My hair. Don’t care.
Just because appearance changes and full-bodied expression lives
doesn’t mean expectations and standards shift.
One thing I love about being a woman is the flexibility to change up my look. I tend to get bored with the same old hairstyles, so I find joy in exploring new colors, textures, lengths, cuts, and styles. There’s something powerful about being both grounded and a chameleon—the surface may change, but the roots remain firmly in place.
It’s funny how often people don’t recognize me when I switch up my hair—and my husband will tell you, he never knows which version of me he’s coming home to. And I’m always quick to clarify: my hair doesn’t define me—but it does reflect me. It’s a snapshot of my mood, my personality, and how I’m feeling in the moment. It’s an expression—like the perfect accessory that adds a little razzle-dazzle to my day and keeps things interesting.
At work, it’s become a topic of conversation, which is an unintended consequence—but not one I mind. My work speaks for itself. My hair simply speaks to my personal style. The two don’t have much to do with each other, nor should they.
I remember when I was hesitant to wear my naturally curly hair to work as it grew out of my head. Thankfully, those days are behind me. Embracing natural hair in all its forms has been one of the most affirming shifts for Black women in my lifetime—curly, straight, braided, loc’d, pressed, or curled. The style is yours to define.
My hair has been every color in the rainbow—including green, though that was an accident—and the world at work has kept spinning. If you’ve ever felt unsure about changing your look for fear of not being taken seriously, ask yourself a few questions:
Does your work reflect positively on you and the business?
Are you timely in your deliverables?
Do you build rapport and trust with your internal and external clients?
Are you responsive?
Do you anticipate needs and offer solutions before issues arise?
In other words—are you taking care of business?
If the answer is yes, your hair should never be the focus in the workplace—except for the occasional compliment.
