Black people's hair styled in (dred) locks and careers... Replies from educated professionals p

How would you feel if a black woman wore her hair in 'locks' (dred locks) that were neat? Would you feel that it detracted from her professional appearance? Is this type of style appropriate for a doctor (in training)? Please be honest (but kind) as I am contemplating making a major change with my hair.

Black people's hair styled in (dred) locks and careers... Replies from educated professionals please...?

This is one of the most honest questions I have come across so I am going to answer it this way.

Most people are really interested in who you are, not your hair. It isn't the most people you need to be concerned about it is the few.

I work for an internet company, it is a young industry and so the rules are a lot less rigid. We have people with tattoos everywhere to the most conservative looking and everything in between.

for older industries or positions where you come into contact with people you need to understand the mindset that goes along with it. I can only talk about my industry.

Competence is really valued by most. The very best in any field can get away with anything (just look at Dennis Rodman) But the rest of us need to work hard to get noticed. And that's where your decision needs to come from.

Good Luck

Black people's hair styled in (dred) locks and careers... Replies from educated professionals please...?

I don't care, what you have to consider is do you want to be acceptable to the majority of people and be viewed as in line with the acceptable norm or do you want to be someone who is recognized as attempting to be noticed. You ask how someone feels, as I say I don't care but there is the need to meet the public and present yourself in what is considered acceptable so you decide for yourself.

Black people's hair styled in (dred) locks and careers... Replies from educated professionals please...?

its cool with me but for a black person to colour theyre hair blonde or a red really is in bad taste is it suppose to be IM COOL statement actually it makes them look really really really stupid

Black people's hair styled in (dred) locks and careers... Replies from educated professionals please...?

Not a problem in NYC. I work as a recruiting contractor in New York in the marketing field. As long as you look and act professionally your hairstyle is not an issue.

I would imagine as a doctor you might want to keep your hair short, though......couldn't long hair of any style get in the way in a lab, near medical equipment or on rounds? I've had to wear my hair back in some workplaces (like manufacturing sites) because hair can get caught in machinery.

Just keep your look professional and enjoy having your own style.

Black people's hair styled in (dred) locks and careers... Replies from educated professionals please...?

Strictly from a professional standpoint Think....the cultural norm for those who donn dreds, is that they are pot smokers...it's part of the Rastafarian culture. That is not a good image for a professional person. It makes a statement that may or may not be true. Just as all Jewish people are cheap or all white people are selfish, not true. But the message it sends will most definitely affect the way people relate to you as a helping professional. I have always liked dredlocks, but not on white people. I believe that people should be themselves and not mimic other cultures. Even though they say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery....we should stick to displaying our own culture and not hopping on to someone else's, no matter how cool we think it is. Just my opinion.

Black people's hair styled in (dred) locks and careers... Replies from educated professionals please...?

How you wear your hair is ultimately your choice, But dreds are not considered to be very professional looking. It might be better if you established yourself professionally first and than took an honest look at the other professionals at you hospital.

Black people's hair styled in (dred) locks and careers... Replies from educated professionals please...?

Unfortunately, how you look and dress have a lot to do with your career success. If your boss can overlook your hair style, then you are fine. If not, you are screwed.

Same for dressing for casual Friday. A lot of women, and some men nowadays, dress way too casual...tank top, low cut, boot cut, tattoos, flip flop etc. I don't think it will do these men and women any good career wise reminding their bosses that they are really no different than their bastard grandchildren or some street person after all.

Just my opinions.

Black people's hair styled in (dred) locks and careers... Replies from educated professionals please...?

I think that dreadlocks that are neat and well groomed are fine and can have a very classy look if you style them right. I think that in addition to being overall well groomed, your intelligence, personality and character need to be the prominent things that people notice about you; that and the fact that you are a very good doctor.

You may experience some disapproval from those who do not understand that just because you have dreads do not mean that you like to smoke a blunt every morning. The truth is, most people do not understand black hair, its texture and the many things that can be done with it because of its texture.

Just use you best judgment. Keep your dreads neat, clean, and well groomed and you should be fine; remember you are more than just your hair and have a lot to offer. That is what is most important.