Working with style: Black women, black hair, and professionalism

Abstract

AbstractFocusing on Black women, this study considers hair as an element of professionalism. As with other elements of Black life, White culture and beauty norms influence the professional expectations placed on Black hair. Within this context, this study features responses from 22 Black women related to hairstyling when job searching, the influence that hair has on their work experiences, attempts by others to control their hair, and their efforts to wear the hairstyles of their choice in the workplace. Responses indicate that hair is an ever‐present issue for Black women as they look for and perform their assigned duties at work. Fear of negative professional outcomes and constant microagressions lead Black women to consider and even adopt hairstyles that emulate White beauty norms and professional expectations.