Nursing student hair color change for more respect

QuietRiot · Sep 4, 2015

Lol, I think hair color is the least of your worries. Well..... at least for now.

Hello,
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...?
Thank you for reviewing my post.

ShyeoftheTiger · Sep 4, 2015

OP, I think it's great you're concerned about your appearance in nursing school! I think it shows that you are eager to learn and that you don't want anything standing in the way of being the very best nurse you can be.

I get being nervous about starting a program where you don't know what to expect. I get not wanting to be stereotyped for your appearance. I hope you find that this is not an issue in nursing school and that you were worried for nothing :)

Valcorie34, BSN, MSN, RN · Sep 4, 2015

I saw just go seahawks colors. No one can fault that. Hehe ( maybe Im a bad influence)

djh123 · Sep 4, 2015

I think it's totally irrelevant. There were smart blondes in my nursing class.

allnurses Guide · Sep 5, 2015

I don't think the hair question is silly, self-centered, or indicate that nursing is filled with a bunch of shallow dunderheads compared to any other group. It isn't about trying to stifle somebody's personal style or fashion signature. We're talking about nursing students who I would hope want to get the most out of their program and be viewed favorably by those who will be responsible for providing the stuff the student needs to know. It's like with interviews and "business casual". Sure you can wear your lime green leggings and sequined platforms if that is "you". You can also not get hired.

I don't think that a uniform appearance is at odds with professionalism, unless you believe airline pilots aren't professionals. Once you are out in the workforce the rules will change considerably based on where you work, who you work with, etc.

Anyone who supposed there is no requirement for a type of conformity for medical students would be wrong, but it doesn't really matter based on the apples and oranges concept.

hawaiicarl, BSN, RN · Sep 5, 2015

Keep it blonde, then when you do something really dumb, just giggle, and say it's the hair. :whistling:

Vegeta · Sep 5, 2015

Keep it blonde, then when you do something really dumb, just giggle, and say it's the hair.

Thats how a nurse thinks! Bravo Besides for what i know nursing school has more females than males aka i dont think many females use that joke since i guess most females have had thoughts of going blonde atleast once in their teenage years xD

FolksBtrippin, BSN, RN · Sep 5, 2015

I think if it makes you feel uncomfortable, you should change it. If you feel like your hair color makes you stick out, appear dumb, etc, then you will give off that vibe. Someone with the exact same hair do that feels like their hair color shows confidence and professionalism, gives off that vibe. It sound like you have doubts about it, so you probably should just take it to what makes you feel comfortable.

Your question is a good one. I am going gray a bit early and although I sort of like it, I will dye it in a heartbeat if it will prevent me from age discrimination. So I understand where you are going from.

ambr46 · Sep 8, 2015

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)
-Be on time
-Carry your fair share on group projects

I completely agree with you. The OP has way bigger fish to fry. I think in a week or so hair color will probably be the very last thing on her mind.

Guest838984 · Sep 8, 2015

Blonde hur

Don't cur

Lol

They judge on your abilities and how much u put into it nothing about appearance

I've seen some odd looking people be the most amazing nurses on earth cause they know their stuff!

Just know your stuff!

fatrabbit · Sep 9, 2015

Nursing schools are difficult to get into, so everyone knows that you're smart. Trust me, there is a mutual respect among everyone in your cohort. We have a bunch of blondes at my school. One of the girls even has blue hair and no one really cares. Don't overthink it. And if anyone assumes that you're "dumb" because of your hair color, then just prove them wrong in lab/clinical/ class.

Wrench Party · Sep 9, 2015

Here's what my conservative nursing school told us:

a) hair a natural color, all styles are acceptable (if you have cornrows, braids, twists, etc.) if below shoulder length it must be pulled back for hygienic purposes. I imagine two-tone would be frowned upon.

b) beards are cool for guys, just obviously professional and neatly trimmed

c) no nail polish except for clear, nails must be no longer than 1/4" in length

d) tasteful jewelry like studs and wedding bands/rings were acceptable, no others

e) of course, uniforms neat and pressed with our polished shoes

I chopped my hair off and kept it a natural brown for school, because i couldn't be bothered with it!