I am fixing to start nursing school and I didn't know if I should change my hair color or not. Currently, I have platinum blonde hair from the ears up, and chocolate brown underneath. I'm a little concerned about how blondes are stereotyped as "dumb" or "incompetent" and I don't want my peers or others thinking that I am less of an intelligent person just because of hair color. I am thinking about adding brown highlights or going all brunette. What are your suggestions? Should I keep my current hair color or change it? Also, did you or someone you know get treated differently based on their hair color, etc...?
humanly possible colors are acceptable; others aren't (in nursing schools, generally)
Agreed. Blonde, brunette, redhead, raven-haired...doesn't make a difference.
Now blue or green or multicolor...while I personally think such colors are lovely and I do harbor my own fantasy of being able to have purple streaks in my hair, such colors are just not professional and would do more harm to your image and credibility than being a blonde would.
I've never judged anyone, healthcare professional or otherwise, on their hair color. If I'm thinking anything about anyone's hair, it's usually "I wish my hair looked like that!" or "I wonder how they got their hair in that style." (as I hate my hair and don't know how to style it other than wearing it down or in a ponytail)
As long as your hair is neat and abides by your school's policy as well as clinical site's policy, do what you want with it.
I honestly thought your hair was going to be neon pink, electric blue or other unnatural color. If that was the case it would likely not be acceptable by school or clinical site dress code and you would need to change to continue at nursing school.
That's honestly why I clicked on the thread -- only to find, huh? What?
The only thing that pops out to me is the two tone nature of your hair color. Those two colors are natural, but the two toned of it might be inappropriate.
As a natural blonde, I surely hope people don't perceive me a dumb. I suppose though if I giggled a lot and stood there acting like I didn't get stuff, maybe, but I like to think I come across as an intelligent and competent person. And I have never looked at someone and automatically thought they were an idiot based strictly on their hair color. I usually wait until they open their mouths.
I'd check the student handbook. My school only allowed "natural" hair colors, no pinks/purples/blues or two tone like you describe. If you're going to own a look, you need to own what comes with it.
Hey, you clicked on the thread so you must be interested. If you feel that this is something ridiculous to ask, please know that there are plenty of other people who share the same feelings and thoughts. Please respect my thoughts and keep your smart remarks to yourself.
The color of your hair is the least of your worries. Most nursing students and instructors don't judge based on hair. We care more about your attitude. My best advice if you want to respected:
-Don't be a drama queen
-Don't be a know it all
-Don't kiss up the instructor (Instructor might be cool w/ it, but your classmates won't be)
Specializes in Peds/outpatient FP,derm,allergy/private duty.
Vongigi I absolutely don't think blonde is associated with dumb. If your hair is close to a natural color and neat, clean etc you should be fine. Once you meet classmates and teachers you'll get a better idea for what is acceptable in your program. I also thought at first you were talking about electric blue, bright red, etc. which wouldn't be a good idea at this stage. Best wishes!
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MiHopeFull, MSN, RN, NP
70 Posts
Deers might chase you if you don't have natural colored hair.