Is there anyone here who works as a server in a high-end restaurant? Would be interested in hearing about your experiences as someone with dreadlocks in that environment. Thanks
updated by @mairi-campbell: 01/13/15 09:59:13PM
Dreads in the workplace
updated by @mairi-campbell: 01/13/15 09:59:13PM
Yes I would be tying them back and covering them with a cloth wrap...it's just a little tricky because it's a place I picked up a few shifts last summer....money was phenomenal so I can't pass it up. But have started the dreading process since then. If I had my foot more firmly in the door I would feel more secure. The owner told me she would love to have me back next year (restaurant is open May to Oct), and I would be full time. So on one hand she has seen my work and is happy with it, and how I interact with the guests..on the other, I feel I am not established well there. Just a little concerned it could interfere with my being rehired. Thoughts?
phil said:
My workplace make me cover them . But I have natural dreads ... Very messy . Lol ... So I kinda understand . Its their business so you gotta conform . Maybe If you can pull them back. .. Off your face it will make a difference .
babas a chef in 1 i believe
my best friend was 1 in a seafood place in tulsa (few inches below the belt in the bible belt and to the rear..- the s___ stain of the bible belt) after working there for years it changed ownership andthe new owner required her to tie her dreads back and hide them with this hairpeice thingy (like a clipon ponytail thing)
the 1st day she went in like that ..the regular customers that knew her were ouyraged and for the next few weeks stood outside having resteraunt patrons sign a petition to let her wear her dreads freely without hiding them and said they would stop eating there if they didnt comply
so
just be friendly sociable smile alot ..a grumpy waitrsss or 1 thats short with u is more likely to get complaints while doing everything right then 1 that puts her hand on your shoulder looks you in the eyes sweetly talks to you like an old freind as she pours hot soup in your lap
win over the people who eat there with your personality and your dreads..and the management..wont matter at all
--
My new book Ban The Taboo Vol 1
Thanks for the encouragement! I did do a good job last year, the guests liked me as did the staff. I am hoping I have already proven my professionalism and that it will stand on its own...and my dreads will be neatly kept.
soaring eagle said:
babas a chef in 1 i believe
my best friend was 1 in a seafood place in tulsa (few inches below the belt in the bible belt and to the rear..- the s___ stain of the bible belt) after working there for years it changed ownership andthe new owner required her to tie her dreads back and hide them with this hairpeice thingy (like a clipon ponytail thing)
the 1st day she went in like that ..the regular customers that knew her were ouyraged and for the next few weeks stood outside having resteraunt patrons sign a petition to let her wear her dreads freely without hiding them and said they would stop eating there if they didnt comply
so
just be friendly sociable smile alot ..a grumpy waitrsss or 1 thats short with u is more likely to get complaints while doing everything right then 1 that puts her hand on your shoulder looks you in the eyes sweetly talks to you like an old freind as she pours hot soup in your lap
win over the people who eat there with your personality and your dreads..and the management..wont matter at all
oh btw her next job after that was ..well dominos pizza not exactly a :"high end restaurant" but the story of what happened should encourage you
after working there a while a new manager was promoted who constantly teased her for not being christian (so are you going out in the woods to dance naked worshiping trees and fornicating with demons tonight?) as well as making ignorant comments about her dreade
she started really screwing her over reducung hours ..several times she insisted she come in to work ..only to send her home an hour later
thisd went on for about 2 months then the manager was fired
and guess whos the manager now working more hours then anyone..the dready evil heathens in charge now haha
point being u may get 1 person descriminating and being ignorant but chances are they wont last long and you may even move up because of their attempts to push you down
--
My new book Ban The Taboo Vol 1
I work in healthcare and it is also a very appearance based workplace. I was afraid they would come up with some "unsanitary" excuse. Being a proven asset to the team goes a LONG way.Keep them clean and very well ordered as well as smelling great. Use an essential oil spray before work as long as it is not overpowering. If they smell great enough that people complement their clean smell no one will question their cleanliness. As for appearance from experience I would recommend long dreadbands and head covers as well especially during the "messy" period as I'm in now. You can make them yourself as well from the same material as the rest of your uniform so that it coordinates and actually looks like a part of it. I also use Buff head wraps as well. They are long and work well for working out too.Try to avoid the stereotypical tams while on duty. That brings a whole other ganja related stereotype as well. And lastly be prepared to work harder for the same level respect and tips your received before.One last thing one talks about is understanding that having dreads makes you a minority, a hair minority. Just like other types minorities you will have to deal with ignorance and even prejudice from time to time from both staff as well as patrons. Just take hope that there is a way to have dreads still advance through your professional career. A rule of thumb that minorities usually understand is that at first they will have to work twice as hard to get half the recognition of their peers. Just expect it, deal with it and get on with doing the absolute best job you possibly can and nothing will stop you from achieving your dreams and working a place you deem worthy of your talent and skill.
Great tips and very well spoken. I will look up those Buff headwraps you mentioned...sound ideal. Thanks so much for you well-considered reply 
Sting.Rey said:
I work in healthcare and it is also a very appearance based workplace. I was afraid they would come up with some "unsanitary" excuse. Being a proven asset to the team goes a LONG way.
Keep them clean and very well ordered as well as smelling great. Use an essential oil spray before work as long as it is not overpowering. If they smell great enough that people complement their clean smell no one will question their cleanliness. As for appearance from experience I would recommend long dreadbands and head covers as well especially during the "messy" period as I'm in now. You can make them yourself as well from the same material as the rest of your uniform so that it coordinates and actually looks like a part of it. I also use Buff head wraps as well. They are long and work well for working out too.
Try to avoid the stereotypical tams while on duty. That brings a whole other ganja related stereotype as well. And lastly be prepared to work harder for the same level respect and tips your received before.
One last thing one talks about is understanding that having dreads makes you a minority, a hair minority. Just like other types minorities you will have to deal with ignorance and even prejudice from time to time from both staff as well as patrons. Just take hope that there is a way to have dreads still advance through your professional career. A rule of thumb that minorities usually understand is that at first they will have to work twice as hard to get half the recognition of their peers. Just expect it, deal with it and get on with doing the absolute best job you possibly can and nothing will stop you from achieving your dreams and working a place you deem worthy of your talent and skill.
try titillating turbans here
https://shops.dreadlockssite.com/dreadtamshats.php
they have some beautiful ones
unfortunately for guys they all seem to me made for women but maybe the solid colored ones would work
there maybe other shops that was only 1 i looked ay so far
Mairi Campbell said:
Great tips and very well spoken. I will look up those Buff headwraps you mentioned...sound ideal. Thanks so much for you well-considered reply
Sting.Rey said:I work in healthcare and it is also a very appearance based workplace. I was afraid they would come up with some "unsanitary" excuse. Being a proven asset to the team goes a LONG way.
Keep them clean and very well ordered as well as smelling great. Use an essential oil spray before work as long as it is not overpowering. If they smell great enough that people complement their clean smell no one will question their cleanliness. As for appearance from experience I would recommend long dreadbands and head covers as well especially during the "messy" period as I'm in now. You can make them yourself as well from the same material as the rest of your uniform so that it coordinates and actually looks like a part of it. I also use Buff head wraps as well. They are long and work well for working out too.
Try to avoid the stereotypical tams while on duty. That brings a whole other ganja related stereotype as well. And lastly be prepared to work harder for the same level respect and tips your received before.
One last thing one talks about is understanding that having dreads makes you a minority, a hair minority. Just like other types minorities you will have to deal with ignorance and even prejudice from time to time from both staff as well as patrons. Just take hope that there is a way to have dreads still advance through your professional career. A rule of thumb that minorities usually understand is that at first they will have to work twice as hard to get half the recognition of their peers. Just expect it, deal with it and get on with doing the absolute best job you possibly can and nothing will stop you from achieving your dreams and working a place you deem worthy of your talent and skill.
--
My new book Ban The Taboo Vol 1
