One day I came to work wearing my curly hair and one of my co-workers said, “you look better with straight hair”. This was one of the many comments people would make to me about my hair.
Many people consider curly hairunprofessional. Curls are big and voluminous and that seems to make people uncomfortable.
I have to admit thatI had the mentality that to look professional my hair had to be straight. It took some time for me to embrace my curls and wear them proudly at work. I had to shift my mentality and remember that my hair texture is part of every aspect of my life and that includes work.
In the beginning of my transition; when I had a meeting, a presentation or an interview, I would feel a little self-conscious and considered straitening my hair. Luckily I would talk myself out of it every time. During those moments of self-doubt I would sometimes wear my hair in a bun or a braid. Once my hair was back to health I felt more confortable wearing my curls to the office.
As curly girls, we need to work together to educate others and help change the perception that our curly hairis not professional. Let’s be clear, there’s noting wrong with straightening your hair but embracing your natural texture is liberating and magical.
For Curly Tips, help with your transition and all things curly you can find me on YouTube at Jiolka Peralta and on Instagram @diazynochex. Free the fro!
By: Jiolka Peralta
