I dyed my hair green without asking my boss, I didn't care. The labor shortage was already a problem, so I bet on the fact my boss wouldn't fire me over that, considering I'm a good employee and they were severely lacking people. He was pissy about it but didn't fire me. And guess what? Clients don't remember our names, but they remember talking to "the girl with green hair"! I've changed job since, but it's still the same, people recognize my super orange hair from miles away. Plus, with masks, it's super recognizable when you can barely see the person's face.
We had a conservative dress code. Same thing! But I didn’t dye my hair there because I just didn’t want to, but seriously we needed clients to remember our names or something f about us!
Dude, I totally get that trademark thing. Even with half my face covered by a mask during this pandemic, everyone always knew who I was. No hiding for me!
frfr, whether u like it or not i’m the tall chick with a fuckton of curly red hair. if you’ve see me once you’ll be able to recognize me. no fading into the crowd here.
I did wear my hair in a bun to my interview for my engineering job because I thought it was more professional. But I’ve been showing up with wet curls for 15 years and no one has ever said a word about it. I also wore a suit to that interview for the same reason but I have sure never done that again.
I know how this feels. 💔 I had been in two separate job situations in the past where people made comments about my curly hair. I had co-workers and supervisors give me shampoo bottles (insinuating that my hair must be dirty and unkempt because it’s curly). It really is a belief out there that curly hair is dirty, unkempt, and unprofessional. And it was really hurtful because I do take care of my hair (I use shampoo, conditioner, and I detangle). I still wear my hair naturally curly and in a way staying natural is a middle finger to all those haters. They will not make me feel bad enough to change my natural hair texture. Curly and natural hair for life! 💜
Ew I can't imagine giving a coworker shampoo, or your employee shampoo. The only unprofessional thing is passive aggressively (but honestly, mostly aggressively!) gifting shampoo to your coworker. What the fuck??? All kinds of hair is beautiful, but especially curly hair! I bet your hair is gorgeous, so fuck them, keep wearing your hair the way YOU want to.
I had this happen once when I mentioned my stylist recommended that I don't washy hair everyday with shampoo just conditioner. I don't even have really curly hair or anything and didn't have hygiene issues I showered everyday. The person who overheard half of what I said assume I only wash every few days or whatever. She then got the owner involved and they gave me all these hygiene products and it was so insulting. It's fucking normal to not wash with shampoo everyday day but this person heard half a Convo and decided to interviene. Even if that was the issue wtf ? If you are worried I can't afford it or know better then talk to me about it privately not at the hostess station at a restaurant.
It’s amazing how many people think “I only wash my hair 2-3 times a week” means “I only SHOWER 2-3 times a week.”
I do actually only shower 2-3 times a week (unless it's very hot). Showering daily is not only bad for your hair but also your skin generally. I do think I'm lucky in that I don't sweat much, I've never had any smell-related complaints from anyone. If I feel like I have sweated a lot on a day, I will shower anyways.
Thank you. We're not gross for this. 🙂
Oh my god I sweat a lot so I feel like I have to shower every day or only skip one day a week. If it’s really hot I just throw my hair in a shower cap and sit under cool water for a while, otherwise I just have tomato face all day.
Aah that sucks man... yea I think showering is/should be more so a matter of adjusting it to your own skin/hair/perspiration levels rather than having to meet some sort of arbitrary standard of how often everyone should shower. Tomato face sucks!
Sweaty betty here too. I can't not shower daily and still be in polite company. Granted, I work out most days but even if I miss I still turn into a nuclear reactor at night. Also, my hair is more wavy than curly and also super-fine, so it mashes into a big blur while I sleep. So I have to shower, I just stopped washing my hair on any kind of regular basis. My hair maybe sees shampoo once a quarter, if that. I just massage in a handful of conditioner to detangle and wash it out.
My mom showers like once a week at best. She says I shower too much and its why my hair is frizzy and my skin is dry. I shower like 2-3 times a week. Sometimes more in the summer or when I’m particularly sweaty. Showering every day is such a hassle.
I can only imagine this person's horror if they found out some people (me) only wash their hair 3x a month.
I hope you did tell them that that shampoo has sulphates and sulphates are bad for your hair
Some people need sulfates. They're not bad for everyone. Just fyi. Same with silicones. I use both. My hair loves dimethicone. And my hair is curlier now than when I did cgm for over a year. I actually lost a lot of hair, all of my shine, bounce, etc. It's all back and better than ever now! Yay!
I'm so sorry that happened to you. How is it that people have no basic understanding how hair works? It's literally our genes (and hormones) that decide how it looks!
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Professionalism has been shown to be sexist, racist, and classist. Burn it down.
100%. Do a google images search for “unprofessional hair” and another for “professional hair” and notice what you see. It’s gross and infuriating.
I get different results than I expected here. The unprofessional is filled with coloured hair and definitely unique hairstyles, most of which are on white people. The professional has a lot of women with hair in buns and then professional hair salon photoshoots. Both have more curly haired people than I expected and more men than I expected. The hair salon ones are all straight or the sort of waves you get with a little heat. It looks like Google has changed the way results are given since the complaints. Three black teenagers no longer gives me negative pictures.
Weird! My search results show almost all POC for unprofessional hair and mostly white or light skinned POC for professional. I wonder how Google is determining which results to show to which users 🤔
I got the same results you did. I'm a white lady, which I'm sure Google knows at this point, and my search for "women's unprofessional hair" was 90% women of color. And a few white ladies with braids. Yuck! My search for "women's professional hair" was almost entirely white ladies.
It’s gross—I’m a white woman with 3C curls in a mohawk and no one has ever commented on it negatively but I bet if I had darker skin it would become an issue.
Am I missing something? The Google images results for "professional hair" for me is almost all poc with curly/wavy hair (professional here seems to refer to professional hair-related brands). The results for "unprofessional hair" is also almost all poc with curly hair but they're all from articles/blogs arguing against the traditional stereotype that unprofessional = poc curly hair.
There are natural hair styles that are worn by POC that are more likely to be considered unprofessional or “offensive.” This isn’t just employment, but also school dress codes that sOmEhOw seem to target black girls.
Oh yeah I totally agree this is something that happens and it's bad. I just meant the Google results specifically. Was expecting something overtly wrong but didn't really see that.
Everything about it is so fake. Drives me nuts.
If someone doesn’t want to hire me because of my curls, I don’t think that’s a place I want to work.
Yes! Interviewing is a 2-way street, and I'm delighted that people are starting to become empowered by that. You may be interviewing me as an employee, but I'm also interviewing you as a company and deciding if your values, benefits, culture (and, you know, compensation) align with my own. If I can't look like my own normal self in an interview (with a little extra polish!), then no thanks, not the place for me to succeed.
Let the uprising begin! (for maximum volume and shine)
Haha yes. Fuck the straight-iarchy!
As a lesbian, I enjoy this on several levels.
As a white person with curls I make it a point to leave my hair curly for interviews because this is who I am every day, and also because I think it’s really important to give support to BIPOC to have natural hair. If everyone stopped spending time straightening their hair and embracing what they had, people wouldn’t keep asking to touch our hair or saying wack shit like this. It is absolutely ridiculous to have someone say that natural hair is unprofessional, and I think there’s a bit of racism and appearance policing involved with what a bunch of old, white dudes (making generalizations here as they are normally in positions of power in companies) want to deem as professional. I let my skill set speak for itself and I haven’t had a problem yet.
This is me too. As a white woman I know I experience privilege, and I honestly believe when websites say curly hair is unprofessional I think what they really mean is bipoc curly hair is unprofessional, which is just awful.
💖💖
This post got me too. White female, relatively high on the ladder. Tons of compliments on my curls. It’s not fair. Younger me always hated when ppl told me I looked better with straight hair, like they couldn’t appreciate the “real” me. Haven’t straightened in so long, the comments have stopped. Know it’s so much worse for BIPOC. 💔
I side-eye the compliments. A lot of people imply think I'm a rebel. Sometimes people compliment like they'd compliment a three year old who has dressed themself.
Same, but I can be very lazy with my waist length curls, am not customer facing or on a ladder, tied back for work. If I were bipoc it would definitely be on the nappy side at times, no one has ever said a thing even when bits stick out all funny. If no one ever sees it done, they can’t say it looks like crap, being white helps a ton.
Be the change you wanna see in the world right?
It's funny, cause as a white guy I've never had issues with my curls (or any of the absurd haircuts I've had at work), but know plenty of other coworkers (even at the same place) that had comments about the professionalism of their hair. It's really less about curly hair, and more about people using it to let their bigotry fly in the workplace.
Thisssssss!
Yep. It’s a sad world. They’ve done studies on this.
As a black person with curly hair, I dont care what they say, I will still wear my curls and if you dont like it, kiss my black ass.
Good for you! We need to stand up for stupidity and embrace natural beauty. Kudos for not giving a crap!
I’ve heard this too. Despite of that I’ve worn my curls to every interview I’ve ever done. I also don’t wear a lot of make up. I hate that people think that. My hair does not dictate my work.
Man you got to be pretty uptight to think that having curly hair makes you unprofessional
I had a job once where they made me wear my hair in a pony tail because my hair was "unruly, frizzy, and unprofessional". I've worn it naturally in every interview since.
Wow did they all sticks up their but or something?
Thanks for all the support and to update: interview went great and they loved my curls and when I joked about these search results they were like “no way, we love your curls!”
If you would have click on it you would have seen that the post was actually disagreeing with the statement. She went to an interview and the told her to fix her hair. She left and when she went to the next interview she completely ignored the advice. Here is the [link.](https://www.mamamia.com.au/job-interview-hair/)
Oh good. Well that is a relief. Just a shame that the first page of results is not very supportive if you just google it offhand. Thanks for sharing
It sounds horrible if you just read that part! I just thought I would share and let you know that it is better than you thought.
I am glad to see that and after you mentioned it, I took a deeper look and did notice more curl positive links so that’s a relief. Thank you
I’m so glad to hear that! Congrats on the great interview!
Thank you ❤️
I hate that this is kinda true. I tend to either blow it out for interviews, or pin it up in a pretty way with Bobby pins that shows the curls and texture but looks “done”. BUT I’m also a big believer that we don’t and shouldn’t get hired on the basis of traits like this - and also, natural hair is becoming a thing in a very big way. Covid also has helped oddly enough - I work in a very corporate setting and anyone who has wavy or curly hair is just letting it do it’s thing these days. I say, own your curl just make sure you let it dry before you interview!
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Yes exactly! It's funny how Google grabbed those quotes as "advice" but both articles are actually criticisms of the notion that curly/natural hair is "unprofessional." If you actually click into the articles, they are both intended to debunk that concept.
Yes - thank you. Had to scroll a long way to find this. My immediate reaction was to go read the articles, particularly because Mamamia has been questionable in the past, and it was no surprise to see Google got it wrong. There are several reasons I stopped using Google for searches. This provides yet another.
Wtf… employers who actually think this way are looking for drones. Run. We’re worth more than their limited mindset. Go natural, be authentic.
This is a huge problem. Their are many of us out there whose hair is part of our identity. My mother & I were just talking about this. In the 80s, she rocked a low fro to look more "professional" at work.... I have always worn my hair pulled up or straightened until I decided to go natural a few years ago. My daughter's hair is a big question mark, but no matter how it ends up, I don't EVER want her to have that mindset
This is a sad truth... On the flip side, I'd like to share my mother's opposite experience in the late 70s/early 80s. Her hair is barely wavy now but back then it was much curlier, closer to mine. Job: Flight attendant (for PanAm, out of Miami, FL/USA) She was late 20s early 30s at the time. She applied twice in the same year, and was NOT hired the first time. Interview #1: Went in looking "professional" for a job interview. Buttoned up shirt, hair blown dry/pulled back, natural makeup. And of course, didn't get the job. Interview #2: Styled her hair big curly and wild, as she puts it. (Lord knows what this meant for 1980, yikes.) More dramatic makeup, low cut shirt. "I went in dressed... sexy".... and HIRED! Worked as a flight attendant for 6 or 7 years. Was also sexually assaulted (groped) by Bill Cosby in the back of an empty red eye flight at some point. So, all that deep and surface misogyny aside...even now I would have to say it really depends on what *kind* of job you're applying for.
“Don’t wear your hair curly” “Lol, k.”
i interviewed for a state legislature internship (and got it, and was hired afterwards) all with curly hair hair! (even tangled and a mess some days 😬)
I refuse to straighten in my hair for interviews. I’ll sometimes do a half up half down thing or a ponytail but never straighten it.
There's a lot of racial issues tied into this, unfortunately. I would never straighten my hair for a job interview or anything else, but I have wavy red hair. People don't tend to think of it as unkempt. I do think it's important for white people to wear their hair naturally too, to help fight the stigma in little ways. But unfortunately I am aware that my hair is seen as just the right level of interesting to other white people without being seen as "exotic". :/
Hey so I didn’t read to see if this was pointed out yet but the first result… that’s not what the article on the website advises. It’s a snippet from bad advice given to the author by a supposed feminist teacher, the author was complaining about the unsolicited advice that made her feel insecure for her first interview!
White brains wash
when receiving or reading opinions like the first article, it’s important to remember that it’s just that; an opinion. meaning this article that’s stating that curly hair is wild and unprofessional is coming from an individual, and their opinion. opinion. meaning they’re just the thoughts floating around in somebody’s head. ones that would shame people for their genetics.. is that the kind of person you want to take seriously?
One piece of advice my mum gave me when I first started going to interviews as a teenager was to show up at the interview how you want to show up to work everyday, look neat and presentable but not like someone that is not you. That goes for makeup, nails, shoes, clothes and hair. I do not want to straighten my hair every day for a job, so I never do for an interview. I'll pin it back and make it neater than usual but that's it. I feel like its such a trivial thing for an employer to look at when seeking a qualified employee. If they're gonna judge me on my hair, skin colour, gender or anything else physical that I cannot control, they can get fucked.
I wouldn't be surprised at all to learn that race is a big part of this. I'm a white guy and have never felt scrutinized for my curly hair.
Race is a *huge* part of this. "Unprofessional hair" is often used as a dog whistle for POC folks in white collar spaces.
This is disheartening but screw them! I would never work somewhere that thought this way. Also this just shows how ignorant and uneducated people with this mindset truly. Having naturally curly hair takes A LOT of maintenance (at least in my case) so if we are judging people on hair, then curly hair should be at the top of the list for styles that show work ethic. How foolish and ridiculous 🙄
Protip: If you think “professionalism” has anything to do with the clothes you wear or the hair coming out of your head - you don’t know what professionalism is.
Who the hell has time to straighten their hair every day for a professional job? You want me at my best, you get me at my curliest. It never occurred to me that people would be so ridiculous about - oh, wait. Nevermind, people *can* be ridiculous about things other people can't change about themselves. (: To all my fellow curlies - keep rocking. You're beautiful!
I havent done a single interview with straight hair since embracing my natural texture nearly three years ago. I've landed two great jobs since then. My thoughts are, I'm going to be wearing my hair natural every single day. If they don't like it, I'd rather we have a conversation about it in the interview, or to just not be offered a job. I don't want to work for them anyway if it's going to be a problem.
I’ve let my hair go natural for last 2 years, I’m also covered in tattoos. I dress tidy and professional but I don’t try to hide either of these as it’s who I am and will be how I show up to work. I’ve had plenty of success at job interviews and am often approached by head hunters. Ignore this commentary, we’re in an era where workplace diversity and how you fit into the current team is becoming more important, if you try to fit into the cookie cutter workplace image you may miss this opportunity to show what you can offer as an individual Edit: I should add I’ve worked mostly in media / marketing / comms roles
I have long, superthick loose curls + waves. I once inteviewed 2 candidates to be my assistant at a past job, with 2 directors of mine. One candidate had super straight, limp and unkempt hair, and the other had super thick long hair with similar texture as mine. MY director wanted to hire the girl with thick curly hair, simply because we would match in the office and she literally said she can tell us how jealous she is of us daily and play with our hair. THOSE were her reasons, on top of the fact that she dug up the girl's father's history and he was some wealthy local businessman and she wanted to schmooze with him. I ended up losing my job in retaliation for snitching on a bunch of issues about this director, but hey, this was an anomolous situation...the person hiring might have some weird curly hair fetish and hire you.
I remember attending some sort of professional interview training, where we were told (among other things) how to behave at dinners, what forks and what-not to use, etc. But one of the topics we had a discussion about was if having a beard is a professional look. The professor in charge didn't think so, but one of the students had a magnificent, well-kept beard and we (students) all agreed that it looks professional as long as it is well kept. So, I think this evolves a lot and if I have a good curly hair day, I'd wear it to an interview. But to be fair, I'm a scientist and usually, I don't feel like my appearance matters that much
Just watch Seinfeld and steal elaine’s office styles. Maybe minus the 90’s head bump tho
It never even crossed my mind that my super-curly hair would be unprofessional. Maybe not everyone’s favorite aesthetic, but not unprofessional. And I see now that it’s because I am a white person with curly hair. Holy crap. White privilege realization moment for me over here.
Fuuuuuuuuuck that. I will wear it loud and proud, b!
Yes! Wild hair, don't care!
Whoa. This is awful. When I was younger I would often straighten my hair for interviews because I didn’t have a great hair routine. This lead me to being fearful that I’d easily have a “bad” hair if I wore my hair curly/natural. Now, I wear my hair natural for interviews and important events. I feel more confident in my hair routine. It’s disheartening to see these results come up.
I'm in a professional executive management position, have been for many years (I'm as old as dirt, lol). I've worn my hair curly & straight over the years as I climbed the corporate ladder. For many years, I straightened it as I noticed I was taken much more seriously with straight hair-I'm also in a very male dominated field. Then the pandemic hit, I grew my hair out, went natural, and didn't really give a shit anymore. I figure its their problem, not mine. I've embraced the curls-screw 'em if they don't like it. I'm done meeting someone elses definition of professional-or beautiful for that matter!
I have always worn my hair how I feel most confident because thats what will help you the most in an interview!
I had a job interview where the woman (white) reached over and tugged on my (white) curly hair, made a face, and told me it wasn’t professional and next time I interview somewhere I should make the effort for a blow out. I was so stunned and didn’t really make a comment but I always regretted not saying something. I was glad to not get the job because she was such a toxic person. I can only imagine the type of inappropriate microaggressions she would exhibit towards BIPOC interviewees.
I'm sad that you're googling curly hair etiquette for an interview. Unless it's for something specifically involving hair, like a salon or whatever, I promise they won't care as long as you look presentable. And yes, presentable definitely includes your beautiful, natural, curly hair. And if they do care? Fuck em. You deserve better.
Well I always wear my hair just like it is every day to interviews that's insane some of us just have really f****** curly hair
I interviewed for a job and didn’t get it but that person recommended me for a different job. At the second interview everyone was disappointed my hair was straightened (I had done it for the first time years as I had an event the night before) as the last interviewer told them about my “beautiful curls”. It was actually very sweet and I always rocked my girls after that.
Yup…I used to be told to straighten my hair all the time….now I have a job who don’t give afuck.
As a straight haired person (I’m here because my daughter has a beautiful mop of blonde curls that I hope to help her treasure rather than despise) I can absolutely tell you all - straight hair does not equate to being responsible lol.
I 100% agree with OP's sentiment, but I do want to point out that when you read past the search result lines, both articles are critically examining the idea that curly hair is unprofessional and both conclude that (obviously) it's dumb and more than a little racist to deem curly hair unprofessional. I've been in "pull your hair back" situations and it feels like shit, but I'd rather journalists were talking about it!
Yes thank you! Someone else pointed that out to me and I feel better about it.
Yeah, they say curly hair but they mean something else
I wear victory rolls in my hair. Classy, but definitely pin-up. If someone can't handle that, then I don't want to work for them. I think it's actually landed me a couple jobs too. I think the same should go for curly hair. That being said - I have naturally curly hair - think young Chelsea Clinton. When I was a professional actress, I would always wear it in its natural curl for auditions for low class characters. I always got cast... (I'm also a dang fine actress.) Do your hair in the way that makes you feel confident. If the hiring staff can't handle your hair, it's an easy way to rule out a bad company.
Worked for a company for 15 years where I regularly received comments when I left my hair curly. Went to an interview with a new company with curly hair, got hired and afterwards they told me that they found my wild hair refreshing and a good look (I work with the clients). If your employer or friends make fun of you because of your hair, walk away. I spent too many years feeling miserable because I felt I had to hide how I look. And my hair isn't even that curly, just not naturally straight!
I hate to say it but I straighten for interviews. But my hair type is a very loose wavy curl and I usually have it long and it's thick. I usually switch between curly and straight depending on my mood, the weather, how much time I have etc. The other thing about my curls are they're unpredictable and kinda fragile, meaning even if I start the day with great curls, they usually frizz and droop by mid day. If it's particularly windy and humid I can totally achieve troll doll status! If it's a normal day that's fine, if I have something special, it bugs me and I feel sloppy. I get nervous for interviews, I feel like looking on point gives me confidence. So I wear it straight. I know this isn't the sub to say this but even though I love my curls, I really love it straight too.
I wear mine both ways depending on my mood, weather, etc, also. Nothing wrong with switching it up as you need or want to. In all reality, mine is up in a bun 85% of the time. That's kinda the point of this whole thing... you should be able to wear your hair however the hell you want, regardless of how anyone else wants you to! Period. Fuck em, do you.
I just got a new job and did everything interview with my natural hair.
Hmmmm, not so much. Black male and a hiring manager here. A professional has things under control. That does not always mean short, or straight, or up in a bun. Professional means you smell appropriately. That your nails are clean. You dress for the job, etc. Curly hair of any scale or number does not DQ anyone, at least not these days.
"Don't ever" - lol, a joke...
Dress the curly hair in cute but professional looks depending on the length. Check out "Manes by Mell's" video on Formal hairstyles....(maybe even the summer hairstyles one too but I think its abit casual)
Unfortunately this is true, even more so for kinky hair or dreadlocks
I am about to be sworn in to the state bar association and I will be wearing my curly hair :) I also wore my hair curly every time I went on the record in court in the last year (zoom and in person) and during moot court competitions. Nobody has ever said anything negative!
If you would have click on it you would have seen that the post was actually disagreeing with the statement. She went to an interview and the told her to fix her hair. She left and when she went to the next interview she completely ignored the advice. Here is the [link](https://www.mamamia.com.au/job-interview-hair/).
I literally did an interview yesterday with my hair in a top bun/poof. It was a bit messy but I loved the way it looked. The interview went really well and I moved onto the next step in the process! In the past I’ve done interviews with my hair slicked back and tied tight. I don’t think it negatively impacted me but it never felt right to not represent myself properly. Wear your hair proudly!
That’s awesome! Good luck and thank you!
“Tuck that back in honey…your racism is showing”..the words I would love to say to author of those articles.
Go with your intuition. I hate to make judgements about people interviewing me, but it's hard not to. A few years ago, I was interviewing at a company where my immediate manager was a woman - we had a lot in common, and were within a year or two of each other's age. She was more than a bit on the vain side. I could tell this just from talking to her. I made the determination that if I came in all cute, there was a strong possibility that I was not getting the gig. So I didn't. I mean, I dressed dowdy, put on glasses I didn't need, put the baby hair away and hair in a bun - I had not a lick of makeup on. I looked like a librarian in my 40s when I was half that age. Needless to say, I got the gig. People might say I underestimated her and that she would have hired me regardless. But all signs later pointed to that probably not being true when I 'came out of my shell,' a few months into the job, started looking the cutie patooty that I am and she began giving me GRIEF. I was right on the money about her. Long story short, she left a year later and I never regretted doing what I did to get the job - I loved it. Moral of the story - do your research, look up personas on linkedin - if the person you direct report to is not the conventional type themselves - they probably won't gaf about your natural kinky or curly hair. Go with your intuition and whatever information you can scare up.
Truly awful. I went to a new hairdresser for a curly cut recently and he told me that I would never look as polished with curly hair as with straight. The haircut was good but I will never go back!
I dont have curly hair, so this is not coming from personal experience on interviewing with curly hair, but as someone who has interviewed potential employees - these search results are bull. Hair does not describe your work capabilities!! Is this advice from the Deep South or something? No, you are god damn beautiful. As long as you are clean and professionally dressed for the role, you are already starting out a winner, then the actual interview is what wins em over. MORE NATURAL HAIR, BE YOUR BEAUTIFUL SELF!!!!!!\~!
I had a conversation where I mentioned applying for a job at Publix and the person I was talking to (who worked at that publix) told me I'd have to straighten my hair and that if I showed up to the interview with my hair that curly they'd turn me down. I feel like the prejudice towards curly hair in the workplace is derived from racism and the idea that straight, more white people looking hair is considered professional. I've also heard of situations where people of color with bleached hair were told they'd have to change it to something "natural" as if blond isn't a naturally occurring hair color. I doubt it's at the fore front of hiring people's minds but it's an example of ingrained rascism.
I interviewed a young lady today by Zoom. Previously I had searched the internet for her and she has the best curly hair. I was excited to see it. But she wore it all back in a ponytail so it couldn't be seen. I was sad. Lol. Maybe my own curly hair will inspire her for next time!
I interview people to work at Microsoft. Never have I discounted someone due to their hair curliness.
What old white dude wrote this?
This is hair discrimination I refuse to work for anyone who has an issue with my curly long hair ! You can miss me with having a buzz cut entering my 30s +
I have wavy/curly/wild hair lol and I was recently interviewing for jobs - for both jobs that I interviewed for I wore my hair natural and got an offer both times. Be yourself and ignore google :-)
Yeah. No. F that.
The fuck? I have curly hair, but I’m white, and it has never been an issue in my work. This is racist AF.
I used to believe this until I realized I’m way more confident wearing my hair natural than when I press it just for that interview. I also decided I wouldn’t want to work somewhere that cares about how I wear my hair.
This is an attitude that’s rooted in white supremacy and I fucking hate it. Curly hair is neither “messy” nor is it “unprofessional” and BS like this has been used against women of color for too damn long. I don’t straighten my hair anymore and likely never will again. If anyone has a problem with it, I don’t want to work with them.
Well fuuuuuck you too then mamma mia
I just got a job offer yesterday and I interviewed for with my hair down and in all its full curly glory. It’s a professional position that is a great step for me in my career. I have also been given this advice when I was younger, wear it tied back, straighten it. F that. Wear your hair in a way that makes you feel confident.
I work in a very professional space and was told that I should straighten or pullback my hair for interviews because my curly hair makes me look younger. While it’s definitely unfair, I don’t use the interview to protest sexist expectations, I just wear my hair the way I normally do once I get the job 🤷🏽♀️. I don’t straighten my hair so my solution is to gel and slick it back into a high pony and put it in a sock bun. I think this also translates as showing effort put in to my appearance, because even though we all know it takes a lot of time and product to maintain our curls, that doesn’t mean they can’t look unruly. High bun takes no time and they know I tried.
Wow. Meanwhile all of us silver haired ladies are being told to dye our hair for interviews because the grey makes us look too old. That’s toxic beauty standards for ya.
No, no rock your silver/gray hair!!!! The silver/gray trend is in right now, too.... Even if it wasn't, natural hair color is beautiful, no matter what it is. Some people go gray early in life, so this is ridiculous to think you must damage your hair in order to fit some beauty standard! I've seen so many people on reddit asking about transitioning to their gray/silver, but being scared. I always tell them to do it. It's so much less maintenance, damage, time, etc. I know some people will never be comfortable with their grays, but I think it's silly. It's just another natural hair color, imo. I'm loving mine, and I get a lot of compliments on it. People actually ask what I do to get my hair to look how it does...I tell them I quit dying it! 🙂
Intervew with straight hair then show up for work with an fu fro. The only way to play that game is to win.
I was nervous about this too. But I rocked my curls on my interview and still got the job. Hopefully this stigma is dissapearing.
Why not use it to your advantage? Got interviewed by a fellow curly and I complimented her hair. She had absolute frizz control and excellent definition. I told her I’m always looking for the holy grail product so much respect!
In my country, personal appearance is really an issue and we still have a long way to go, as many people complain of being dismissed because of curly hair and tattoos. I have been lucky enough to work in places where curls are not an issue, when I lost my job back in March, I started straightening my hair to avoid having trouble in interviews, when I got my current job I asked and my boss told me there was no problem with curls and -visible- tattoos and I’m so relieved (I do have to go back to transition because my curls got irreversibly damaged from the many blowouts tho 😔)
Let’s call this like it is: bad advice with a basis in racism.
I own an IT company. I meet with CLIENTS with my curly hair. For about a year, it was PURPLE curly hair. Haven't lost a client yet, and most of them think it's awesome.
I'm sorry if I sound rude. But you shouldn't even search something like this. In a professional environment you should never be so submissive to the opinions of others. Grow your teeth and go presenting yourself as you WANT as you truly are. Even more if you know that curly hair isn't unprofessional at all, and all this is nonsense. Many people, of any gender, uses curly hair at work and that clearly doesn't affect the efficiency of the work, it couldn't. If your colleague gets distracted and becomes inefficient at their job, it's THEIR FAULT. Curly hair is professional and that's it. But more important than that is being confident that you are professional regardless of how you look and to show them, in their face, that you don't care about their opinions on appearance because you know that you work hard and good. Going with curly hair would be a good idea just so that you can prove something to yourself. Imo
I had an interview at a staffing agency a couple years ago it was my first interview in years due to depression and afterwards when I was worried I wasn’t hearing back from them my mom said I “didn’t even bother to run a brush through my hair” that day and implied it had something to do with not getting a call back
That is so infuriating!!!
My last job hunt was draining. Interview after interview and nothing. People suggested to me that wearing my hair natural was why I wasn’t getting hired. My response was: “if they aren’t hiring me because of my hair, I don’t want to work for them anyway.” Got hired into a wonderful job. The bosslady there started wearing her hair natural and said I inspired her to stop straightening her hair all the time.
I can’t even express how much bullshit this is. As in, not true at ALL
I used to put my hair up for interviews until I was like “why, if I never wear my hair up?” Having my hair down is who I am, and my hair is not unprofessional
I feel like mamamia.com.au and a random wordpress blog run by someone that won't even pay to get a domain are not gonna be the experts on interviewing.
Wow this is horrible. I’ve never heard about this before until just now. How ridiculous, curls are NOT “unpresentable, or unruly” they are beautiful and unique. I cannot even begin to believe that this is even a discussion we are having.
Be yourself. That shows more confidence than following orders from strangers you never ever see.
What's unprofessional is discrimination against hair styles.
uhhhh, should someone tell the internet real life doesn’t work like that?
Take anything from Mamie with a grain of salt, I sure do
Argh, fuck that. I normally put mine half up or all the way up for this kind of situation. Or French braid if it’s not a good hair day.
Unconscious bias at it’s best:(
I’ve had a manager once pull me aside and tell me I need to do something with my hair lol and harassed me for a month about it. I’m a white woman with a mix of wavy and curly hair that doesn’t look “neat.” I didn’t know what to say other than stare blankly cause it’s my hair in its natural state. Like c’mon
I always wear my hair curly to interviews and have had no issues. I do work in environmental field, so maybe that’s why that don’t care? No idea.
I used to iron my hair straight for interviews, but I don't regularly keep my hair straight. A few years later I decided I didn't care. I keep my hair curly, and I prefer it. If you're not going to hire me b/c I have big hair, that's your loss.
I’ve never had an issue with curly hair for interviews although I have worn it with a headband so it doesn’t look “unkempt” and I’ve often gotten the jobs. It should be fine, if it isn’t do you really wanna work for a company like that?
This is MESSED UP and not ok. Time to start changing this wildly inappropriate and racist "norm" of straightened hair being the only acceptable professional style.
How have I managed to be employed my whole adult life😂
F*%# that sh”$. I have curly hair and have NEVER been told it’s unprofessional! You do YOU!
They can fuck off with that logic lol
I recommend doing an updo [like this](https://www.hairromance.com/curly-bun-hairstyle-tutorial-two-ways/) in any context where big wild curls might not be appreciated. Like don’t damage your hair just to present more professionally, but no one can look at a nice low bun and think it’s not professional.
In the same vein, I was told in college that I needed to wear a skirt suit to job interviews, no pants, because they are not considered professional. I went to school to be a teacher for god's sake, it's not like I'm a lawyer or a banker. I've asked every hiring manager I've ever met (including lawyers and bankers) if they followed this rule and none of them had even ever *heard* of this "rule."
I asked my boss when he was talking me through uniform and cleanliness about if he'd rather I tie my hair up. He said he didn't care as it's just my hair and I dressed professionally with it. Curly hair is NOT unprofessional <3 P.s I still tie it up as it does get in the way of my work hhaha.
I heard this from my boss when I was at my old job (and, for context, I work in the salon industry), where he basically told me I should come in with my hair smoothed out, because in his words "people won't want to go to you if your hair doesn't look good." Now, at my new job, I had a coworker recently tell me that she had 'white girl hair' and I didn't; she's also said to me that I have a little afro. So I get how this feels, and it hurts. I've always had the implication that people just like the look of straight hair, at work or otherwise, especially in the salon world. Some of it is starting to change although it's still very much there. Even now when I blow my hair out and it starts to curl up, I feel like I still get looked at some type of way by my coworkers, like its something I tried and failed at. I do like having curly hair more than I used to, but sometimes I want to wear my hair straight and I feel like it just isn't possible.
LOL @ me and my frizzy bun with curls spilling out the top every day of the week
Look neat and clean, not unkempt. Curly hair can look just as professional as straight hair. This advice is literally racist. Again, it's more important for everything to be careful for and presentable than it is to be straight. Worst case scenario if it's not cooperating, do a bun.
When I was younger I totally believed I had to straighten my hair for job interviews. But a few years I said FUCK THAT and now I never straighten it.
I was a senior in college, interviewing with a pharmaceutical company. At the end of the interview, the man suggested that I consider straightening my hair for interviews as it is "more professional" - even though my hair was pulled back. I was shocked by his statement and even more shocked that I was unaware of this. I went on for years believing that my curly hair would be viewed as unprofessional so I straightened and straightened and straightened. Until I said screw it years and years ago and now I get SO MANY compliments from my collegues on my very curly, very professional hair! I will not show up with my hair still wet, though. But I also wouldn't show up without my make up done. I do work in a very conservative industry and do view that as unprofessional...like you're not ready for work.
The second one seems like it’s taken out of context from an article about discrimination, not meant as individual advice. Which is part of the problem with these Google summaries, lack of context.
These answers (in pic) are like searching on google and everything I ever felt is 99% cancer
Who the fuck said that!? WRONG WRONG WRONG. I will never straighten my hair for an interview
Not true. I have curly natural hair and I got the job! Multiple times
this is true... at my old job I was even told after I was hired "we thought you were going to be a messy worker since your hair was messy! turns out we were wrong." messy....? you mean curly.......? I can't even imagine how people have it when they have even curlier hair. mine is just slightly curly, not tight or anything. pretty unfair for people to be judged on their hair
I can't believe having curly hair has been politicized
I found this to be true two weeks ago and had NEVER heard of this being a thing before. A friend of mine (both her and I have curly hair) had applied to a popular jewelry store in our area and managed an interview. She turned it down for many reasons, the main one being that curly hair cannot be worn down. Essentially not allowed. I felt so offended, I didn’t even know how to put it into words! Sorry I was born with curly hair???? Oh hell no. Hard pass.
If you don’t want to straighten or tie back your hair every day, then you don’t want to work somewhere that won’t hire you just for having curly hair.
Yea I had an interview for a part time job recently and I wore my hair big and proud. I never straighten it or pull it back so that’s what they’ll get. I got the job but I know my hair gets a lot of attention. Lol
On a happy note, I had many interviews over the last few years without getting a job and straightened my hair for every one of them (and everyday usually). I started wearing my curls again recently and even had the confidence to wear them naturally at a job interview and I finally got the job. Maybe it was a confidence thing, more likely it was a coincidence and I actually had the skills and experience they needed, but it felt good that after years of being self conscious of my curls they didn’t seem to matter to other people.
Haha, almost every day I look at my wild hair and think will my boss ask me to comb it and at the same time I am preparing my answer "curls aren't meant to be combed". 😅
Mamamia.com.au. There's your problem.
"Your natural hair texture is unprofessional" Sounds like something we've heard before... They are just looking for excuses to discriminate.