Anyone had problems or issues with hair on placement and in clinical areas?
Kinda brings up the frustrating and demeaning question (again) of âis black hair professional?â, but I often have to think about what placement Iâm on and if my hair will work for the placement... is it just me?
Definitely not just you.. It's so annoying that this is a genuine question that we have to discuss! From braids not fitting into scrub caps to the constant questions about my natural hair or how I was able to "change it so quickly", it's frustrating.
I do understand that most people ask with pure intentions but it's still uncomfortable being under the spotlight and almost being made a spectacle.
It's very disheartening that this is a real issue but unfortunately, black people who work in healthcare that I meet usually have numerous anecdotes of times they were made to feel like their own natural hair was 'unprofessional'.
A friend recently told me about an instance in which a black doctor had her natural hair up and a white medical student actually called it out for being unprofessional (not directly to her, but to the rest of the medical students).
Other stories have confirmed that this way of thinking is more common than most would expect and its scary to think that these and other implicit biases remain unchecked amongst so many working in the NHS.
It's definitely disheartening to have your hair, especially that you were born with, policed. I'm not sure many natural hairstyles will be considered professional unless it's hidden away. Maybe it's time to change the narrative on what is considered professional?
Boyyyyy... I agree. In summary, I think black hair is professional, and *should* be considered professional.
I've had a consultant complain my twists were too long, and had to tie it in a bun. I've been lucky that no one has commented about my natural hair when it's out cz I would have given them the talk of their life.