5 Successful Professionals Who Rock Their Natural Hair Fearlessly

A co-worker came to me this morning asking:

"Did you see her hair this morning? It is so big and out there. (Making hand gestures) That's not appropriate for work."

When I asked why it was not appropriate, this was the response:

"I am just not accustomed to that kind of thing."

For some, natural hair is just a fad that will soon get tiring as soon as the next new thing pops up. However, for many wearing their natural hair is a way to shun society's long-standing expectations of beauty and create a new standard. A standard that allows a woman the right to wear her hair as it naturally grows and still feel beautiful. 

Therefore, I do not understand how natural hair could come across as an unprofessional way to wear one's hair. For quite a while, the unique characteristics of black women have been undermined by Eurocentric standards of beauty and many of us have been trained to think that our hair in it's purest, natural state, affects our skills and abilities. 

Below are some ladies who challenged the nonsensical notions and made success theirs.  

1. Solange Knowles

Solange stepped out on the scene with her unapologetically huge fro! Puma saw her and wanted her. They soon after named her their new creative consultant and art director. 

2. Issa Rae

Issa Rae, creator behind the workplace comedy, The Misadventures of an Awkward Black Girl (over a million views) incorporated stigmas faced by natural hair females in the workplace. She is on her way to launching her new movie with Shonda Rhimes  called "I hate L.A. dudes." There's success for ya! 

3. Ursula Burns

Ursula Burns is the head of Xerox. As the first black woman to ever secure a chief executive position in a Fortune 500 Company, Burns never allowed her Afro textured coils deter her from the pinnacle of success.

4. Esperanza Spalding

In 2011, this beauty received an award for the Best New Artist. After receiving her award with this enormous Afro, everyone wanted to know who was this woman who was brave enough to do this in a world filled of Beyonce's and Nicki's. She broke the mold while collecting one of the Music Industry's most prestigious awards.  

5. Tracee Ellis Ross 

Daughter of Dianna Ross, Tracee Ellis Ross worked in the magazine industry, which led her to modeling and subsequently acting. Many people know her big hair from the old time hit series "Girlfriends". After appearing on several other shows and movies, Ross eventually landed another lead role in the series Black-ish. The show has been a success and weekly showcase for the actress's talents and Fro. Tracee Ellis Ross is another successful natural who says "When they look at me, I hope they see a woman who accepts herself." 

See Curlies! See why I do not understand what they mean when they say our hair is "unprofessional?" Our hair does not affect our ability to be beautiful, intelligent, hard working or successful. Keep your head up and your hair big! 

"There is no need to be perfect to inspire others. Let others be inspired by how you handle your imperfections."