5 Unprofessional Hairstyles You Should Avoid at Work
hair is integral to your appearance and can influence how people perceive you at work. This, in turn, affects your performance and how seriously you are taken as an employee.
Racial Bias in Perception
A study revealed a bias in search engine results, with “unprofessional hair” searches predominantly showing images of black women with natural locks, while “professional” pursuits featured well-coiffed white women.
Shag Hairstyles
Shag haircuts are choppy layered cuts with side-swept fringes. They are suitable for curlier textures and can be styled with sea salt spray for beachy texture. Cheekbone-length bangs and blonde hues are trendy variations.
Skullet Hairstyle
The skullet is an eye-catching style, but wearing it in professional settings may bring unwanted attention. It can be an expressive way to show individuality, but it requires courage and confidence to pull it off successfully.
Mohawk Haircuts
Mohawk haircuts add an edgy element to your appearance but are unsuitable for professional settings. They feature bluntly cut bangs and can include intricate shaved designs.
Pigtails
Pigtails, often associated with a schoolgirl style, may look cute but are not considered professional for the office. Save this hairstyle for weekends or casual occasions.
Messy Bun
A casual top knot, the messy bun is ideal for relaxed outings. To make it more professional, use a hair serum to add polish and run through your strands before creating the bun.
Undercut Hairstyles
Undercut hairstyles allow creativity and individuality with daring designs suitable for various hair lengths. However, some consider them unprofessional, so it’s advised to avoid wearing them at work.
Understanding what hairstyles are considered unprofessional can help you avoid inappropriate choices in business settings. Your hair plays a significant role in your overall appearance, so it’s crucial to make it work in your favor when advancing your career.
