My hair is dyed.. Job interview

[mallerina87]

I have been an Outpatient Obstetrics nurse for 2 years, and neither tattoo nor hair color has never been a strict policy at any place that I have worked. However, I am applying to a new position at a hospital, and the ends of my hair has been recently dyed a fuschia color. My natural hair color is black/deep brown. This fuschia color will likely fade considerably in about 4 weeks, but I was curious to see what everyone's opinion is on whether this could effect my chances of getting the job. I haven't yet landed an in-person interview, but my phone interview is next week.

Some things I was considering... I might tie/pin my hair up in a way where the pink/fuschia part is mostly hidden. I might also be truthful about the color that my workplace has no such policy and that I plan on washing it out in a few weeks. Or I may just dye it back, although this was professionally colored, so that would really suck to have wasted that money. Should I just bite the bullet and dye it back? What do you think?

[Flatline, BSN, RN]

Depends on the position you are interviewing for, what your professional demeanor is, what you are going to wear, and what message you are trying to convey.

I personally would advise hair up and hide.

[AJJKRN]

As long as you dress in a professional way and present yourself as such then why hide your personality? While my work does have guidelines that are stricter than they probably should be for dress code, hair color, etc, they are still getting me and my personality.

You could always ask about it during the phone interview along with things like do they require scrubs to be color-coded or specific.

[mallerina87]

It's Birthing Center/Mother-Baby. I think every other aspect of my personality is very professional. I have a few tattoos, but they are carefully placed where my scrubs will not reveal them.

[Been there,done that, ASN, RN]

If you get an in -person interview, you need to appear as professional as possible. Many interviewers could form an opinion that your hair is not professional. This is not the time to make explanations for your hair.

Tie it up and go for it.

Best of luck. Let us know how it's going.

[Sour Lemon]

I would dye it back. Natural hair color never makes an unfavorable impression. Fuchsia hair might. Keep the bold look only if you don't care too much about getting an actual job offer.

[quazar]

I'm an OB nurse. 2 of the nurses I work with have colored hair. One bright pink, one purple. I think they both have nose rings, too, now that I think about it. Anyway, hair color isn't a problem in some places.

[mallerina87]

Ok, this was great feedback. I am going to pin it up to hide the pink as much as possible if I get an in-person interview. I will also keep it pinned while I work if I get hired until I ask management about the policy. Thanks.

[KatieMI, BSN, MSN, RN]

I saw once in Walmart a temporary dark color paste, supposely for roots' last moment touch... may it do the trick?

Anyway, it is probably a good idea to appear a bit more conservative on interview.

[Extra Pickles]

You can never go wrong by going with the conservative approach. You CAN go wrong with the funky hair color and piercings if the person who is interviewing you doesn't like them. Why take the chance that the hiring manager will also love pink hair and therefore not care? An interview is not the time to let your individuality shine, it's during this interview that the hiring manager will be looking and listening to see if you are likely to fit in with the unit. Professional also means conservative. Go with that. And good luck :)

[Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN]

Your fuchsia hair--which IMO sounds awesome and is something I'd love to do myself--doesn't exactly convey a professional appearance. And you never know--you may get the one manager who doesn't look kindly upon untraditional hair colors and may be less than impressed with you.

I would either conceal the hair color with the tie/pin-up, or dye it to a more natural color. Depending on how the interview goes and the vibe you get, you could mention that the color is temporary and will be gone by the time you start the position. Once you land the job and learn this new facility's viewpoint regarding hair colors is, then you can go back to the fun colors (if they allow it).

Best of luck.

[Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN]

I'm an OB nurse. 2 of the nurses I work with have colored hair. One bright pink, one purple. I think they both have nose rings, too, now that I think about it. Anyway, hair color isn't a problem in some places.

But did they interview with colored hair and nose rings? I'm 99% certain they didn't. And if I'm wrong, your facility is a rare breed.

Most facilities may be more lenient with current staff about these things. But even they may not be overjoyed to see job applicants sporting Crayola-colored hair.