Written by Shaundrie Jones
"You brand your own image.  The items you wear represent you." ~ Kanita Roberson

How Not to be Ratchet When You Leave Home

Young ladies, can we have a heart to heart? Have a seat and let’s talk for a minute. There have been some things I have noticed that have deeply disturbed me. At times, I assume that you haven’t been told these things that you wear or do are inappropriate. However, I will take the time out to discuss these things with you. As a young lady, there are items you do not wear in public. It does NOT matter if you are having a bad hair day. It does NOT matter if you are just running into the store. It does not matter if you do not care what anyone thinks about you. You must present yourself in a decent manner at all times. First impressions are lasting.
Take time with yourself. It is a well known fact, that when you look good, you feel better about yourself. You carry yourself in a better manner. There is nothing cute about being ratchet and classless. Be a lady at all times. Love yourself and people will love you more!

DONT'S

DO'S 
You must always leave the house freshly showered, neatly dressed with your hair styled. If you are having a bad hair day or it is raining, DO NOT PUT ON A SCARF, SATIN HAIR OR WRAP CAP. These items are to be worn to bed and not in the street.
NO DIRTY BED SCARVES!
NO SATIN CAPS!
NO ROLLERS!
 If you do not want to comb your hair or do not have time, here are some stylish options. 
ROCK CUTE SCARVES!
BUY A RAIN HAT!
CUTE HATS THAT HIDE YOUR ROLLERS!
Pajama shorts and pants are to be worn to bed and around the house ONLY! Sleeping clothes are made just for that, sleeping. When you wear these items out in public, you look dirty and lazy. You send a message that you do not care about yourself. It only takes a moment to put on a decent pair of shorts/pants to wear out. Take time with yourself. People notice when you do. If you do not want to wear a fancy outfit, always have a nice clean jogging suit around the house. 

DONT'S

This looks very unclean and lazy. Put on some clothes.
These are HOUSE SHOES...WEAR THEM ONLY IN THE HOUSE!

DO'S

These are comfy and cute! Go get a set!
Have some comfortable shoes that are easy to slip on for a quick store run!
Take time with your hair. Your hair is your crown and glory. It represents you. Whether long or short, comb it. Never and I MEAN EVER, leave the house with your hair uncombed. If you wear a weave, keep it fresh and well maintained. If your hair is frizzy/kinky, but your weave is straight; it is time to get your hair redone. Make sure your tracks are not showing and properly placed.

DONT'S

 If your invisible part looks like this...It is not invisible. 
  Cover your tracks. If your hair looks like this, you need MORE WEAVE

DO'S

Keep your weave well maintained and blended with your natural hair.
Take care of your hair and comb it daily!
It is okay to express yourself but don’t go overboard. Some hair colors and tattoos are inappropriate for school and work. Do not dye your hair to match the jolly rancher you had at the store. It is a distraction in school. Furthermore, your employers may cut your work hours until your hair returns to its natural color. These colors look nice: 

DONT'S

It's okay to be different...just don't over do it!

DO'S

You can still keep it colorful and cute.
If your parents allow you to get a tattoo, places that cannot be covered with clothing should be off limits. Tattoos are forever. When you get older, your dream job may require that you have no visible tattoos. So think before you ink.

DONT'S

 These areas should be off limits: 

DO'S

These covered areas are okay to have a tattoo.