Does my longer hair make me look childish?

21 Comments

1. Ellen L WrightFebruary 5,2020 at 5:25PM UTC

   As a general rule, yes, it does look less professional for an older woman. However, you can find styles that will allow you to keep your length but sweep your hair back/up or both in various ways to stay as professional as you are during the the day. Then simply “let your hair down” both literally and figuratively when you leave work!

2. AnonymousFebruary 5,2020 at 5:57PM UTC

   The thing that makes you look most competent is confidence; you should do what you want with your hair.

3. Ms.MoonFebruary 5,2020 at 6:18PM UTC

   I think longer hair provides flexibility for whatever is needed for the occasion. So - up, down, etc. based on your day. You can be quite professional at ANY age with longer hair. Sorry but that just makes me think back to when I started working for a company only about 20 years ago and women weren't allowed to wear slacks and HAD to wear pantyhose - wait, what! YES! What you bring to the table in terms of your skills and the ability to move the company forward with its vision, mission and values is what should ultimately count - NOT the length of your hair. I happen to work in Human Resources and am so proud to say that I work for a company that is promoting diversity of appearance and is encouraging employees to bring the whole self to work. Thanks for opening up the conversation, Julie! Keep rocking the workplace with your beautiful locks!

4. CanneFebruary 5,2020 at 6:22PM UTC

   I just turned 50 and in the back of my mind am wondering the same thing. I have always had long hair and the few times I've cut it short were disastrous because the texture of my hair does not lend itself to short do's. I need the extra weight of long hair to keep my style looking neat otherwise it goes out, instead of down. So, my answer is that it depends. You know your hair best and as long as you are neat and clean, the length of your hair is your business.

5. AnonymousFebruary 5,2020 at 6:48PM UTC

   I think if you love your hair and it makes you feel good, then that's all that should matter.

6. AnonymousFebruary 5,2020 at 7:08PM UTC

   Eh, it's really up to you what you want to do with your hair. I know plenty of CEOs with long hair and they're all well-respected and thought of as more than competent.

7. Lindsey JoeFebruary 5,2020 at 8:29PM UTC

   JLO whips her long locks every which way and there is no denying the woman is fierce in many ways :)

8. AnonymousJanuary 14,2021 at 3:09PM UTC

   JLO HAS NO LOCKS , respectfully do you know what locks are ?

9. Erin Howard-ReidFebruary 6,2020 at 2:13AM UTC

   And here I am putting in my clip-in hair extensions... LOL :)

   There are so many dumb rules for workplace styling. Personally I think long hair is easier to manage, but it all depends on the individual's hair texture, personal comfort level, culture and so much more.

   Judging from your profile pic alone, I say don't you dare cut it! It's beautiful, neat, clean and professional. It's also very "you." I was not blessed with thick hair that grows easily, so I say when ya got it flaunt it :)

   Not to open another can of worms (which I guess is exactly what I'm doing), but as much as it's unfair, youthfullness can only help women in this goofy world of ours. Luckily things are changing, but if you want to win the "game" it might help to keep it long.

   That's why I say do what you like best. If you want it shorter, try it! It can grow back (and I can send you a link for my clip-in hair extensions I got on Amazon for less than$30 if you end up hating the cut). There is only one YOU - and that includes your natural looks and beauty (and makeup and hair extensions if that's what you like... Or I'm speaking for myself :) ).

   My point is, it's worth it to stay true to yourself - even with something as seemingly simple as hair.

10. AnonymousFebruary 6,2020 at 4:40PM UTC

    Thank you!

11. RoseGFebruary 6,2020 at 2:33AM UTC

    Hair whether short or long these days doesn't play a part on a persons professional appearance. My dear you are fine loving and keeping your long locks, as long as you keep your professionalism with style of clothes and behavior, no worries, for loving your locks is pride which is beautiful. be proud and keep it that way. I don't think at all that it makes you look less professional, in fact longer hair actually means you attend to it more and do your best to keep it healthy which is work and work means efforts and dedication. I would definitely look up to you if you were my boss.

12. Kathleen PowellFebruary 11,2020 at 4:01PM UTC

    I like that so many are saying that you should, "own it", and all that, which is true. Confidence is everything, but it doesn't really fix the entire picture. I could walk into an office setting with a micro-mini on and be completely confident in my skin, but it isn't doing much for professional perception, is it? I love long hair on myself and have found ways to look completely pulled together and polished without having to cut it short or look severe. As long as you don't allow it to look like a night out with buddies, you should be fine. To be specific- hair in your face or messy curls that scream bedhead are out. A single french braid down the back, a bun, a stylish ponytail... all of these can be fresh and professional with long hair. I personally love having separation between my professional and personal life and my hair allows that.

13. Barb HansenFebruary 11,2020 at 7:39PM UTC

    Confidence always wins! Own what makes you unique, and makes your feel confident.

14. Kimberly McFebruary 12,2020 at 5:06PM UTC

    I too have long hair - I'm 50, and I've wondered the very same thing. But, for me, long hair is easier to maintain, and while I do usually wear it clipped back off my face, or in a loose bun for work - I either let it down or put it in a pony tail during my off hours. I think no matter what length or type of hair you have, as long as it's clean and tidy, it's appropriate no matter what our age is.

15. Kim LindsayFebruary 13,2020 at 4:58AM UTC

    You love it and unless it’s violating rules or laws then do what makes you feel beautiful. My hair is still punishing me for trying to darken it to blend in more. Who was I kidding? That just meant more bleach in the end, ya know? But if I had a job offer for acting and they said must shave head or dye black I would absolutely do it-value outweighs cost/sacrifice. Either choice is correct but majority can’t always rule in on your own self expression or you’ll resent us all later :)

16. CristaSamarasFebruary 13,2020 at 10:53AM UTC

    I've worn my hair in a big loose, curly bun on my head since I was in my 20s. My hair is reckless and curly, fabulous to others but hard to manage. Wearing it down is unpredictable. I'm the kind of person that tries to make a blowout last 10 days. Hoping the top bun in my 50s and beyond will still hit. It IS true to me, but at 43, I wonder if it's a little too casual.

17. AnonymousFebruary 13,2020 at 8:20PM UTC

    Keep your hair. Someone mentioned JLo. Jane Seymour rocks long hair. My hair is down to my waist. I am 68.

18. AnonymousFebruary 15,2020 at 7:27AM UTC

    Depends. If your hair is well-styled and suits you, keep it long.

    In addition, consider learning how to put your into a chignon or similar (not that I know how to do that), should you need a sleek and elegant adult look on occasion.

    There are many older women who keep their hair long, so don’t feel that you must go short.

    What you do need is a consistently good cut and stylist who will advise you how to keep your look professional and sophisticated.

19. AnonymousFebruary 17,2020 at 1:04AM UTC

    It's all in the styling of it but it's also a perception thing. If you act childish or wear it on traditionally childish styles (pigtails), maybe reconsider. However, hair is a personal choice. I have a shaved head and am told I look too aggressive by some, which makes my boss laugh because she knows it's the furthest thing from reality.

20. AnonymousJanuary 14,2021 at 2:04PM UTC

    Hair should not reflect your skills, ethics or professionalism. If that prevents you from getting ahead in your company I would seriously reconsider the company's values. As long as it hygienic and safe (won't get caught in a machine or something like that) it should not. If you find that it does I would report it to someone you trust or leave.

21. Exams BuzzMay 4,2024 at 10:15AM UTC

    During a laser hair removal session, you can expect to experience minimal discomfort and downtime. The procedure is typically performed in a series of sessions, spaced several weeks apart, to target hair follicles in different stages of the growth cycle. https://www.huggiebeauty.net/