Natural Hair in Corporate America - African American Women not Working out

Every since I was a youngster, I was always active. Not the best at coordinated sports, but active. I was on the track team in high school and through college I found the neighborhood gym and so began my fitness lifestyle that I still maintain today. I used to wonder why not many of my sisters would work out. When I questioned them about it; it was always said jokingly but it seemed hair was the culprit. I never let my hair prevent me from maintaining a healthy lifestyle, but could definitely relate because at the time my hair was relaxed. Thank goodness for up do hairstyles and beautiful hair adornments. That was how I worked out for years.

When I came across an article in the New York Times about the U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Regina M. Benjamin stating “the reason why African American women don't exercise is over fears that perspiration will ruin their hairstyle”.  I felt saddened and thought back to those joking conversations. Fast forward to now.  I regularly exercise at the fitness center at my job and so did Suzanne. At the time I met her she wore her hair relaxed and I could see that after a workout her hair was different. This did not stop her and she definitely gained my respect. Then one fine day Suzanne cane to the gym sporting a TWA. Check out her story.

Natural Hair in Corporate America. Is Natural Hair Professional?

Corporate Naturalista Renee 

Another smiling Corporate Naturalista! A comment I received from a viewer on my first vlog concerning natural hair in Corporate America was "Is it true that naturals have the brightest smiles"? I want to say YES. In my previous vlog all of the women had big beautiful smiles. In this video Renee is no exception; her lovely smile can be seen throughout the interview.
I caught up with Renee who shares her experiences on being natural in the workplace. This Naturalista loves working out and with her natural hair feels no hindrance about working out as she did when her hair was relaxed. She feels completely “free”. 
What was the reaction by Renee's coworkers the very first time she came to the office wearing her natural hair? Is she truly happy with her decision to go natural? To find out the answers to these questions and more check out the video. To see the video full screen double click on it.

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Natural Hair in Corporate America ·

Let's face it; textured natural hair has always had some sort of “mystique” about it.

With the Natural Hair becoming more popular, textured hair is definitely  attracting more attention.
I remember  three years ago when I  did the big chop to go natural. The reaction in my workplace was definitely a mixed bag. Many of my coworkers could not understand why would I cut  off all my hair. Others liked it and said it complimented my face. I am always interested in hearing the stories of other women that have gone natural, and decided to do a blog and vlog about it. During one of my Corporate conferences recently, I set about to do so, with my trusty camera in tow. I am really new at videoing live people so the recording may be a shaky at times, with practice, I will get better. I recorded a few women at first then decided to reach out to other corporate naturals within my organization at different locations as well. I am so excited to be able to share their responses in hopes to bring more understanding about Natural Hair in Corporate America. Perhaps it will inspire women who may be thinking of going natural. I will have a follow up video with more corporate naturalista's sharing their natural styles and thoughts about natural hair.

What are some of your stories about being natural in your workplace? 

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