I start with a recent post on our Facebook Group 'Dreadlock Culture Malta'.
Yes, when applying for a new job, people with dreadlocks are generally discriminated, as are people with tattoos. If you have dreadlocks, you won't be getting much luck securing a job that is considered front of house.
But what about safe-keeping your job, if one day you go to work with dreadlocks? If you are lucky and the bosses do not pick on you to get you fired, but truly appreciate your talents and effort no matter your hair style, here are some points you may wish to take note of:
1. Make sure your hair is neat and tidy
Keep your professional appearance from head to toe. You don't want to appear dirty or scruffy. If you keep your locks clean and smelling good all the time, no one will really mind the difference.
2. Have your hair decently styled
There are so many ways to pull up your locks. From a standard pony-tail for men, to beautiful up-dos for women, make sure you are consistently smart.
3. Dress smart
Your hair style should compliment your outfit, and vice-versa. You need to always appear professional. This way you will feel confident with yourself and make your colleagues and clients comfortable around you.
4. Know your dress-code
In addition to the above, you need to make sure you follow the Company's dress-code rules. Do you need to wear a hat? Gloves? An apron? A name tag? Always be in line with those rules.
5. Respect
You must give it before you earn it! Analyze your behaviour with your colleagues and make sure you respect everyone, even if you don't personally like them.
Sometimes being good is just not good enough - you have to be the best. Do your job well, double check yourself and exceed your boss's or client's expectations.
7. Don't take it personal
If, after all your efforts you still feel that you are being discriminated because of your locks, remember that the only thing we have control of is ourselves. So decide that you don't care what others think of you and just be yourself.
