Is this professional?

[Anonymous]

I think that style looks better and prettier than the relaxed, flat ironed style that many AA women maintain.

White women here FWIW.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Yes, of course. It is professional and gorgeous. Any hairstyle that is well-groomed and maintained is professional.

And I'd venture to say she doesn't give rat's ass if you think it is professional or attractive or not. Women in general and women of color in particular are more and more living by our own lights and our own rules. Enjoy 1950. You seem to be stuck there, and the world is happily passing you by.

Can you read, angry poster?

[Anonymous]

I can't think of anyone who wouldn't think so.

[Anonymous]

I think it looks great... and I'm usually pretty unforgiving and particular on this kind of stuff.

Clothes, makeup, jewelry, etc all play into it (and it helps that the photo is a thin woman, to be totally honesty), but the hair looks fabulous.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here:
Anyone think it is NOT professional? I don't want different opinions to be silent. (And please don't pop up again, hostile PP! This isn't a referendum. Just one person asking one question about one person.)

I think it IS professional.

And I would have a hard time being polite to somebody who thought it wasn't.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think that style looks better and prettier than the relaxed, flat ironed style that many AA women maintain.

White women here FWIW.

+1

[Anonymous]

To answer your question- that style is awesome.

I am sad your friend had to hesitate to wear this style and that this question even needs to be asked.

[Anonymous]

I think it looks fine. But I think the important question is, do the partners at her firm think it looks professional, or not? And does she have a lot of client interaction, and would they think it was professional or not. That is, if she wants to stay at that firm forever, and possibly make partner or of counsel.

[Anonymous]

Looks very professional and attractive to me.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think it looks fine. But I think the important question is, do the partners at her firm think it looks professional, or not? And does she have a lot of client interaction, and would they think it was professional or not. That is, if she wants to stay at that firm forever, and possibly make partner or of counsel.

If this is someone's natural hair, how can it not look professional if it's well groomed?

I would never cave to such silly demands if someone told me to do X with my hair.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here:
Anyone think it is NOT professional? I don't want different opinions to be silent. (And please don't pop up again, hostile PP! This isn't a referendum. Just one person asking one question about one person.)

I think it IS professional.

And I would have a hard time being polite to somebody who thought it wasn't.

OP here: Thanks for your input. This is a sensitive topic and differing opinions might be hurtful to those who feel their hair is being judged. I am seeking a wide range of opinions, however, and hope you don't confront people who disagree with you.

[Anonymous]

Man, it bums me out that AA women have to think about this shit. Like on top of everything else, the hair pictured (which I think is pretty normal, mainstream, attractive, whatever) could be in question. I think as long as it's not blue with lightning bolts shaved into the side it's fine. Sigh.

[Anonymous]

stunning!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think it looks fine. But I think the important question is, do the partners at her firm think it looks professional, or not? And does she have a lot of client interaction, and would they think it was professional or not. That is, if she wants to stay at that firm forever, and possibly make partner or of counsel.

Yup. Even though I think it looks fine on the model, I also know that it is still not considered "professional" in certain work environments. And the OP's colleague's concern reflects this.

[Anonymous]

OP here: It is great that so many love this look. I do too! But I hope people who have different takes aren't being intimidated into silence. Unless my girlfriend outright made up the existence of people who disapprove of Afro hair, there has to be someone who thinks the style should be adjusted.