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?

[DowntheRiver]

I used to color my ends pink. That way, if I needed to hide it I could hide it by put it up in one of those roll up buns. If any peek out just but a hair-colored hair tie over the bun. Worked like a charm for me and I didn't have to undo my hair. Eventually after working there about 6 months I would let it show and no one ever said anything to me from the company.

[foggnm]

If you overall look and act professional, the tips of your hair aren't going to change that. Now if your hair was dyed bright pink I might have a different recommendation. Anytime you see someone with a rather 'extreme' body modification it generally doesn't look very professional. That's not saying that person can't be talented. It just shows lack of foresight. Like, "hey maybe I shouldn't get that neck tattoo if I want to be a physician's assistant."

[KYnicuRN]

Yes ^^^^ do a sock bun. It rolls the ends up in the bun first and it won't be exposed.

[Ruby Vee, BSN]

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.

While hair color (and nose rings) may not be an issue in some places, it IS an issue in other places. If you're looking to make a professional impression, hide the fuchsia hair and extraneous piercings (my nurse manager says no one needs more than two extra holes in their head -- one on each ear) and cover up the tattoos.

Once you've got the job and proven your competence, you may be allowed to experiment with crazy hair colors again. If not, there's always a wig.

[SmilingBluEyes]

I completely agree with RubyVee: Where I work, the policy is: "no unnatural hair colors" and "no face piercings of any sort". So while it's "ok" with some, it's against policy for other places. Like others said: tuck away the pink/fuchsia hair color and ditch the excess earrings and face piercings, if you have any. It may be a good idea to cover tattoos where you can, too. The opinion of whomever interviews you is what counts and you never will get another chance to make a good first impression.

[Feelgood RN]

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've done a few interviews and whether you like it or not it can affect some peoples thoughts. We do a panel interview so while I personally don't mind "radical" hair color some of the more seasoned administration does.

I will say that if it looks faded and washed out that I personally would not find it professional. If it is fresh and full of color then I would say keep it. I'm a male and I know how much it costs and time it takes to keep up the off color hair styles. If it's kept I think that many times it can look professional and edgy. If its faded/washed out it comes across to me as lazy. So while you may have paid a pretty penny for it to be professionally done I would say if it's going to be faded just go back to natural.

[DeeAngel]

If you want your chances to be the best, have hair that's all one color for the interview.

[Workitinurfava, BSN, RN]

Wear a wig temporarily,

[Ben_Dover]

I say... if you're confident and good as well as you are backed up by strong recommendations/references. You have nothing to worry about. I think your hair and body ink shouldn't matter.

[Creamsoda, ASN, RN]

just put your hair up in a way the color is hidden. back in a tight bun or something. You can also get temporary tinted hairspray to cover the color before you put it up to make it less noticeable. But definitely hide it if you can so you dont sabotage your chances. Once hired....eh they prob wont care, but they WILL judge you in an interview.

[DeeAngel]

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.

Not everyone has the luxury of approaching their career with such casualness. The best chances of getting the job will go to people with reasonably normal colored hair - whether you like that reality or not. You get the job first and worry about your hair color second, thats how adults live.

[caliotter3]

A recently hired cashier at the local retail outlet where I shop sported the visibly pierced body parts, odd-colored hair and facial paint of the currently popular tribe. Her cashiering skills spoke of delayed motor reactions when required to drag an item across the scanner. Not professional at all. After the first encounter, I avoided her lane whenever I saw her. I give the employer kudos for hiring her and and allowing her to express herself, but I also noticed that her employment did not last long. I don't know whose idea it was for her to leave. I suppose one might assume that the hiring managers think twice before hiring another person with that kind of appearance. You don't know if prospective employers have already decided not to go with out of the norm appearances in the future. Why give yourself that disadvantage? You can always adjust your appearance after you are hired, or not, if you want to keep the job.