What are your thoughts on unconventional hair colors (purple, pink, turquoise, etc.) in the workplace?
I'm 30 years old and I've always wanted to try out a fun, totally unnatural hair color but until recently I've always been far too timid to actually go for it. For a while now I've been dying to try out the gorgeous silvery lavender or baby pink hues I see on other people.
My nursing school had an explicit "natural human hair colors only" rule, but now that I'm working for an employer that has no set hair color policy in place (and is also not referenced at all in policies relating to hygiene, general appearance, etc.) I'm wondering if I could actually pull this off.
For reference, I work on a tele/step down unit in a moderately conservative area. I ran this by my favorite house supervisor (for generational reference she would be a gen-xer) and she wasn't excited about the idea. Her position was that the hospital environment is where appearing to be "professional" is paramount, and that a huge chunk of the patient population is 65+ and might not look kindly on it. In short, pink hair would undermine my professionalism.
I understand her reasoning there, but I also feel strongly that hair color (or tattoos, for that matter) have absolutely nothing to do with competence or professionalism. If everything else about my appearance is boring and conservative as usual what difference does hair color make? Additionally, I think she's underestimating the older generations she's worried about offending. It's a bit of a stereotype to assume that all of our older patients would be clutching their pearls or eyeing me with suspicion just because of purple hair, right?
I'm 46. This is 2016. If you're healing people, keeping them alive, they need to respect your credentials, not focus on your hair. 40 years ago it wouldn't have been 'professional' to show up without your nursing cap or to wear more than a little lipstick. Times change.
I'm going to be 37 and still don't feel too old for pink or blue hair. I had highlights done and was dissatisfied so I threw some blue hair dye in certain sections. I can be rebellious and STILL hide enough of it in a "professional" bun.
Specializes in Psych, Addictions, SOL (Student of Life).
I kind of feel the same way as you. Only I am 53 going on 54. I really always wanted to have purple hair. Many years ago when I was in my 20's I had purple highlights. Well when I turned 50 I decided there was no time like the present. I did some research talked to others in my profession as well as my then employer. I got about 50/50 response on yes or no. In the nd I did dye my hair a deep auburn with some bright read and gold highlights. I have very fair skin due to my Irish heritage and it looks kind of like a natural red hair that's in fire. I generally pull my hair up in a tight bun when I am working so it just looks like a normal redhead.
Well, I am one of the old nurses and personally, I love the different colors. I work at an inner city hospital and even some of the physicians have streaks of pink in their hair. I say as long as someone is clean and pleasant, what difference does it make. We are there to just do our jobs not to judge others. Have fun, life is short.
I'm one to challenge dress code and policies so I understand your train of thought. I would love nothing more than to do funky colors in my hair. However here is what always stands out for me. One day you'll make a mistake and you'll be called the schmuck that screwed up. Anyone who has something against you, be it an employee, a manager, a patient, or their family will use it against you. Its the same reason why I never dressed up at my last job for Halloween. (Family practice) If you mess up, you're suddenly the incompetent literal clown. No one wants a clown looking into their lady partss either, but I digress
The person you responded to isn't even a nurse. No idea why they come here and post about things they have no clue about, including policies on hair colors at another facility.
I do know about coming to work and acting professional. IF you want to dye your hair then go get a job at a fast food place. Come to work and dress and act professional. If not you go home until you can figure out what that means.
Hi there, I have a small strip of pink in my hair. They never said anything. The old fogies gotta go! Try it. If they tell you get rid of it, you can always get it colored back near your color.
I work with a 22 year old who rolls her eyes when we see someone who has Muppet colored hair or hairpieces, says it looks ridiculous. Is she an old fogie?
Go for it. Two of my coworkers have purple hair and I don't care. No one says anything. Except patients have told me "the nurse with the purple hair she was so informative/nice/relaxed/comforting". So I guess the hair is memorable and an easy identifier and people remember faces or physical characteristics more than names.
Seriously not one patient said something negative about these nurses.
Just be a good prudent nurse with purple hair. Who cares.
Specializes in CNA 8 yrs LPN 6 geri, chemical dependency.
I know an LPN in a group home with a mohawk and another with pink hair. Honestly, I'm all for it, but most of your coworkers and patients won't be. Can't you wear a wig or temp hair color at work?
OP.. you have seen so many responses regarding hair color pros and cons. To all of those who say go for it.. she asked her supervisor who told her No. That should be enough. It doesn't matter about hair color in relation to professionalism, Her supervisor said no, so that is her answer. Since she asked, if she goes ahead and does it it could be perceived as insubordination. she would be doing something she was told not to do.
To all other posters, it is definitely now the norm for pink,purple, red, green, etc hair colors, but if the organizations says no, that is the answer. To effectively make a change, 1 - look at why the policy exists, 2 - if you want to challenge the policy do your research, not just because you think it doesn't matter, show EBP. 3 -present finding and propose new policy. That is how you promote change, bot just challenging authorities
I have never worked anywhere where unnatural hair colors were allowed. Find an alternative way to add color to your hair that can be gone on the days you have to work. Otherwise, even if there is no hair color policy you could find yourself looking for an alternative job. They don't have to have a hair color policy to fire you for your hair, they will just give you a generic excuse instead.
I didn't realize her supervisor said no. We all have our own opinions. I am one who hates extreme restrictions. There is no black and white, always a little gray. If a person is not radical about it, ok. Keep it tasteful. We are not living in Florence Nightingale days! I think this issue has been blown out of proportion. I personally think a small strip is no big deal, but we have people who will stretch that and then we have our extreme conservatists. So, because you super said no, it's a no....for now.
SunnyPupRN
289 Posts
I'm 46. This is 2016. If you're healing people, keeping them alive, they need to respect your credentials, not focus on your hair. 40 years ago it wouldn't have been 'professional' to show up without your nursing cap or to wear more than a little lipstick. Times change.