new thread
I know this question has probably been asked over and over, but I guess I'm just looking for a little consolation. I'm in the IT field and I just want to see from the guys that actually have long hair and deal with prejudices if I have "nothing to worry about".
My hair is thick, dark, and wavy (not that wavy, but definitely wavy). It's currently about 3 inches long and I'm slowly growing it out (I wish it would grow faster!).
How do you wear your hair in the professional work force setting? I read somewhere that the most "conservative" way to keep long hair as a man in the corporate world is just to pull it back (no parts) into a tight pony tail.
As my hair gets longer (it's thick and has a lot of volume) when I'm in that professional setting I use pretty strong hair gel to slick it back. It looks good, and I think I'm going to continue the slick-back look.
I'm just looking for some reassurance that I'm overreacting about the professional future with my long hair!
Thanks!!
That's exactly what I did when I started growin mine out. I used gel to slick it back until it was long enough to get it all in a ponytail. I'm a repair technician for an internet service provider, so I'm in the tech field myself. My hair is nearly to my belt now and I've never had any negative comments from anyone I work with. I have had questions as to my reasons for growing it, but never anything discouraging.
Well that's very comforting! I imagine that while you're IN the job, the hair grows so slowly that it doesn't "shock" anybody. I guess the problem is when you're starting a new job and people don't know you, so they concentrate on the long hair.
I put this avocado mask in my hair (quarter of a mashed avocado, two tablespoons olive oil, tablespoon natural honey, and two tablespoons of coconut oil). I feels like it keeps my hair healthy. I also drink a lot of milk (I'm convinced it makes hair grow faster :) )
I just used a commercial sport gel.
Hair growth is controlled by DNA and nothing can speed it up. That being said, you can get an overall greater net growth by keeping your hair healthy and limiting breakage. There appears to be faster growth, but it's just breaking less and not shortening itself. I've never heard of that cocktail you put in your hair, but if it works for you, go for it.
Milk is a good source of Beta-Carotene (Vitamin A), which is good for your hair, so drink up! Whole milk (3.2% fat) is best, but since beta-carotene is fat-soluble, most fat-free milk has been fortified with vitamin A to replace what is lost when the fat is removed.
I wear mine straight back in a pony tail (often segmented). During the awkward phase it was either gel it or cover it.
Either way, just make it a point to work 10 times better than any one with shorter hair than you.
I work in a law firm, have much longer hair than you, and wear it loose.
I haven't really heard of anyone in IT having a problem, although IBM used to require short hair years ago, and may still do for all I know. With that one possible exception, IT is particularly known as long hair friendly.
To be honest, as far as I can remember the only guys who've posted here that their bosses told them to cut or get fired were either (a) delivery drivers (b) retail workers or (c) fast food workers, not exactly what I'd call professionals (sorry), and there are major employers in each of those fields that do allow long hair, as well as others that don't.
IME, the more paper qualifications you have, and hence the more professional position you are going for, the LESS likely you are to be told to cut your hair.
OTOH, to be honest, any job search probably takes longer for us than for someone with short hair, which is probably not good news when unemployment is so high.
I myself work in the IT field. A supervisor for a Network Operations Center. I started with short hair but started growing it as soon as I got hired here. Now after four years of working here it is down past my shoulders. I slicked it back with gel while it was growing out and now wear it in a ponytail while at work. I probably could wear it loose at work but dont. I just think pulling it back at work looks way more professional.
I certainly don't see a problem with long hair in an IT field.
Myself, I do software/electronics engineering and IT work.
There are many talented long-haired professionals on this board.
Best of luck in your prospective career!
- Oren