spinoff- Do you need make-up and striaght hair to look "professional"?

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[Post New]07/19/2011 21:46
zumbamama
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*her natural self
[Post New]07/19/2011 22:11
Anonymous
Middle age white woman here. I have curly hair that most people would die for (fine textured, corkscrew curls, auburn colored with gold highlights). Of course, I've never appreciated it because growing up, Farrah Fawcett was the sex icon and no matter how I tried, I could never get my hair to look like that for any length of time (we didn't have the products back then or they weren't affordable for a farm girl) and red hair has never been in style. I've felt there's a bias when you've got curly hair, especially when it's long. Doesn't matter if it's neatly pulled back and you have no grey. I've been told upon several occasions that long, curly hair isn't a professional look for a middle aged professional or that my expertise isn't what they were expecting based on their first impression of me. I know it's not just the hair, it's also that I've got the rosy cheeks, blue eyes and don't have the look of a heavy hitter. I definitely sympathize with the AA women in the office and we often share hair tips.
[Post New]07/19/2011 22:36
Anonymous

Rebekah Brooks, who resigned on Friday as chief executive of News International, was the youngest person ever to edit a national British newspaper, and made a stellar rise through the ranks of Rupert Murdoch's media empire.
[Post New]07/19/2011 23:11
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:
Rebekah Brooks, who resigned on Friday as chief executive of News International, was the youngest person ever to edit a national British newspaper, and made a stellar rise through the ranks of Rupert Murdoch's media empire.


OP here- yes, and with her lack of makeup and "unkempt" hair, I'm sure many people would look at that photo and find her unprofessional. i'm not positing that women with curls can't advance, I am just suggesting what other posters have confirmed, that some women's natural look is not "professional" in the eyes of recruiters/bosses/etc.

ps- may not be the greatest shot or time considering what she was going through.
[Post New]07/20/2011 00:06
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:You need to get over yourself. You appear to have some real insecurities about being bi-racial.


OP here- you're ability to intuit is truly amazing, PP- my understanding of implicit racial bias in the workplace has caused me such great insecurity.

Or... you lack any thoughful framework whatsoever regarding race in America. I'm guessing it's the latter. The idea that an individual in the position to select candidates feels that naturally curly hair is unprofessional is problematic. She would likely think that a professional black woman with natural hair is "not trying" or doesn't care about her appearance. That implicit racial bias causes hiring disparities.


In my experience the women who are most critical of natural hair are African American women who straighten and relax their hair, particularly the older generations.
[Post New]07/20/2011 11:58
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:Make up -- yes. It makes you look more awake. Not too much.

Straight hair -- no. It needs to look neat... which in many cases means it should be pulled back or styled in a less casual way. Loose curly hair looks casual and free-wheeling whether it is on a white or dark skinned person.

The impression that loose curly hair (or just unruly hair) gives is that you are not down to business at work. It's not a race thing... it's a subtle statement about whether this person is in control or out of control. It may not be a true indicator, but that's the cue people take from it. For some jobs, it might be a plus (like maybe a job that requires you to be more fun, creative or spontaneous), but for most office jobs, buttoned up and tied down (or back) is the way to go.


I agree. Even just a little make-up improves appearances. At least take the time to conceal the dark circles and blemishes. I'm not saying you need a full face of make-up, but take the time to cover up that zit. If you don't, I'll think you're lazy and don't care about your appearance, at all. You could look like Iman or Heidi, and I would think the same thing.

Regarding hair, yes women of color may face challenges, most commonly initiated by other women of color (read OP's initial post). However, I also largely agree with PP's statement, it's not all about race. If a white woman showed up at an office with really big or exceptionally long, loose hair, she would be perceived as less professional. And if she also happened to be blonde, well, there would be some tongue wagging about her inappropriate sexiness. The exception (thank goodness) for individuality is much more likely to be found in creative fields.
[Post New]07/20/2011 12:14
Anonymous
No comment on the hair question.

Yes, to minimal, office appropriate makeup.
[Post New]07/20/2011 12:56
Anonymous
i have naturally curly hair that i straighten every single day (it's pretty easy to straighten, but does add about 15minutes to my morning routine). this thread inspired me to go curly today, and i LOVE it.

BUT - i have an interview in 2 days and will definitely be straightening my hair. i'm established in my current office, but if i'm trying to impress people, i'm going to look super polished, and that means straight hair.

make up is a must IMO. i went make up free when i was a wanna be hippie in college who didn't wear a bra, but i'm a professional now. and we know that more attractive women do better professionally, and we know that most ppl think make up makes you more attractive, therefore . . .
[Post New]07/20/2011 16:25
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Rebekah Brooks, who resigned on Friday as chief executive of News International, was the youngest person ever to edit a national British newspaper, and made a stellar rise through the ranks of Rupert Murdoch's media empire.


OP here- yes, and with her lack of makeup and "unkempt" hair, I'm sure many people would look at that photo and find her unprofessional. i'm not positing that women with curls can't advance, I am just suggesting what other posters have confirmed, that some women's natural look is not "professional" in the eyes of recruiters/bosses/etc.

ps- may not be the greatest shot or time considering what she was going through.


She has Nicole Kidman hair from the early 90's.
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