new thread
hey guys I haven't been around here for quite a while (I'm sure some of you still remember me :p)!
I can't remember exactly when I started growing my hair out but it was somewhere around October 2 years ago and I'm exceptionally happy with how it has turned out so far, I've done absolutely nothing to it except for regular combing, and shampoo/conditioner every 3 days, no fancy oils or shampoos, nothing special (I don't know why girls worry so much!). I've gotten so many compliments from people about it (it's really thick and dense, and a little unruly I just brushed my hair before the pic). I've now realized that long hair is what I always wanted I was never particularly pleased with any of the short hairstyles I had tried out over the years, and I had tried everything, even mohawks.
Now I'm going to talk a little bit about something taboo on this board, I have an interview coming up for a job opportunity that is both very rare and has exceedingly high competition as it is a small industry in my country and hiring happens fairly rarely, It is a profession I have always wanted to do and it has taken me two years to get myself an interview.
In light of this I have talked to people in the industry and all but one have recommended I make it shorter, so I am strongly considering cutting some of my hair :( I have been putting it off as long as I can as I don't want to see it go but I'll probably have to do it in the next few days, trust me it is something I would really hate to it but in the bigger picture while hair can grow back, this career opportunity may never happen again. I'll go down to the barbers and get them to make it look professional while taking as little as possible off, hopefully I will only have to lose a year or so of growth. No idea what kind of medium length hair styles look professional, does anyone have any suggestions as to what I should do? it would be greatly appreciated
I have all intentions to grow it back once I pass the interview. Also as a metal head the hair is essential counterweight when headbanging! :D
Thanks guys!
~ Stick
Hi Stick, welcome back to the board:)It's cool you've decided to regrow your hair after several short hair attempts.Of course now you are looking at a job opportunity where you feel it necessary to cut your hair shorter.I've never been a fan of such a move but if you must maybe these examples are to be considered being this man is certainly successful and is a businessman.Something to ponder?Cheers
Mârk
Mârk
Ah sorry I never regrew my hair, this is the first time I've grown it, and have been for 2 years. trying out those short styles was before I ever posted on this board. understand you are not a fan cutting hair while applying for jobs, I am not either I would rather keep it however not knowing my interviewers opinion on hair and considering the risk vs reward of cutting vs not cutting cutting my hair at worst I would have to regrew it if I cut it and be displeased with my appearance for a while, however if I don't cut it I'll possibly decrease my chance of getting this job which can provide me much more in my life in fulfillment and financial success than the long hair does and there is a real possibility I'll never get the chance to go for the job again as you basically have to have family in this indistry to be able to get in. So temporary disappointment in short hair for a year vs lifetime disappointment of not getting this job.
Also I'm not sure if Donald trump is a joke because IMO his haircut looks terrible, an although he had long hair he started with a large inheritance and in his field money talks louder than a haircut
Hi Stick,
OK,guess I was under the impression you had longhair in the past, cut it shorter, and was in the process of growing it out again.As for the employment issue I hear what your saying but frankly its maddening a guy can't wear his hair the way he pleases like a woman can in such circumstances.Really what difference does it make as long as your qualified for the job.Also if you cut your hair to get the job what makes you think they will turn a blind eye if you start growing it out again once employed?Too bad you don't know someone who already works there to ask about this as the hair may not even be an issue in the first place.As for the Donald Trump pics it was just an example that longer hair can be worn in business and true that money talks ;) LOL Cheers
Mârk
I agree with you it's maddening that it's not quite as accepted to have long hair as a guy compared to a woman, however a woman can cut her hair short without a problem. It's not like there is outright discrimination but people may just sort of think to themselves: 'That short haired guy looks a bit better/doesn't seem so wild'.
Also it's a cadetship to work on offshore oil rigs, It should be different growing out once started because at the interview they barely know you and you must prove yourself against many other candidates, but in the job you have proven that you can do good work and they have invested money in training you and you are an asset to the company which would be a reason to keep you employed.
Hi Stick,
See that's the problem as its fine for a woman to have her hair cut short or long and in some cases dyed some vivid colors but guys,for the most part, are expected to have short hair styles.Thankfully that trend does seem to be shifting as I do see many more men with longer hair in all sorts of professions in my experience:)
Hmmm, that's an interesting job prospect you are seeking.Being on an oil rig out in the water seems rather isolated so having long hair,in my opinion, shouldn't even be on anyone's radar.I could even see guys with big beards doing that also.Well whatever you decide I hope it all works out for you but I think your overreacting about the hair.Cheers
Mârk
I would mention there have been some cases where a woman has but their hair short and then gotten blowback from their employer
(In the United States.) so there are employers who won't tolarate short hair on women.
Just be careful out there. Hopefully your employer won't waste time evacuating the rig when a Category 3 hurricane hits, or won't push to get the rig up and running before things like the concrete is finished. (like in the Gulf of Mexico with a well known oil company.)
yes it is!, I'm terribly excited for this opportunity :D I want to completely maximize the chance of success, though yes I might be overreacting a bit
i say to keep it long and maybe put it in a pony tail or
braid.
I've always been puzzled by the term "looking professional."
So the boss who complains about long hair has hair like Donald Trump or comb over that goes from one ear to the other. Both of which are much less professional than someone with long hair.
I have thought of that too but I was still advised to cut it, I have not seen the hair of the person who is going to interview me nor do I know of his opinions on long hair, I do know however that long hair on a guy isn't really a mainstream thing, it's more against the norms, and seen as a little rebellious esp on younger people and I was under the impression that a clean haircut is generally considered professional. I would like to add that this work will involve machinery so they may not like the long hair. Some people have been discriminated against for having long hair and I would rather be safe than sorry.
Even if they don't discriminate it might affect them negatively a little subconsciously
Sure I remember you ! Glad you are back and thanks for sharing your dilemma.
It sounds as though you have a once in a lifetime career opportunity and in my opinion, you should do what you must to be comfortable in your interview. As you said, once in, you can grow it out again.
Acceptance of longhair in professional positions is becoming more common, particularly for older guys. I am in my 70s, working for the government(US)in a very visible management and public contact position. I have been told that my long hair actually makes me "more accessible and trusted". (I keep it in a ponytail on the job).
Best of luck and please let us know the outcome !
Walter (White Tail)
I would not cut your hair. You may interview for this job, and not even get the job. I work in the tech field, and hair is never an issue.
I would suggest not cutting your hair. I've heard too many guys who cut their hair for a job interview only to find out they had no chance to get the job. (The bosses son/nephew/brother/etc. got the job, the job wasn't being filled, the job was being eliminated, etc.)
Hey, Stick. I don't think you need to cut your hair.
A few points to back up my opinion:
*I know a few guys who have done so for an interview, later to find out that nobody cared.
*Who did you ask for advice? I bet they were men with short hair. They've got an opinion about hair, and especially if they're older, they might have outdated ideas about job prospects for long haired men. Consider the source.
Before you cut your hair i would mention i've noticed alot of
guys lately with long hair, many of them in jobs you wouldn't
expect to have long hair. (Like in the deli at the super market or at the snack bar at the mall.)
Hey Stick,
Of course I remember you!!
If you absolutely must do "the dirty deed" of cutting, then my advise would be to NOT go to a barbershop; but rather, to a reputable hair salon instead. Salons are usually more expensive; but as the saying goes, "You get what you pay for!"
A good hair stylist, one who listens well and doesn't cut off any more length than the clients has asked for, is worth their weight in gold.
Good luck on your job interview!
- Ken in San Francisco
i would disagree. I've found to be more arrogant than barber shops. You tell them exactly what you want and they go do what they please. No different than barber shops in that respect.
ok, I thought barbershops and salons were basically the same thing, what's the difference and how do I tell?
They are basically the same thing. At 61 years old, one thing i've noticed is that many barber shops around here reincarnated themselves as "Salons." The only difference........salong style the hair. They both are determined to remove that long hair guys like me have. Oh snd salons will charge a lot more money to do the deed.
I agree with Ken, in general I have found salons to be much better than a barber shop. Some barbers never deal with long hair. The key is to ask either a woman or man with nice hair who they go to for their trims? You need to find someone good by word of mouth. This is just my opinion.
I've been in management and done a lot of interviewing and what always impressed me the most were applicants who had a positive attitude, enthusiasm about the job, and communicated effectively. My recommendation is to go to the interview with your hair long and during the interview look for an opportunity to share the dilemma you experienced about whether to cut your hair for the interview. Let your excitement about working there be apparent and let them know that you are willing to do whatever it takes to get the job, including cutting your hair. Good luck.
-Marx
Hi Stick
I've been a lurker for awhile myself and haven't posted recently, but I understand your dilemma. Congratulations on the opportunity! I know from experience that long hair may or may not be an issue for an interview, but there is always a chance you'll encounter someone who is prejudiced against longhair men. It's ultimately your decision on whether you think it's worth the risk, and you can always grow it again. It's a difficult position to be in. If you do decide on getting it cut, I agree with the others about going to a salon rather than a barber. Barbers are more accustomed to short hair and buzz cuts while salons are more experienced with medium to long hair. The extra expense is a worthy investment.