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non-poc here - i think it's great - live your best life
Pro
The colors you are talking about are stylish and completely fine for the workplace in my opinion. Other colors like pink, blue, green, etc are not professional no matter your race. Some industries/companies I could see it being acceptable but for more corporate, client facing jobs I’d say no.
Pro
I should add that some people wear colored hair really well and I personally don’t care but more so from an employer and corporate perspective it’s not accepted.
If you are a black woman, please try not to identify as a POC. We do not have the same shared experiences as that non-white aggregate
Oh lord.
Black woman here, it sounds like she's looking for feed back to get a head of potential adverse reactions.
We are still reprimanded for our hair, including being fired.
I appreciate the sentiment of do what you want. But itd be great if people would share actual thoughts they have had.
Hey OP, as a gen x white male who’s supervised people of all races, colors and ethnic backgrounds, i have noticed more black women feeling more freedom to express their individuality in the last few years and I am all for it. If It makes you more comfortable then I’m a fan......as long as it’s washed, not unkempt, and looks deliberate. And FWIW, white women have been coloring their hair for (ever?) And no one says anything, so. And If I said anything to my brunette wife who has put blonde highlights in her hair for last 15 or so years I would probably end up on the couch or worse🥴. You got my support!
Why seek white people’s validation? Wear what you like! Who cares what they think
Enthusiast
Because they still largely run the hiring process and hold the keys to the gate…. Let’s not be overly dismissive
As a white person, I can honestly say literally no one thinks twice about this. I don’t think twice about what color anyone dyes their hair. Said with love, but assume people don’t think about your personal choices or care as much as you think they do — about hair or anything. And no one is thinking about race as much as you think they are, either
Pro
If you do your job well, I don’t care what color your hair is.
Chief
Non-poc M and I wouldn’t think anything of it
OP - I support you and feel that your post absolutely 100% belongs here. I’m a POC (only when I’m on Zoom otherwise you would never know). To your main point… try a honey to ash blonde ombré! I just got it and loving every second. And honestly (I’m emphasizing my precious post response to the person who said to post this is a POC bowl 🙄 ):
FYI everyone - this is a real issue for POC - whether you’re black, Asian, Indian, mixed, the white-looking black, the ones who are “what is she?”
That’s the whole point of confessions/talks like this.
OP - ever since I lightened my hair again as a mixed Asian- Zoom interviews have had different tones and conversation points compared to zoom interviews with my pandemic-induced virgin hair. It’s a real thing. Getting my hair done that looks more like Instagram-influencer hairstyles (typical ombré with beach waves, part line split in middle) - it’s night and day to how people communicate with me.
Definitely DO YOU and for fellow survivor’s sake - leverage everything you’ve got.
Pro
I manage a team with a few poc women and nobody cares (in a good way) and it occasionally helps start envious/appreciative conversations from colleagues in team mtgs and virtual settings. Go for it though you are the best judge of your work environment. Am M if that matters for context here.
Enthusiast
Poc - Chinese here. I wear my hair ombré ash blonde and no one has said anything :) strangely, in the country I’m from, it isn’t considered professional to colour my hair like this. But I’m the Uk where I live, it’s totally acceptable.
I am not a POC and I think the style and color you have described is fine for professional working and for interviews. I understand that women (and I am female) are judged more than men on appearance and I think black women are even more scrutinized, so I understand why you are asking. In my opinion if someone has hair that is not a color of human hair (ex: blue or hot pink), it says “look at me” and not “listen to my expertise.” And in some fields it may not matter/ be less important, but in mine it does.
One way to look at it is this: think about the famous people in your profession and what is their hair like? Ex: pop singer Lady Gaga is known for different colors and styles of hair, it for professional opera singers, that would be a nope at symphony hall.
Woman POC here, but partner and involved in hiring. It would not influence my decision
The reason I’m asking is this: I have a few virtual interviews coming up. My current hairstyle is an ombré blonde color. My current boss and colleagues know of my professionalism and that I’m a high-performing employee. I like my current hairstyle because it’s cute and stylish. I would hate to change my hair to conform with society’s standard of what’s considered “professional”, but I would to have a shot at a better opportunity. Thus, the reason I’m asking for feedback.
In my experience as a white woman who dyed her hair many "natural" colors that weren't my own, as long as it's a natural hair color (not green blue pink, etc) then you shouldn't have any issues with it being unprofessional. If they discriminate against your hairstyles for any other reason besides that then there's a larger issue at play.
I think anything that is in the natural realm for a human can look professional for an office environment. I do love a lot of the fun colors (pink, RED, blue) but definitely could not pull it off myself and would imagine eventually these colors will be office acceptable
I can remember a handful of times I’ve ever had a negative thought about a black woman’s hair / appearance (and of course both times I kept my mouth shut because it’s actually none of my damn business.) The first was when a friend wore a not great wig of long straight hair and blue colored contacts. She was gorgeous and I was very confused why she was hiding her natural features. The second time was when another friend went from having a variety of amazing twists and braids to more vanilla styles at work. Her hair still looked amazing and there are a million reasons why she might want a simpler style but it kind of made me sad because her hair was always 🔥. In the end you should do what makes YOU confident. People will judge for reasons that have nothing to do with you and it is impossible to please anyone and everyone. Good luck with the interview!!!
Great, honest answer. (From a POC over here)
I’m POC, and people treated me better when I had brownish-blond hair than when I had my natural black hair.
Facts. ( coming from a mixed Asian).
Pro
I’m white, and I think it’s fine. Not saying my opinion matters more or less, but you asked. :) I have seen people touch or comment on black women’s hair at work when they made a big/dramatic change. It’s completely cringe, but something to be prepared for in terms of how you might handle if it comes up.
Enthusiast
Female POC here. I recommend doing whatever makes you happy and self-confident! I grew my hair out for virtual interviews upon advice from several mentors, but now that I have a job, I’m leaning towards chopping it off again. Truthfully, I don’t think it made a difference. If someone doesn’t want to hire you because of your hair, which I’m sure is super cute and stylish, you probably wouldn’t enjoy working there anyway.
White woman here. You do you! I have never given hair a second thought other than to admire it