Just Rankin’ Sh!t

The 6 Most Annoying Comments Black Men Hear After a Haircut, Ranked

I got a new look and my White co-workers couldn’t contain themselves

The Only Black Guy In the Office
LEVEL
Published in
2 min readAug 25, 2020

--

Photo: aedkais/Getty Images

Update 6/7/22: Level has a new home. You can read this article and other new articles by visiting LEVELMAN.com.

6. “Wow, I didn’t even recognize you!”

Really, Dan? Of all of my identifying features — not to mention the full name that appears on my Zoom window — you were confused as to who I am? I’m still me… just with slightly less hair. Relax.

5. “I wish my hair could do that!”

I assume that this underwhelming compliment is delivered with genuine admiration. Thing is, aside from further othering me in an environment where I’m already a minority, I don’t think White folks truly grasp the beautiful struggle that comes with these coils. (Ingrown hairs — ever heard of ’em?)

4. “You got a haircut… again?”

Yes, again. And a shape-up a week later, followed by another cut one week after that. What’s the confusion?

3. “You look just like [insert celebrity who bears little resemblance outside

--

--

The Only Black Guy In the Office
The Only Black Guy In the Office

Written by The Only Black Guy In the Office

Do you know him? Is it you? The trials and tribulations of a Black man navigating corporate life.

Responses (27)