A comment from debrmitc:
Help…pressed and curled for the last 9 months. Don’t Judge OK !! I work in a very conservative school district and inorder to go to the next level I had to. I know I know but I did..not my hair that has been natural since December 1996 looks straight. I got the position…and am wearing my hair twisted. My 12 inches at it’s longest point is straight at 3 inches. Will it ever come back. I’m currently wearing micro twist with my own hair but it looks so thin. HELP….what can I do to get the Nappy LOOK back..If I have to cut then OK..I will in 2 months….but please help.
I did the BIG CHOP to less than an inch in 1993…and LOVED it. Normally I wear my hair in braids or twist Christmas Break, Spring Break and Summer but this summer I tried to and it didn’t.
I haven’t had a perm since December 13, 1993. However, I started pressing my hair in 2006. Last month it started looking permanently pressed— (HAIR DAMAGE) so I’m transitioning back to just my natural hair. I know some people think that’s natural…? I won’t get into that discussion. If you have any questions or want to discuss the transition process let’s discuss.
As of today my hair is 14.5 inches. I haven’t had my hair pressed in 2 months… right not I have about 2 inches that’s not permanently straight.
Talking about being frustrated.
My reason for pressing is because, I was advised that inorder to move into the job that I obtained my master’s in I need to improve my hair appearance. (it wasn’t said as nicely as that). I’m trying to be politically correct.
Debrmtic, thanks for the great question. First, I will totally not judge you for that. It’s not my business or right to do so. You did what you felt you needed to do.
I think your hair is probably heat damaged and that you will have to BC the damaged ends. I know my mother (back in the day) pressed and curled her hair so much that it just stayed straight. This was great for her because it was what she wanted, but her hair that was damaged never went back to it’s original state.
The only thing I can think to suggest is to try a good protein treatment. You can transition from heat damage in the same way that you do a transition from relaxed to natural.
I hope that helps!
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
This posting seems to be about career advancement with natural hair. I’m actual working on a posting discussing natural hair in the workforce.
The issue was brought up, because I’m searching for new employment. I have a telephone interview coming up and my sista co-worker said, “What are you going to do with your hair?” I replied, “I’m going to be me, when they call me in for an interview.” I was kind of hurt by her question. I’m thinking my hair is nice, thick and healthy and her hair is breaking off. My caucasian manager said, “You have to be you, since it’s who you are.” She was supportive more than the sista.
It’s very important that more of us bring our natural hair to the workplace. In order, to make it acceptable in corporate america.
Nice post. I have gotten multiple jobs over the years with my hair natural. I have not straightened for any one of them. Currently I am looking for a job with the school systems and I wore my hair in a low bun. I slicked it back with gel and tied it down so it would dry flat and I was off. I can’t think of anything more professional than a sleek bun that brings all the attention to your face. Hair should not be a distraction for the employer but at the same time it should not require you to completely alter your natural self.
I have natural hair and previously I worked at an HBCU. My hair was an issue for some of the administration although they never had the nerve to ask me about it but one of the students with natural hair was told that she was not professional. I work part time at a predominiately white community college and my hair has never been an issue. Most of my life I have been one of the few minorites in class, work, or the neighborhood. No one else cared what my hair looked like except other African Americans. I have realized that natural hair is more of an issue for people of color and not for non-minorities. The most questioning I have received from non-minotrities involved how can my hair do this. Some people are not aware that African Americans do not have straight hair and when they find out the cost involved in making it straight, i.e. money or damage to the hair, they think it is ridiculous. I also decided that my hair would be an issue I would take a stand on because my hair was falling out. I also realize that the hair issule also relates to age. Every complaint I have ever recived was from someone that was at least 45 or older.
HI:
RE: update
I tried the protein treatment and 8 inches of my hair returned to it’s original curl pattern. I’m going to try protein treatments for the next couple of months but will do the BC if needed in December.
Also…I attended a HBCU in 1993 and having natural hair was a Major Issue. After graduating and becoming a stock broker it was an issue and in entering the school district it was an issue.
Let’s face the reality that each state and county or parish has a different view on how natural hair is taken. The reality is I’m an educated African American woman with a Master’s Degree and was told to move up the School District promotion line that revisit my hair.
I’m where I want to be….and THANK GOD that my hair returned.
In 1993…..sites like this where unheard of if they were around at ALL. I’ve been natural since 1993. I made my own products back then….based on what I could remember my mother using when I was a little girl. I’m glad that sites like this are availiable, but like it was in 1993… DONT judge. We all remember people taking about the NAPPY head girl. I remember hearing that in 1993 at an HBCU, the only person who gave me a compliment was a brother and he didn’t even want my phone number. He just gave me props for having the courage to cut my hair to less than 3 inches when it was over 16 inches permed. Let’s just remember that….I like Kcurly’s attitude in responding.
Thankd KCurly for the excellent advice and I LOVE your website.