Dirty LAWndry reader - “Tammy” - has this to share:

“Hi, LAWndry girl. I recently went back to work at a large firm. I had to take some time off from work because I was diagnosed with breast cancer. During that time, I couldn’t keep up with the maintenance of my hair. I am a black woman and I used to wear my hair in relaxed hair styles before I had cancer. I lost a lot of my hair during my chemotherapy so I eventually shaved it. Once the cancer began to recede, I was still too weak to take care of my hair like I normally do. I decided that it would be easier for me to have locks.

Well, now that I’ve finally returned to my job, everyone seems to be focused on my locks. I get compliments from some people. But, there are those in my firm that act as if my hairstyle is somehow offensive. I’ve had co-workers ask me if I was “trying to be militant” or if I was “angry” since I came back. I’m neither. I just wanted a simple hairstyle that I could maintain. My hair is healthy and well-taken care of. I still wear the same professional work attire, so I don’t see what the big deal is. More importantly, my clients are fine with the hairstyle change. It’s just these damn attorneys that I work with.

I asked one of them why my hairstyle was such a controversial issue. He replied that it was just distracting to many in the office. Right. But, when “Julia” decided to add blueish-purple highlights to her jet-black hair, I guess no one thought that was distracting because she didn’t get bombarded with questions on a daily basis as I am. Why is this even an issue? I’m still the same person who’s well on her way to becoming a partner. It’s just hair, people.”