To mark World Afro Day, which took place earlier this month, our Embrace and Parent & Carers EDI Networks are here to dispel some myths regarding textured hair in the workplace. They're helping promote inclusivity within teams and highlight textured hair care tips, advice and support for parents and carers who may be encountering textured for the first time.
Afro vs Textured hair
Whilst an afro is a hairstyle, the hairstyle’s history and meaning is prominent in Black British African and Caribbean culture, and is often used interchangeably with textured hair. However, for the purposes of this article, we will refer to ‘textured hair’.
Afro hair has long been a topic of discussion and debate, with many misconceptions surrounding this unique and beautiful hair texture. Unfortunately, these misconceptions can have real-world implications, particularly in the workplace.
Some misconceptions
One common misconception about textured hair is that it is unprofessional or unkempt. This stereotype is not only untrue, but also harmful, as it perpetuates the idea that only certain hair textures are acceptable in professional settings. Textured hair is just as versatile and can be styled in many professional and polished ways. From sleek updos to neat twists, there are countless options for styling textured hair in a professional manner.
Another misconception is that textured hair is dirty or unhygienic. This is simply not true. Like all hair types, afro hair requires regular washing and maintenance to keep it clean and healthy. In fact, textured hair is often more fragile and prone to breakage, so proper care is essential to keeping it looking its best. These types of assumptions means people may inadvertently discriminate against colleagues with this hair texture.
Additionally, some people believe that textured hair is unmanageable or difficult to style. While it is true textured hair does require a different approach to styling compared to other hair textures, it's certainly not impossible to manage. With the right products and techniques, textured hair can be styled in a variety of ways, from natural curls to straightened styles.
Creating an inclusive and equitable workplace
It's important for people managers and colleagues to educate themselves about textured hair and the misconceptions surrounding it. By promoting diversity and inclusivity in the workplace, we can create a more welcoming and accepting environment for colleagues of all backgrounds. This includes understanding and appreciating the beauty of textured hair and acknowledging the challenges that individuals with this hair texture may face in the workplace.
It's crucial to challenge and debunk the misconceptions surrounding textured hair. By embracing and celebrating the diversity of hair textures, we can foster a more positive and supportive environment for all colleagues. It is time to move beyond stereotypes and embrace the beauty and versatility of textured hair in the workplace.
Here are some the Embrace EDI Network's tips on supporting colleagues with textured hair in the workplace:
- Wearing natural afro hair in the workplace is a personal choice that should be respected and celebrated. It is important for people managers and coworkers to create a supportive and inclusive environment where individuals feel comfortable expressing their authentic selves, including their natural hair.
- Individuals with textured hair may face bias and stereotypes in the workplace, with views that textured hair as unprofessional or unkempt, which can lead to discrimination or microaggressions. It's important for people managers to address and combat these biases by encouraging open communication and education about different hair textures.
- Another challenge that individuals with textured hair may encounter is lack of representation or support. People managers should consider textured hair in dress code policies to be more inclusive of diverse hair textures and styles.
Wearing natural textured hair in the workplace should be a personal choice that is respected and celebrated. Employers and coworkers should strive to create a culture of inclusivity and acceptance, where individuals feel empowered to express their authentic selves, including their natural hair.
For any advice or guidance, you can contact the Embrace Network: embrace@thegrowthco.uk
Parent & Carers Co-Chair, Naomi Ilagoswa shares her personal experience of caring for textured hair with her children:
"When my daughter was about three, she declared that she wanted long hair like Elsa (the Disney character), so I made it my mission to do two things. One to make sure we had lots of books that would help her have pride in her own hair instead wanting Elsa's hair and two, to make sure I knew how to care for her hair so it would grow long like she wanted. 'Hair Love by Matthew Cherry', 'I love my hair by Natasha Anatasia Tarpley' and 'Not Quite Snow White' by Ashley Franklin are all firm favourites in our house.
"As a mum of two mixed heritage kids, I think it's my duty and also a privilege to learn how to care for their hair. Thankfully, there is lots of free information on the internet and that's how I've learnt what products to try for different hair types (low/high porosity etc), good brushes that help with tangles and also how to do protective styles (cane/corn rows, twists, plaits) which care for their hair and keep the dreaded nits away. I'm definitely not an expert and know my limitations (cane/corn rows!) but I thankfully have a great friend and colleague Kelly who is talented and offers do the kids hair for me. A great account to follow on Instagram for inspiration, advice and support is @heybambino_"
Naomi’s Top Textured Hair Care Tips for Parents & Carers:
Caring for textured hair in children requires a gentle and consistent routine to keep their hair healthy and manageable.
- Moisturize regularly: Textured hair tends to be dry, so it is important to moisturize it regularly. Use a leave-in conditioner or moisturizing hair cream to keep their hair hydrated and prevent breakage.
- Gentle detangling: Textured hair can be prone to tangling, so it is important to detangle their hair gently. Use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers to detangle their hair when it is wet and coated with conditioner to minimize breakage.
- Protective styles: Consider using protective styles such as braids, twists, or buns to help protect their hair from damage and promote growth. Make sure not to style their hair too tightly to avoid tension and breakage.
- Use sulfate-free shampoos: Traditional shampoos can strip textured hair of its natural oils, so opt for sulfate-free or gentle shampoos that will cleanse their hair without drying it out.
- Deep conditioning treatments: Treat their hair to a deep conditioning treatment regularly to help restore moisture and strengthen their hair. You can use store-bought deep conditioners or make your own using natural oils and ingredients.
- Limit heat styling: Avoid using heat styling tools on their hair too frequently, as this can cause damage and dryness. If you must use heat, always use a heat protectant spray and keep the heat at a low setting.
- Trim their hair regularly: Regular trims can help prevent split ends and breakage, promoting healthy hair growth. Aim to trim their hair every 6-8 weeks to keep it looking neat and healthy.
- Protect their hair at night: Use a satin or silk bonnet or pillowcase to protect their hair while they sleep. This will help prevent friction and breakage that can occur when their hair rubs against cotton pillowcases.
By following these hair care tips, you can help keep your child's textured hair healthy, strong, and beautiful. Remember that every child's hair is unique, so it may take some trial and error to find the best routine that works for your child's hair type and needs.
For any advice and guidance, be sure to reach out the Parent and Carers network: parentsandcarers@thegrowthco.uk