My feelings on wearing natural hair or a protective style to an interview

Last week, I went on, what feels like, my millionth job interview. If you follow my IG, then you know that I recently got my hair braided and was rockin these long, colored locks.

The day before I went to a friend of mine to get my hair braided, I received a call from an interviewer telling me to come in the day after my hair would be done. After the call, I panicked a bit. Could I go in with the braids I planned to get? Will my hair be viewed as unprofessional? I hate that that was the first thought that came to mind but it's something Black people and people of color unfortunately have to think about.

Years ago, before I even went natural, I'd see jokes on social media where women would say that they'd "trick" their interviewer by showing up with a wig or straightened hair and when they would get the job, they'd show up with their natural hair. I'd see this joke so much that even though I wasn't a natural yet, I worried about how a future employer would view not only my skin but my hair as well.

Going to my very first interview, I thought back to those jokes and to be honest, I debated on whether or not I should wear my natural hair. Quickly, after years of making the decision that I wouldn't use heat on my hair unless necessary, I shoved that idea far, far away. There was no way in hell that I'd change anything about my appearance just to please someone else or make them comfortable. Whether the interviewer likes it or not, they will see these natural, poppin curls or protective style gracing their eyes!

I must say that the confidence behind being comfortable with wearing my hair comes from NY, (where I live), passing the Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair (CROWN) Act. For those who don't know, the CROWN Act is a law that "...prohibits race-based hair discrimination..." (https://www.thecrownact.com/about). The Act also extends to prohibiting discrimination against protective styles. It's absolutely wild to me that this law was passed by The House TWO YEARS AGO and only 8 states and 18 cities/municipalities have passed the Act. How ridiculous is that?

Despite what society may say, straight and silky hair is NOT the only "presentable" style. There is no reason for you to be uncomfortable in your own skin - you are beautiful just the way you are!

If a job can't let me freely be myself, then I don't want it!

For those who are curious, these are the 8 states that have passed the CROWN Act: