Comments on: Tips for professionals with wild hair

By: Rebecca P.

Rebecca P. — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 02:51:10 +0000

Word, lady. As winner of the “musical hair award” (read: weird ‘do) for my platinum-streaked hair at a corporate job in 2001, I’m with you on all points. I’ve seen some great examples of corp-appropriate-yet-creative looks coming out of VAIN lately, esp fauxhawks by our stylist Valentine, so thanks for representin’!

By: Sara

Sara — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 22:14:01 +0000

I love the pink tips! A friend bleaches a white streak in her dark hair (on the side) and most people just think it’s an “anomaly” of her hair growth. I’ve been thinking about doing a crazy colored streak up the back of my head, so it would show if I wore my hair in a twist. Maybe…

By: Sugared Harpy

Sugared Harpy — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 17:08:16 +0000

I’m a professor with pink hair. It helps that I’m in art history, because we are blanketed with the art department. Art history conferences are much more conservative and I stand out more, but never seemingly in a negative way. I think for your reasons I get away with it: be good at your job, be in your 30s or older, etc. A nice surprise has been my students, I think the hair lets them know I’m approachable right off the bat.

As for changing it mid-job, Lindsay, I did it. I didn’t ask, either. I was also with this department for two years first so I knew our “office” culture could handle it.

I totally agree with what Jacq said…it makes people happy! I’ve never had so many elderly women come up to me since I had little babies. They, in particular, LOVE it. The best thing ever said to me came from a woman over 80:

“And people think old ladies dye their hair blue on accident! Ha on them!”

By: Lindsey

Lindsey — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 12:45:10 +0000

Awesome post Ariel. I had wild hair in high school and college, but have kept it my natural color since graduating three years ago. And I’ve been missing the crazy color.

I have a question for those of you who have gone from natural to wild during the middle of a particular job. Did you tell your boss or co-workers prior to the dye job that you were going to look different soon? Did you double-check with your boss to make sure it was OK? Or did you just do it, and show up with the new look? Thanks!

By: Alison

Alison — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 23:36:18 +0000

I think that the majority of your points are very true and timely. There seems to be a desire for self expression & originality in the work place today. With job availability on the decline, I’d say it demands it. Whomever has the brightest plumage wins.

On that note, I am nominating you for PETA’s ‘Sexiest Vegetarian Blogger’ award.