Natural hairstyles for work are a controversial subject. Some people argue that African-American women are born with curly hair, and natural hair cannot be determined to be professional.
Black women have defended their texture and length for decades. Corporations and the military have been under scrutiny about regulations in the workplace concerning natural hair, braids, and locks.
Many Black women are honestly scared to wear natural hair styles. There are an array of natural hairstyles that are work appropriate.
Short afros, tapered cuts, two strand twists, and manicured locks are a few work appropriate hairstyles. Honestly, selecting a natural hair style depends upon your job and industry.
Natural hair beauties want quick, business professional styles. The military is allowing women to wear braids and natural hair.
However, some corporate environments prefer hair to be off the neck and placed in a bun or updo. Natural hair is becoming a topic of conversation due to the large number of African- American women leaving behind relaxers and converting back to their natural hair.
Natural hairstyles for work are still a topic that people attempt to avoid but will continue to re-surface. Several natural hair styles are business professional.
Professional Natural Hair Styles for Short Hair
Professional natural hairstyles for short hair are commonly sported by African-American women. Black women are cutting out the chemical relaxers and getting the “big chop.”
Many women of color are wearing short afros. Cute and simple tapered cuts are being seen all over social media.
Women are rocking short hair for the workplace because it is cost effective. Professional tapered haircuts average about ten to twenty dollars depending upon the location.
Black women are finding freedom in short afros. Natural curly queens are finding that people can relate to their hairstyle in the workplace.
Cute hair gives a sense of confidence at work. Business professional hair styles are often in question for natural women.
Black women are trying coils (aka comb twists) for the workplace. This style is simple to maintain.
The installation is about an hour and a half by a professional stylist. Coils typically last about a week and a half.
Some people want to add color for spice. Black, brown, and reddish brown hair colors are more suitable colors for work.
Unconventional colors are attractive, but some women are shying away from bright colors for the workplace. Purple, blue, and green hair color is on the rise on the streets of America.
However, some workplaces have rules about hair color and non-traditional styles. Most women are only trying to find something that is suitable for work and leisure time without stress.
Professional Natural Hairstyles for Medium Hair
Curly naturals with medium hair are looking for professional natural hairstyles for work. Two strand twists (referred to as double strands) and flat twists are simple styles for medium hair.
Simple two strand flat twists are best for work as pictured. Two strands can be installed in two hours and last for two weeks.
The two strand hairstyle can be placed in an updo or bun with hair pins. Two strand twists look amazing with professional or casual clothing.
Two strands twist can be untwisted and is a low maintenance style. Two strands are a work friendly, professional hairstyle.
Professional natural hairstyles for medium hair are tricky to select for the workplace. Some styles may be too funky for work.
Medium length natural hair can be spiky and wild. The twist out may stick out and cause attention.
It is recommended at night to use the “pineapple method.” The pineapple method is a method for gathering your hair into a ponytail in the middle top part of the head.
Remove the ponytail holder in the morning and freshen your curls. The pineapple method will keep the shape of the twist out.
Twists outs are cute for Black hair. African-American women can wear the twist out to work and feel comfortable.
Professional natural hairstyles for medium hair require patience. Hairstyles for work can be alternated between two strands and twist outs.
Professional Natural Hairstyles for Long Hair
Professional natural hairstyles for long hair for Black women are rod sets and updos. African-American women are using rods and straws to create beautifully defined curls.
Natural hair is set on rods and straws with hair mousse. The rod set can be installed in two hours and worn for two weeks.
The curly look will begin to look more like a curly afro than a rod set at the end of the two weeks. Rod sets are simple and low maintenance.
Wear a satin bonnet every night. Rod sets are professional because the curls appear manicured.
Business professional hairstyles are modest and bring less attention to hair at work. Natural women can expand the curls for more volume outside of work.
Black women adore versatility and can wear a selection of natural hairstyles for long hair. Locks are another style more acceptable in the workplace.
People are gaining a better understanding of locks and their meaning. There is some confusion about manicured locks and dreadlocks.
Manicured locks are cultivated and created with a pattern and managed with palm rolling or interlocking. Dreadlocks are clean, naturally locked hair without cultivation.
Women are finding that traditional locks, sister locks, and interlocked locks are appropriate for the workplace. Long locks can be styled in a fun and professional way.
Rods, pipe cleaners, and updos are suitable for the workplace. It takes about two to three hours to maintain and style locks.
Long locks are business professional and can be placed off the neck or secured with pins in a simple style.
Protective Natural Hairstyles for Work
Protective natural hairstyles are fabulous for work. Braids give versatility and a professional look.
Black women are enjoying protective styles such as braids with their own hair or with added hair. It’s hard to find a style that accommodates work, exercise, and life in general.
Braids are a protective style that you can wear for all occasions. Longer natural hairstyles are easier to style and design.
Finding cute and quick hairstyles require experimenting with a few hair techniques. Curly queens love protective styles for the ease and saving time.
Small or medium braids work well for work. African-American hair can be challenging at any length.
Braids such as individuals and small cornrows into a bun or pompadour are recommended for a professional environment. Black women are experimenting with crochet braids too.
Crochet braids can be installed within two hours. Traditional braids may take six to eight hours.
Both are excellent protective styles. The time for the installation may be longer, but the results are suitable for work.
It takes less time to prepare your hair for your job in the morning. Styling curly hair is often based on your hair goals and desires.
Protective styles for the workplace work well on African-American hair that is prone to break or hard to manage.
Natural Hairstyles for Job Interviews
Natural hairstyles for job interviews can be complicated to select. Black women struggle with feeling judged about their hair.
It requires an African-American woman to research the corporation before selecting a style. Some traditional companies may require simple and less creative hairstyles.
Curly hair or short tapered cuts are appealing and quick. The workplace may be very understanding and sensitive to the subject of natural hair.
Be yourself and be authentic for any job interview. This is more important than any hairstyle.
Business professional styles for Black women should be basic hair styles with specific colors for work. Most people can get a better understanding of the corporate culture after being hired.
However, use your judgment to decide if your style is work appropriate. Natural hairstyles for work will become a thing of past when more people are willing to accept themselves and others.
Hey Curl Friend, I’m Patrina Haupt the creator and author of Natural Hair Queen. I hope you find my healthy hair care tips helpful in your hair journey. Healthy hair care practices are definitely, what helped me to achieve waist length hair.
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