Curiosity inspiring braids...

Anonymous

Question: How do I respond to a co-worker that continues to ask about my braids. I work in a corporate environment and I feel out of place, but my company allows me to wear my hair fashionably. I am tired of the comments. Help me Di before I respond inappropriately.

Signed,
Good Hair

Dear Anonymous,

Cute name! Don't get upset because a co-worker ask questions about your hair. Instead, use it as an opportunity to teach them something about your culture. Most of the people asking these types of questions are really just curious. Their questions might be tacky but they're usually not trying to be offensive. So take it as a compliment that they feel comfortable enough with you to ask. But don't feel out of place just because you don't look like everyone else. The next time that co-worker asks you about your hair, bring a black hair care magazine to work and use it to show the many versatile ways Black women can wear their hair, i.e. braids, locks, twists, straight, natural, tight curls, loose curls, etc. You might even suggest that if they are really curious about black hair they should take a walk on the wild side an visit a black hair salon. After all, black women frequent salons that serve a predominately while clientele all the time. As for the negative comments, chalk them up to ignorance, consider the source and ignore them just as you would if they'd come from another black person. Whatever, don't let anyone cramp your style or your positive attitude.
Inclusively yours,
Di Versity