Would "trendy" hair make hiring managers reconsider hiring you?

[NurseyNursington]

I'm three weeks away from graduating from NS, and I'm considering chopping all my hair off and doing something fun for a change. I'm in my 30's, and have pretty boring hair and clothes, and would love to do the whole pixie cut with almost buzzed sides. My only pause with this is whether something as simple as a "trendy" haircut could make hiring managers reconsider offering me a job after an interview.

It would be naive to think that appearance doesn't play a role in hiring, because it does. You're constantly judged by how you look. About a year ago I cut my hair short (nothing like what I want to do now), and I had an older nurse say I looked like a boy and it was unprofessional. Though I didn't care what she thought, some nurses are old-school and their judgments could hold weight if they have clout over hiring.

I'm just curious if anyone has either had experience with this, or could give me some insight. I'm truly bored of my look, and would love to do something different, but not at the cost of a job. Any advice?

[loriangel14, RN]

It may depend on the individual making the decsion but the cut you are describing doesn't sound that "out there". It wouldn't be a problem where I work. There's nothing wrong with short hair. I work with a nurse that has red and blonde with a streak of blue.

[k-flo]

If you're that concerned why not just wait after you get a job? I have a coworker with the same haircut you described who got hired where I work so it may or may not be a problem but just play it safe for now.

[NurseyNursington]

My husband said the same thing. I just know the job market isn't great in my area, and it may take a while to get hired. I wanted to cut my hair before it gets really hot. However, playing it safe may be in my best interest.

[kungpoopanda]

Get the job then change your hair to suit yourself.

[Asystole RN]

If the manager is looking for a professional employee and you are trying to sell yourself as a professional nurse it may benefit you to look professional.

[RunBabyRN]

I think it really depends on where you live, the culture of the hospital, and the actual manager. I know where I live, it's pretty liberal, so no one would even bat an eye, but I imagine in more conservative areas of the country, you might get a different response.

[livefully]

It would be naive to think that appearance doesn't play a role in hiring, because it does. You're constantly judged by how you look. About a year ago I cut my hair short (nothing like what I want to do now), and I had an older nurse say I looked like a boy and it was unprofessional. Though I didn't care what she thought, some nurses are old-school and their judgments could hold weight if they have clout over hiring.

If you know this, then why are you even considering it?

Wait until you get a job, then observe the culture of the place (pts, staff, management) then re-style your hair.

[NurseyNursington]

The whole world knows that. It doesn't mean it answers my question. Appearance matters in every facet of our lives, but what one person deems as inappropriate may be completely fine for another.

[SoldierNurse22, BSN, RN]

You already know the answer to your own question. You outlined it in your OP. Either cut your hair and hope that the hiring manager looks favorably on it, or wait and do what you want later.

[Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN]

Reality check: you will be a new grad. The deck is already stacked against you in the job hunt. Why further risk your chances with a wild haircut? Sure, it may not matter to all employers...but it just might matter to the one you really want to work for. Though to be honest, what you describe doesn't sound too extreme...but how it translates on you may be a different story.

Fair? Not really. But it is what it is.

Best of luck whatever you decide.

[psu_213, BSN, RN]

Fair? Not really. But it is what it is.

Exactly.

No one can answer the original question. You could find 20 people on here to say "yeah, that haircut is fine." Well, if you interview with a NM who doesn't think it is fine, you won't get a job there.