new thread
Hey guys!
Things had been looking grim for a long time, but finally, nine dispiriting months after graduation, I've been hired. I'll be working in an office environment, where the dress code will be business casual; slacks and collared shirts. However, at the interview today (I was hired through a separate staffing agency), the interviewer strongly recommended I tie my hair back for the training which will begin tomorrow.
This is daunting for me, because I recently cut my hair, and now there are a few strands that won't fit into my tail, because of the short layer on top. How would you suggest solving this problem? Should I try some gel or hairspray to keep the offending hairs in order? It looks very goofy having a lock of hair sticking out behind my ear while the rest is tied back. In my opinion that looks less professional than having it loose.
Begin rant, feel free to ignore:
Honestly this really annoys the hell out of me. Why should I, because I'm a male, have to tie my hair back in order to look presentable? My hair looks best loose, and I'm also fairly certain women do not have to meet the same requirement, unless it's directly required by the type of job, such as manual labor or something. I'm so sick of the hypocrisy present in society in general, especially when these jobs consider themselves "equal opportunity" employers, where they supposedly do not judge people based on their race, culture, sexual orientation, or whatever. It disgusts me that I'm immediately categorized as dirty or unkempt simply because of the length of my hair, while females do not have to deal with this sort of criticism.
I mean, I'm glad they hired me at all, because I've been barred from certain positions on the basis of my hair alone, such as when I applied as an artist to a local amusement park. Seriously, it was because of my hair. They will not allow men to wear a moustache extending past the corners of the mouth, or hair that reaches the collar of the shirt. Period. The fact that this kind of sexism still exists is disquieting. And even if they allow longhairs, why must we be forced to meet standards that women do not have to meet? It sickens me that they emphasize that there should be no sexism or discrimination of any kind in the workplace, but it only works one way. It's okay to be sexist, as long as it's directed towards men. What?
Okay okay, ranting aside, back to my issue: a lock or two of hair fall out of my tail and I need a good and tidy method of keeping them in order. What would you suggest? Gel? Hair spray?
Hi brazjol,
So glad to hear about the new job!!
Don't worry about your rant, I totally understand -- and have to say I agree & empathize w/ your sentiments...
HOWEVER, i made it my own personal policy a long time ago that as long as an employer or supervisor never asked me to cut my hair at all, I would wear it any way that they wanted me to (even if they asked me to put it in a beehive w/ pink ribbons in it - ROFL)!
After all, whatever happens "on company time" within an 8-hour day, as long as I can go home and still have my hair the length and style that I like, I'm happy. But, to cut my hair for a job, no no NO!!!!!!!
Now that I've said what I consider to be the important stuff, here's the rest of my suggestions: just try whatever will get you through the day so you look as best you can (according to their standards), however they want you to present yourself -- whether it be gel, hairspray, Brylcream, or any other kind of goop, bobby pins (which I personally HATE; but still, I'd do it for a job), or even if you have to do a rain-dance to the goddess of Perfect Job Hair...
The good news, though, is: it won't be long before your hair will grow back to its former length, and then be able to fit back into the tail as before -- and then, thank goodness, you will no longer have to goop up your hair anymore!!
And again, CONGRATS on your new job!!!!
- Ken
I have those short hairs on the side that stick out because they never grow thus I use hair spray (not too much unless a very windy day) One reason I use spray although I can't stand the smell and don't like the feel, it doesn't have the slicked back effect It looks dry and does stay in place.
It is annoying we can't get past the hair thing in the workplace but that's life so we do what we can. My employer is the same way no long hair or beards. The only reason they made an exception in my case is I had hundreds of years of experience that they needed badly and I refused to cut my hair or shave my Goatee.
Good luck on the new job
Kevin
Hi brazjol,
First of all congrats on the new job but BOOOOO for cutting your hair!Thankfully not too short but you did cut it.Grrrrrrrrrrr!I sympathize with your arguments regarding mens longhair vs womens.You'd think that after all the years women battled for equal rights some of that would have rubbed off and benefitted us longhaired guys.But Nooooooooooooooooo!Well there are some success stories where guys can have their hair long on jobs but it should be universal just like for the gals.Maybe that will be next on Obama's agenda:)Yea, right!Oh well enjoy the new job.Cheers
Mark
I would recommend small dollops of mousse. For controlling just a bit of stray hairs, I find that using hair spray to be unwieldy, and find hair gel a bit too heavy if not used evenly.
As for the rant, I would not hold it against your interviewer for recommending that you keep your hair in a tail. I wouldn't attempt to second guess her "suggestions" if this was already past the point of hire. I do see where your hostility is coming from, though... if you give a fair woman your exact head of (pictured) hair, no one will give a second thought.
I've done office and front desk jobs before, and I know the importance of appearing "professional." Standards of male fashion is just different. Same old, same old.
Is their any reason for this requirement? I mean, will you be doing anything where your hair will get in the way? Just wondered. However, the main thing is keeping the hair. I'd never cut mine for work. I guess I'd tie it back, but I've never been asked to.
I don't think that there's any point to tying hair back for office work. It doesn't get in the way. It's mostly manual work where there's a legit reason to secure hair.
No, it is just an office job. In fact, It's a call center so I will never have any contact with anyone other than coworkers, except by voice. The only reason for this requirement is to look more "professional". Nevermind that I take good care of my hair and dress in the proper attire. Ugh.
Congratulations on the job ! I know it has been a long and grueling battle for you....there are few things in this life more demeaning than the search for employment.
I hear something different in the hiring recruiter suggesting that you tie your hair back for training.....not a requirement, but avoiding a chance of a bad first impression. New employers do a lot of "sizing up" of employees during training and a guy with long hair will have immediate attention. As the saying goes; "You only have one chance to make a first impression".
My hair seems to be terminal at the awkward stage length (sigh), so usually when I am going into an unknown "board room" situation, I tie it back and slick down the waves of fly-a-ways on the side with pomade and spray......gives me the 'Old Fart" look that is so desired ! Ha! (Actually, at the end of the day, when I brush it out, my hair has a nice texture to it....acts as sort of a conditioner/straightener).
I would roll with it for now....once your new coworkers know you and your sparkling personality, hair will not be an issue.
Good Luck and let us know how it is going.
Walter
Congratulations on getting the position! I'm afraid I don't have any good advice for you, but I'm very happy that you found work...hopefully work you'll enjoy.