Dreads and Fros Are They No's
By: Sheniynah Richardson

“I used to wear braids all the time…I don’t want to be prejudged. And I think a lot of times it is real easy for them [employers] to do that [prejudge] because they don’t understand how our hair works… I don’t want [my hair] to be the reason that I don’t get the job.” -Marti 2 
It is well accepted that you get one chance to make a first impression, so make it a good one, but what does your hair say about you? Personal appearance symbolizes intelligence and the potential to succeed. Looking the part has a large weighing on hire and promotions. 4 Negative stereotypes tell that afro-centric styles represent the unskilled and unproven. 2 Dawgelene Sangster of dreadlocks.org identifies the different types of dreadlock styles. Many instantly associate dreadlocks with Rastafarian culture. Rastafarian dreads are no-fuss and defined by long chunky strains matted at the root, while similar versions are characterized by small to medium parting at the scalp and range from very short to very long lengths. Dreading occurs when hair is uncombed for a period of three-six months. 3

Tradition provides that straight silky hair is the ideal standard of beauty, but corporate America now understands the implications of enforcing such an assumption. McManus-v-MCI Communications was the result of a Black, woman filing discrimination charges after the company reprimanded her ethnic hairdos and African wardrobe. Fear of “symbolic racism” holds many Blacks from embracing an ethnic appearance. Shorter-Gooden finds that many Blacks fear appearing “too Black.” 2

Law enforcement official Sereta expressed her fear of looking too Black upon entering the force. The officer holds that to her surprise Whites were more accepting of her hairstyle and often complimented her appearance. Sereta says that it was her Black colleagues that told her that her hair would be the stagnation of her career. Jeffery Bradley, another featured writer of dreadlocks.org encourages that dreads are for everyone. A common misconception is that locks are culture specific. Dreads are ideal for kinky hair, but can successfully be achieved with fine, silky, straight hair as well. The locking process depends on the hair’s natural curl. 1

Bradley notes that not everyone will love the lock look, but it is important to nobly accept criticism. Dread wearers should hold high levels of confidence and determination to succeed.  In self-inventory the public should question if lack of credentials were factored in hire or promotion.  Employees and applicants should maintain a well-suited appearance and strong work ethic. 1 Make sure your clothes reflect the type of job you seek to obtain or aspire to be promoted to. Employees and applicants should be neat and exude an overall tidy appearance. 4 “Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you too, can become great.” Mark Twain.

Sources:
1. Bradley, J. (2010). Do you want to find a job with dreadlocks? EzineArticles.com. Retrieved from www.dreadlocks.org on 12/12/10.
2. Rosette, A. & Dumas, T. (2007). The hair dilemma: Conform to mainstream expectations or emphasize racial identity. Duke Journal of Gender Law & Policy: Gale Group. Retrieved from www.thefreelibrary.com on 12/12/10.
3. Sangster, D. (2010). Answers to your burning questions about dreadlocks. EzineArticles.com. Retrieved from www.dreadlocks.org on 12/12/10
4. Workforce Investment Network (2010). Dress for success. Retrieved from: http://www.mdes.ms.gov/Home/JobSeekerServices/DressforSuccess.html on 12/12/10