Male RN's with Long hair - Job Interviews

[Catalin, BSN, RN]

I'm in the process of growing out my hair and job hunting at the same time. I've gotten comments to shave, which isn't a problem. However I've sacrificed my sanity this summer dealing with all the sweat that comes with having a mop of hair on my head in this heat and I'd really like not to shave it. I don't style, all I do is shampoo and conditioner. Any suggestions?

[Wuzzie]

Yes...style it. If you don’t know how get some help from someone who does. It needs to look neat and professional. When you aren’t interviewing you can let it do its thing.

[GrumpyRN, NP]

What Wuzzie said.

Go to a barber and get a reasonable haircut and look as if you are serious. Once you have a job do what you like with it.

[barcode120x, RN, NP]

Had shaved sides and long hair at the top, rolled with a man bun the last 2 years (finally cut it and donated my hair about 2 months ago). Just keep it clean, hopefully you don't have a lot of "fly aways" and do visit the barber to get it trimmed here and there (sides, bottom, top, etc). I'd ask your friends and colleagues about how you look professionally before an interview. My hair down or in a "tail" looked ridiculous and unprofessional, but when I had it slick back in a man-bun, it was definitely more "clean" and professional from others' standpoints. I personally think in general, man-buns look more appealing on most guys regardless of hair type. So you may want to give it a try if you haven't already. There are PLENTY of ways to style long hair. I did have 1 interview when I had my bun and didn't really have any issues (I would've gotten the job if it wasn't for my director, but that's a story for another time :()

I do and do not miss my long hair. Some day I will grow a full head of hair instead of just the top/shaved sides.

[Corey Narry, MSN, RN, NP]

What's the environment like where you're seeking employment? I work in a place where male nurses with visible tattoos, piercings, man-buns, full beards, dreadlocks, are working at the bedside. It boils down to grooming and the perception of neatness and not looking like the homeless person down the street from the hospital. However, I would imagine other places would be more conservative than we are.

[ogtorn, ASN, RN]

I agree with most of the replies. Make sure it's styled and neat! You'll be fine. I have cornrows and I've seen many male nurses with longer hair or facial hair.

[SansNom]

The length doesn't matter, it's what you do with it. (haha, no dirty joke intended here.......)

Seriously though, unless you're interviewing with someone who just has some personal predisposition against long hair or certain styles, then how you present yourself as a whole has a lot more to do with any specific length of head or facial hair. You'll be better off wearing your hair and style that you're comfortable and confident with than trying to be something you're not comfortable with.

If you have long hair but your whole image is put together well and thoughtfully, then you will still look desirable as an employee. Hair is only one piece of how people perceive you.

I have a fairly "alternative" style by many people's standards, and have had varying lengths of hair and facial hair over the years, but it has never been an issue because I'm mindful and behave professionally. This is why tattoos and what not are becoming more and more acceptable: people are realizing there is more to professionalism than hair being a certain length or pants being a certain fit or some cookie cutter image of what "professional" looks like.

Employers are realizing more and more that allowing employees to be comfortable with themselves(within reason) makes better employees.