Can braids be professional for AA?

[Winter Wind]

When I started pursuing dental school I cut my hair which use to be very long. Now that I've been accepted, I want to grow my hair back. As an AA I am always conscious to how people will perceive me, which is why I cut it to pursue dental school. As an AA I always feel like I have to give or present my best because many people have negative stereotypes. Not having long hair at least eliminates some of the negative stereotypes associated with long hair. Still, I really liked my hair long.

My question is what do you guys think about growing hair and perhaps getting braids in professional school? I've had long hair most of my life and I feel like I've sacrificed it to get into school and now I should be able to grow it. Do you guys think it's doable?

Also, I'm hesistant to grow it because right now it's short, so as I grow it it will go through this weird in between phase. During that phase it looks kind of weird. If I don't grow it now, I know I will want to when I leave school. What is your take on it?

Also, are there any males in professional school with braids, fro, or ponytail? I've heard of people with dreads, but not sure about the others.

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[Espadaleader]

Nah bro. Male braids don't work. Childish. I have no rationale, but that's how I feel. Keep it low or get locks.

 

[Telekinesis]

Nah bro. Male braids don't work. Childish. I have no rationale, but that's how I feel. Keep it low or get locks.

The majority of people are conservative. I would keep it low.

 

[MsKrispyKreme]

Nah bro. Male braids don't work. Childish. I have no rationale, but that's how I feel. Keep it low or get locks.

Keep it low or get locs.

In addition to the aforementioned sentiment, the upkeep with braids combined with your time commitment to school will invariably lead to you have fuzzy/unkempt braids from time-to-time. And that's not professional.

And I know you mentioned a ponytail...please...NO. That is an extremely feminine hairstyle. I know what I'm saying isn't politically correct, but everyone changes some aspect of themselves in order to be taken seriously as a professional.

I have very thick, long hair that comes to my lower back while most female medical school students keep shoulder length cuts at the most. Sure, I'd rather free the beast , but for professional (and hygienic) reasons, I keep my hair in a neat bun when I'm in medical student mode.

 

[DoctaJay]

I used to have cornrows down my back up until my freshman year of college. I cut them because I was too cheap to start paying girl to do it. As I have progressed to college and medical school it is pretty clear to me that as a black male you really need to be conservative about your hair until YOU make all the decisions about your future. When you are an attending you can do whatever you want but when other people with their individual biases control your future its better not to make the statement with your hair but with your character and intellect.

 

[Winter Wind]

Well, I guess I'll be keeping it low...dang! Maybe, after I establish my practice someday then...then again, by then I probably won't care anymore lol. Thanks everyone.

 

[jweezy225]

Yeah, I had braids myself between 8th grade and sophomore year of college. It's sad to say, but people were more receptive of me AFTER the hair cut, lol. I also couldn't imagine going on any interviews with braids given the conservative nature of the field. There's already the stress of being a minority, no need to add more to it. You know? I don't even think it'd be a good idea to get braids when you're the one calling the shots because you'd have to start dealing with the efforts of convincing people that--despite your appearance--you're qualified.

dark caesar!!! or get a fade lol

 

[Bigz]

Braids does not come from an African American culture its a HIP-HOP culture. Why a man feels the need braids his hair is something my grandma asked me one day. I am was as puzzled as she was.

to the OP. I am yet to see an Attending with braids though i have seen dreads.

 

[Winter Wind]

Braids does not come from an African American culture its a HIP-HOP culture. Why a man feels the need braids his hair is something my grandma asked me one day. I am was as puzzled as she was.

to the OP. I am yet to see an Attending with braids though i have seen dreads.

To me Hip-hop culture is a big part of African American culture. I guess sometimes I feel like that's my culture and I can relate to it. Also, I guess since I came up with braids I'm more comfortable with them and feel like they suit me better. All my friends that know I want to be a dentist though say keep it low though haha. I wish I came up with just a low cut so I wouldn't feel different you know.

I guess it would be similar to you all of a sudden getting a new hair style that you didn't want, but you did it because you wanted to put your best foot forward. Sigh...this sucks. Gotta do what you gotta do though I guess.