Hi I'm in a professional course in the UK which has a lot of industry interaction. However I've always wanted to get my hair dreaded. Would that be okay? Or would it look just too juvenile? Does dreaded hair signify anything?
2006-07-04 23:05:58 · 27 answers · asked by AM 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
My partner has dreads - and he teaches children. Contrary to what some people think, dreads can be (and generally are) washed.
My fella uses a 'dry' herbal shampoo. This is latherless and is rubbed into the locks and scalp. It is then rubbed off again with a towel. It prevents 'nasties' in the hair, promotes hair growth and keeps the locks clean and free from mildew.
I have also seen shampoo especially for locks and braids, which also keeps them clean and fresh smelling!
As for professionalism - if my hairstyle prevented me from doing my job, then fair point. But to me, this is unlikely. But some companies would take a dim view I guess of locks. This is just a sign of prejudice and ignorance though.
Really, though, it's your personal choice. Just be aware that your options (career wise) may be limited by this choice due to some people's views!
2006-07-11 08:20:28 · answer #1 · answered by thatchinnorgirl 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Ignorance is not bliss! Live in an area with a variety of races and cultures and you'll know that some of the responses are simply not true.
Dreads in and of themselves are not dirty. Folks with dreads wash their hair like everyone else. Furthermore, dreads are now called locks. Many African-Americans, not just Rastas, wear locks. The way to lock your hair is to use a special oil and twist it on a regular basis. I've seen people with unkempt locks, just like I've seen people with straight hair, short hair, braids, etc that was dirty, so stop it with the dirty comments.
As for being unprofessional, any hairstyle can be unprofessional. The key is to be neat and well groomed. By day, I'm very conservative, but when I go out, I can be more relaxed and experiment with different looks and daring styles.
Get your hair locked, put on your professional gear and celebrate individuality.
2006-07-10 21:36:50 · answer #2 · answered by Brenna100 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you DO decide to do this, you should compensate for it by being totally, painfully correct in all other aspects of your appearance, like wear a suit and tie to class and so on. Also, you should find a way to keep your hair controlled and away from your face; for either a gender to fail to do this is unprofessional looking.
A few people asserted that dreads are never washed? Is this true? I'm a little skeptical because several of my co-workers have dreads, and these people all seem to be very cleanly in their dress and personal habits. Can someone comment on this?
2006-07-05 07:47:30 · answer #3 · answered by kill_yr_television 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Dreaded hair is usually associated with rastafarians. Personally I think it generally looks silly on white people. It might not be the most professional look to have and you cannot wash it so I'd advise doing in the winter when it won't get sweaty and as smelly as in summer.
2006-07-05 06:10:49 · answer #4 · answered by ehc11 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It signifies you haven't washed it in ages.
It was also the preferred hairstyle of Rastafarianism. So if you're not quite ready to embrace the ganja, or don't want to come across as a reggae artiste, then I suggest you don't do it. I think it will be a long time before people will stop stereotyping people based on their looks.
2006-07-05 06:10:49 · answer #5 · answered by Bapboy 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
dreads usually signify your african heritage. in jamaica, it signifies that connection as well as rastafarian or rastafari which is basically a way of life - beliefs, teachings, religion, diet. dreads go back as far as africa before the slave trade. but people today will wear dreads as just another hairstyle to be cute or try to show they are down with african culture or some crap like that.
if you wish to wear dreads, do it because you want to represent something. they are not easy to manage. also, you are NOT supposed to cut off your dreads or allow anyone to cut them off as it is bad luck. but then again, if you're just trying to be "fashionable" i suppose it doesn't matter.
2006-07-05 06:20:59 · answer #6 · answered by Anthony Taurus 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't know about the UK... But here in the US, Dreaded hair is considered a very unprofessional demeanor.
2006-07-05 06:08:29 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You probably want to reconsider dreads. It's something that a potential employer would frown upon. You would be representing the company and would need to choose a style that would reflect a good impression upon yourself and the company. Most companies have dress codes as well.
2006-07-13 00:03:26 · answer #8 · answered by fallenmoonlight0 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
To be honest - it's a perception thing. I wouldn't recommend doing it until the course is over.
The general perception (right or wrong) is that dreds are dirty and hippy-ish. In the same way that flip-flops are meant to ruin people's chances of promotion because they're too laid back.
If you don't think it will give the wrong impression, then give it a go, it may be the last chance you have.
2006-07-05 06:10:54 · answer #9 · answered by nagaqueen13 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Honestly, I think that dreads on black people are absoultely beautiful. I would not think that would seem unprofessional. However, I think that dreads on anyone else looks horrible. It looks like you rubbed crap in your hair.
I am not sure if that helps.
2006-07-05 14:11:19 · answer #10 · answered by onefootnaked 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋