Employers are becoming more relaxed about hair in the workplace and hairstyle restrictions, but the cut, color, and style of your hair can still speak volumes about your work ethic. While we don’t recommend fully limiting your personal expression based on these unfair stereotypes, it is useful to be aware of them to see what messages your hair is sending, particularly if you’re going for a job interview or hoping to win over a conservative client.
Hair Color: Fifty Shades of Slay
Blondes are shaking off that ditzy stereotype but brunettes are often considered to be more serious albeit mysterious at work — a rather unfair label that is luckily diminishing. Redheads have long been labeled as having fiery personalities, higher levels of motivation and energy when it comes to their work. Grey hair may indicate maturity and wisdom, while people with black hair are viewed as intelligent and hardworking.
Non-traditional hair colors such as pink ombre dip-dye or a fierce and all-over bright blue may suggest confidence, creativity, and youthfulness, however, these colors typically don’t sit well in a corporate environment.
Hold the Scissors: Long Tresses or Short Locks?
Perception expert and author Jo-Ellan Dimitrius says, “A cropped cut can be a way to show the world how strong you are. A woman with short hair is perceived as confident — not having to hide anything.” Women with short hair are often viewed as being motivated, serious, and organized.
Long hair is seen as soft and feminine and, in some cases, more youthful than a short cut. Long hair can indicate an empathetic individual who takes a more laid-back approach to work. If you’re rocking a long loose ‘do in the office, make sure it is neat and keep those split ends in check for maximum professionalism.
Style it Up: Straight and Curly
Poker straight hair can mean business. If it’s slick, glossy, and kink-free (particularly when pulled back into a high ponytail), it will often send the signal that you are a hard-worker. People with naturally curly hair are often viewed as being more relaxed, easygoing, and casual.
No matter how lax your employer is, always ensure that your hair is clean, neat, and free of frizz and flyaways. If you don’t have time for a full shampoo and condition, then a sneaky squirt of some dry shampoo will help to disguise those greasy roots!
Knowledge is power, and just a few small tweaks to your hair could make all the difference to first impressions in the workplace. While nobody likes being told what to wear or how to present themselves, these unspoken rules sadly still exist, so it’s wise to work with them in your favor. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide if you want to tame your tresses or break the “mane” mold.
No matter which hair color, or hairstyle you prefer if you’re suffering from hair loss it can considerably lower your confidence in the workplace. What are you waiting for? It’s time to do something about it. At Transitions of Wisconsin we will determine which hair loss solution is right for you. If you’re interested in scheduling a free consultation, contact us today!
