Locks, braids in 'business world'

The School of Business and Economics at Winston-Salem State enforces a dress policy for all its majors to prepare them for the business world.

This policy does not address popular hair styles, like braids and locks.

Locks,  dreadlocks or dreads are matted coils of hair intentionally formed. Various methods are used to form locks, such as backcombing sections of the hair or twisting. 

Beth Schneider, an SBE faculty member said she has mixed emotions on the topic hair styles. She said that students who wear braids and locks can be successful in the business world and in the SBE because hairstyles have nothing to do with a person's competency to complete a job. 

Schneider said that students should remember that everyone in the business world will not accept certain hairstyles, tattoos, or men who wear earrings. 

"You never know what you may be judged on," Schneider said.   

"The thing to remember is to make sure your competency shines through and people who are concerned with managing effective companies will judge you for your ability, not your choice of hairstyle.

Hasaan Nelson, a junior marketing major from Charlotte, wears locks. 

"There is a difference between dreadlocks on men and women," Nelson said. 

Men with locks are considered "gang related" or viewed as "thugs" but this is not always the case; women are not.

Nelson said braids and locks appear very professional to him, but if he were given an ultimatum, although he would be disappointed, he would cut them for a desirable  job.

Beverly Lindsey, an adjunct in SBE, said that all aspects of  personal appearance make a difference when a person is interviewing for a job. 

She said that if  she were doing the hiring, she would employ a person with braids or locks because she has gained a different perception of people through her experience at WSSU.

"Wearing dreads is a representation of an individual that should be respected," Lindsey said. 

"My experience has shown me that overwhelming dreads are not acceptable in business. Although we may not agree with this standard [braids or locks], we will have to make choices about what parts of our individuality we are willing to change, until we are in a position of power to set our own standards."

Dr. Jessica Bailey, SBE dean, said the SBE does not have any concerns about braids or locks.