Despite what you’ve heard, you don’t have to cut your locs, straighten your fro, or take down your protective styles to feel more presentable in a work place. Natural hair can be just as professional as any other type of hair. Don’t fall for the socially constructed myths that your natural hair cannot be “put together.” Keep reading to discover life hacks and how to confidently secure a job being the most natural form of yourself.

Affordable Hair Products

Natural hair may be gorgeous, but it’s not always cheap. I’ve tried a variety of products, but here’s my favorites that’ll have you slaying on a budget courtesy of your local beauty supply or Walmart:

-Eco Style Professional Styling Gel, $5.19. This gel comes in many different types. The most popular one is the olive oil gel in the green jar. All the hold you desire and all the oil you desire.

–Taliah Waajid Bamboo & Coconut Milk Leave-In Conditioner, 10.95. This black owned brand is my personal favorite. It contains Aloe & Sunflower oil and will not flake with gel. It detangles, conditions, moisturizes, softens & strengthens hair.

-Curls Blueberry Bliss Curl Control Paste, $9.99. If the delicious scent doesn’t get you, the flexible hold and extra shine are sure to win you over. Although it is a curl paste, this product is commonly used as an edge control because of the strong hold. Versatility in a hair product is always a win.

-Carol’s Daughter Mimosa Hair Honey, 2.99. A good hair oil or grease is always essential. This product has a blissful smell, good amount of shine, and even a growth treatment all in one. Life Hack: its cheapest at Target.

DOs and DON’Ts 

With any hair texture, there’s certain no-no’s in the workplace. I just want us to win. 

DO: Updos. Updos have always been a classy staple in the workplace. With a couple of bobby pins and some gel you can do a puff, a bun, or a chunky flat twist.

DON’T: loud colors. There’s technically no wrong way to wear the hair that grows from your scalp, but if you want to secure the bag, stick to natural colors like black, off-black, & brown. Leave the fun dyes out of the workplace.

DO: Protective styles. A protective style is any style that either protects your real hair (weave, braids etc.) or a style that doesn’t require you to brush or comb your hair like two strand twists or flat twists. Not only are protective styles extremely convenient, they complement any outfit.

DON’T: mix certain products together. Mixing gel products with water-based products instead of oil-based ones often result in flaking. For example, If you use Eco Styler gel after a leave-in conditioner that’s extremely milky & lacks oils, It may not mix well and form clumps.

DO: rock that TWA. Short natural hair or “Teeny Weeny Afros” can be worn as tapered cuts, fades, waves, etcetera. Have no fear in showing off every angle of that beautiful face. Ain’t no flaw in being who you be.

DO: let it all hang down. You don’t always have to tame your crown. A clean middle part, side part or an asymmetrical style can do no wrong. Unapologetically put it in their face prove the stigma wrong.

Advice from Lupita Nyong’o’s Hair Stylist, Vernon Francois 

Francois spilled the tea to Elle Magazine about his ultimate natural hair tips:

-Having the right brushes and combs are essential. The edges, the roots, and the back may all require different utensils.

-Education is key. Know what works for your particular hair texture. What someone with loose curls uses may not work the same on coils.

-Know Your products. Trial the products for 3 to 4 months to see if you like them.

-Step outside the box. Don’t be afraid to do new things with your hair.

Words of Encouragement 

Don’t be afraid or ashamed of your natural hair. If you aren’t sure on what to do, ask someone. You’re going to get that job and you’re going to succeed. After all, it’s what’s underneath the hair that matters the most.