Job Discussion Forums

[Mamasita516]

Hi, I'm Mamasita - I have a question, and it might be a silly one. I am half black and half Mexican, and I just got accepted to ECC and I am a little concerned with maintaining my hair - its currently relaxed straight (as it is naturally curly) and I am looking for any suggestions to avoid destroying it as I may not be able to up keep it while in a foreign country.

If any one has any suggestions please pm me.

[Zzonkmiles]

You might want to ask the people at www.blacktokyo.com. Not too many blacks on Dave's.

As for black guys, almost all of the ones I know simply shave their heads.

[Mamasita516]

Hmmmm wonder why that is?
LOL I think the upkeep for the hair of black men is a bit different from that of black women, but thanks for the website. I'll check that.

[nawlinsgurl]

Hey Mamasita---I like your name! I think it depends where you will b e in Japan. In Tokyo, I know of a salon you can go to for American style relaxers done by Japanese girls who speak fluent english. IM me if you want info.
Otherwise I'd suggest getting box perms--you can buy them from the flying pig. com or other mailorder companies. I don't have a perm myself but I take my terribly curly hair to the salon and get it blowdried and flatironed straight. Japanese salons are pretty good. Oh and I have another friend who got the Japanese straight perm and she loves it.
Good luck!

[canuck]

You won't have to worry about your hair at all.

[Mamasita516]

Canuck -

Thank you much, could you specify?

[canuck]

ECC or any other company wouldn't have hired you if they didn't think you were "presentable". In addition, most Japanese don't have a hangup about how foreigners look really. They will be coming to learn and practice speaking English. My friend from the states used to change her hair all the time, and she had a similar background to yourself, and didn't have a problem at all.

The only time I can see your employer really getting angry or concerned is if you started colouring your hair crazy colours or deciding that mohawks were suddenly the rage again. Relax and enjoy your new experience.

[Zzonkmiles]

Canuck,

I think she's asking how she can maintain her hair in Japan, not whether or not her employer or other Japanese people think her hairstyle is okay. Do you still stand by your original assertion that "she has nothing to worry about"?

[canuck]

You're right. Totally misread. That being said, a good hair salon here will be able to help her with whatever she wants to do. Just, the bigger the city, the more of a choice.

[TRod]

Hey everyone. I am also African-Heritage and Puerto Rican and I was worried about my hair the second time I went to Japan for 6 months for a study abroad program. Since I had decided to grow out my hair naturally, I just wore braids which lasted about 2-4 months. Randomly I decided to come back to the states to visit my friend in LA so I got my braids redone to last me throughout the rest of the trip. I haven't decided how I am going to wear my hair for 1 yr in Japan, but like someone else said on the forum, you can find great relaxers at the salons in Tokyo. Braids and dreds are also available, but beware, they are very expensive anywhere from 200-600 yen each braid!! Let me know if you want more details and good luck.

[Mamasita516]

I think right now I am stuck between deciding if I want natural or if I want to perm it. I like it permed because at least in humidity, it won't crazy frizz you know? I might just keep it as is. I just wasn't sure if there were places where perms could be done, but I really appreciate everyone letting me know that there are! It will help a lot!