Would "trendy" hair make hiring managers reconsider hiring you?

[NurseyNursington]

I'm three weeks away from graduating from NS, and I'm considering chopping all my hair off and doing something fun for a change. I'm in my 30's, and have pretty boring hair and clothes, and would love to do the whole pixie cut with almost buzzed sides. My only pause with this is whether something as simple as a "trendy" haircut could make hiring managers reconsider offering me a job after an interview.

It would be naive to think that appearance doesn't play a role in hiring, because it does. You're constantly judged by how you look. About a year ago I cut my hair short (nothing like what I want to do now), and I had an older nurse say I looked like a boy and it was unprofessional. Though I didn't care what she thought, some nurses are old-school and their judgments could hold weight if they have clout over hiring.

I'm just curious if anyone has either had experience with this, or could give me some insight. I'm truly bored of my look, and would love to do something different, but not at the cost of a job. Any advice?

[nursel56]

A pixie-cut as you described doesn't sound that outlandish but as most people have stated the goal in an interview is to get hired.

We've had some extremely long, very heated discussions about this, often including the topic of tattoos and piercings and other style preferences here in the past. To me the bottom line there will always be that since you don't know in advance what bias your interviewer may have, you need to temporarily put your personal style preferences on the back burner. It's boring, but very pragmatic if your goal is a job in this tight market! Best wishes to you!

[applesxoranges, BSN, RN]

I don't think your haircut sounds too outlandish. Maybe a bit Miley Cyrus though.

[MrChicagoRN, RN]

I wanted to cut my hair before it gets really hot. However, playing it safe may be in my best interest.

so, get a short but conservative cut.

[bisson]

Sounds like a "trendy" hair cut might not be all that professional. Tastefully style your hair for the interviews, get a new outfit to update your look, but I wait till after to cut it.

[pbajil]

I have to agree with most. Get a job first and then get the haircut. Yes, I think it will be hard for you to get hired with that haircut... there will be other applicants who look more clean cut. Once you shave any part of your head, it's hard to change it if you have regrets.

[FlyingScot, RN]

I have a pixie cut. How on earth could it be considered unprofessional?!!! That has to be the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard. Granted, I don't have the sides shaved or anything but it is cut above my ears. I receive compliments on an almost daily basis. Not once has anyone ever mentioned my haircut as being outlandish or unprofessional. It's short but still feminine and it doesn't fall I'm my face or my patients CVC sites!!!