Zoom-Ready: 5 Polished & Professional Ways to Rock Headwraps
15 Jun 2023
10 comments
Need Head Wrap Style Ideas for the Office?
Throughout the years, African-American women have endured discriminatory hair laws and policies in the workplace. But despite the discrimination, we rise with bigger ‘fros, longer locs, and vibrant… head wraps?
Yes, head wraps. When it comes to wearing head wraps in the workplace, many women with 4c natural hair are hesitant to do it—and for good reason. For some of us, even deciding to wear our 4c natural hair to the office—especially to job interviews—is a tough decision. We contemplate whether we should wear our tried and true natural updo hairstyle or play it safe with a wig. But it begs us to ask the question… when do we start creating and upholding our own standards for what is acceptable in the workplace?
Historically, women wore head wraps in Africa as ornate symbols of pride, culture, and identity. But did you know there were U.S. laws in the 1700’s that made it mandatory for African-American women to wear their hair “bound in a kerchief”? In the U.S., head wraps were used as symbols of oppression—they were markers of enslavement to make African-American feel less desirable and powerful than their white counterparts.
Times have certainly changed since then. Nowadays, head wraps are a quick and easy protective hairstyle for curly hair. You see plenty of bloggers and celebrities rocking bold head wraps not only for the style, but also for the functionality. You might even wear a head wrap to travel or do some quick errands—because not having the time to style your natural hair doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t look cute, right? With that said, many women still aren’t completely comfortable wearing a head wrap to work because they feel that the look isn’t accepted in corporate America.
The good news is that the widespread uncertainty of head wraps in the workplace is shifting from the sidelines to the mainstream equity discussion. New York and California have adopted the Crown Act, a law prohibiting natural hair discrimination in the workplace.
If you’ve been toying with the idea of wearing a head wrap to work, but you’re not sure how to pull it off, we’ve crafted five simple head wrap styles for the office. Happy styling!
Look #1
Inspiration: The professional and classy working woman that still wants to be chic and trendy in her environment with this earth toned olive.
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Look #2
Inspiration: The girl boss on the go who wants to add a pop of color to this confident, sleek outfit.
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Look #3
Inspiration: The woman who wants something very versatile and comfortable, yet is not afraid of playing with vibrant red tones.
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Look #4
Inspiration: The glamorous and defying working woman that is not afraid to stand out with her shimmer and pops of gold.
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Look #5
Inspiration: The intern who is always on the go, constantly crossing between work and play in cool winter shades.
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10 comments
Although I feel that headwraps can definitely be appropriate for the office, I wouldn’t wear them as dramatic as in the pictures , but I guess it depends on your field. If you work as a creative I feel like the pictures above are more fitting.
These comments are perfect examples of cultural ignorance. So sad! We’re not the same, and who decides what’s professional? It’s easy to dismiss anything that doesn’t apply to you. Get a life!!!
It depends. If the rest of the outfit is professional and conservative and as long as the wrap doesn’t have a wild pattern or big knot or bow, then it’s fine. But that’s not what I am seeing. Don’t dress for a family reunion when coming to work.
I do not agree with this article. Head wraps – or any other head gear – unless it is for religious reason is not appropriate in the workplace. would it be any different if a guy wore a baseball cap? No – none of them are appropriate. I’m sure they will be worn, but you should know that it sends a clear message about your judgement.
Am a 31 years woman from South Africa, i always wear dresses n skirts I don’t wear jeans or pants and I always wrap my head its my religion. What fashionable and affordable style I can wear I feel I need a knew look for work n just at home. I work as court interpreter.
I will appreciate the respond.