Should I dye my hair? I decided to go for a Sr. Leadership position in the Construction industry and after seeing a recent photo of myself - I look like I intentionally dyed the front side of my hair white. I have dark brown hair in the back and there is a very small transition. After googling female CEO's, it seems that the vast majority of women in management dye their hair. I have a virtual interview coming up. Should I dye my hair?

34 Comments

1. AnonymousMay 28,2024 at 12:42PM UTC

   Only dye your hair if it isn't going to make you feel uncomfortable about your appearance. If you're worried that it would look natural, or that it's jeopardizing your values in some way, then don't do it.

   I say this as a person in leadership who has had hair nearly every color in the rainbow--brown, blonde, pink, blue, etc.

2. Amy CollinsMay 28,2024 at 12:42PM UTC

   You should do what helps you feel your best. If you are going to color your hair, I suggest a professional colorist (not a home dye job). Good luck with the interview!

3. AnonymousMay 28,2024 at 12:43PM UTC

   Yes, dye your hair! For a zoom interview when I was unemployed and worrying about money, I used mascara and brown eye shadow to cover the gray around my face, but in person I got fresh cut and color.

   Ageism is real, but also just looking like you take care of yourself makes a good impression regardless.

4. Jacqueline CutlerMay 28,2024 at 12:50PM UTC

   Whether to go grey or not is a big question and one I've debated for a really long time. My main concern from your question is having the front white and the back brown, it does not look as polished as if it were all one color.

   Do most men worry about this? No! And that drives me crazy, but you need to look together and polished. The two-tone hair likely detracts from that, and if you can strip the brown from your hair and have it all white and get a great cut and style that would work.

5. Paulla Fetzek, MSEdMay 28,2024 at 1:01PM UTC

   If you want to dye your hair because you'd like it to look different, then go ahead. I don't believe any woman should have to dye/cut/style their hair a certain way to "be professional".

   With all of humanity's "advances" it's crazy that we still live in an unfortunate time where women are often judged on their professionalism by how they look. A concept I find horrific.

6. Erin AndersonMay 28,2024 at 1:09PM UTC

   If you want more job opportunities, then dye your hair. It needs to be a natural color. I also suggest a fresh cut. I’m 50 and stopped dying my hair. My hair is also super short. IDGAF But, you should care if you’re attempting to present yourself professionally. Ageism is real.

7. AnonymousMay 28,2024 at 1:27PM UTC

   Yes

8. stephanie baumMay 28,2024 at 2:04PM UTC

   You be you. Its hair, it doesn't effect who you are.

9. James WarkMay 28,2024 at 2:21PM UTC

   Do what makes you feel most comfortable. If worrying about how your hair looks means you won't perform to your best in an interview then change the way it looks...my wife had the same hair style for a long time, got a new style just as she changed jobs and felt great and it helped her feel more confident in the changes at work. How we feel about the way we look can affect how we project our selves so think about what you want and do what helps you get there. No right or wrong just what is best for you.

10. Kimberly Knapp DuganMay 28,2024 at 2:23PM UTC

    You should do whatever makes you feel most confident. If dyeing your hair boosts your confidence, then absolutely go for it. Personally, I love my gray hair and haven't found it to be a professional disadvantage. I don't understand why some people equate going natural with "letting yourself go." That's simply not true. Embracing your natural self should be applauded, not looked down upon.

11. AnonymousMay 28,2024 at 2:27PM UTC

    Yes, do it. Everyone's graying patterns are not the same. If you haven't had a makeover in a while, consider submitting yourself to constructive criticism. Ask if your gray hair is aging your appearance or is immediately eye-catching. Unfortunately, there are biases and age discrimination. Flatten out the color to something that is not drastic and attractive. You want interviewers to focus on your strengths and talents vs. your hair. Good luck!

12. AnonymousMay 28,2024 at 2:55PM UTC

    There’s so much age discrimination in these jobs. Personally, I would dye my hair until you’re ready to retire. Why take the risk?

13. AnonymousMay 28,2024 at 10:23PM UTC

    Don't dye it unless YOU want to.

14. AnonymousMay 29,2024 at 1:23AM UTC

    Most companies have policies regarding dress codes which includes un-natural hair colors that are not accepted, it sounds like it's your hair natural color so I wouldn't change it. But if you feel this would hinder your opportunity for a position, I understand. Do what you feel is best for you.

15. Carol SuggsMay 29,2024 at 3:46AM UTC

    Embrace the grey. I wore headbands for two years while I grew mine out and now I get tons of compliments. It was a hard transition for me but I stuck it out and am glad I did. Dying my hair every 4-6 weeks was a hassle, I was always obsessed about whether or not my roots were showing. If you are going to be committed to keep it up, then dye away. Maybe just try an updated cut? Talk to your stylist about what their thoughts are? Remember it’s your hair, so if you want to dye it or not that’s up to you. Do you!

16. AnonymousMay 29,2024 at 12:25PM UTC

    I would ask if you really wanted to dye your hair. I personally do dye my hair. I did embrace the grey at one point and didn't feel confident, comments from extended family helped with that. I know I looked my age (I'm 50+) and that affected me. So, for me it's a confidence thing. I would say dye it if you thought you'd get a confidence boost, because interviewing takes confidence. Then go into the interview and get that Sr leadership position. We need more women in senior management!

17. AnonymousMay 29,2024 at 12:32PM UTC

    do what you need to make your hair look nice. Something off (strange haircut, bi--colored hair, etc) might not bode as well.

18. Heather HaalandMay 29,2024 at 12:51PM UTC

    It’s good to see the responses to your post. I had long hair for years and felt like I was being judged as being much younger than I am by coworkers and clients. I just cut my hair for locks of love into an age appropriate style. Male friends and my husband gravitate to the long youthful locks. Female friends have given me lots of compliments. This is the third time I’ve cut my

    haor for locks of love and I have had the same responses over the past 20 years…. This may or may not be true but my perception is Gen X men seem a bit into superficial looks. I personally love when women show their natural gray. Ultimately you should do what you’re most comfortable and confident with. If you want to try out some color maybe do temporary color first.

19. AnonymousMay 29,2024 at 1:01PM UTC

    Maybe try a wash out spray color first.

20. AnonymousMay 29,2024 at 1:07PM UTC

    You should be able to do what's most comfortable for you, but given our society and corporate norms, you may want to consider coloring your hair—at least until you get the job. Then, perhaps, you can slowly transition to gray.

    Also consider different styles and color techniques, such as highlights, that will enhance your look and be easy to maintain.

    Good luck!

21. AnonymousMay 29,2024 at 1:15PM UTC

    You shouldn't have to but it is to your advantage to do so

22. AnonymousMay 29,2024 at 1:26PM UTC

    You should go to your stylist and have it done professionally if you do. Gray hair can be very resistant to accepting color and sometimes it will pull the base color so if you use an ash it can grab the green base or if you use a warm tone it can grab the red or orange base colors. Also, highlights might be a good option too, sometimes a solid dark color can age you or make you look "harsh". Good luck! I hope it goes well for you.

23. AnonymousMay 29,2024 at 1:32PM UTC

    This will be an unpopular opinion but anyone with a line in their hair color would be distracting to me. Doesn't matter the age, gender, or seniority of the person. I would be fixated on their hair. Now I know everyone will attack me on this and I'd love to be able to avert my eyes but this just isn't the case.

    I also take people more seriously in the workplace who are dressed appropriately & professionally. To be clear, this doesn't mean expansive suits and rolex watches. This means clean, neat, age and office appropriate wear. I personally think jeans (at least in my office setting) are lazy and inappropriate. This isn't the case for all jobs, but it is in my role. Too many women wear short dresses and skirts that make them look like high school students, not advanced degree holders in leadership roles.

    Everyone on this board knows that we're judged on our appearance. It contributes to our likability, our trust factor, and credibility in the work place. For everyone saying " you do you," I'm in agreement...but many in the workplace aren't.

    If you're truly interested in this job, set yourself up for success. As so many others have said, visit with a professional stylist. Figure out if a fresh haircut can help with this transition line, or move forward with a hair dye. This isn't compromising your personal values, it's playing the job search and hiring game...well.

    Best wishes to you and let us know how it turns out.

24. Bosslady520080May 29,2024 at 2:11PM UTC

    I'm sorry to say it but yes you should. I would have it done professionally, by a good beautician, and maybe get a new style as well.

25. AnonymousMay 29,2024 at 5:15PM UTC

    While we all would love to not live in a world that is ageist or beautiest, we know that's not reality. If you don't want to be seen as old, dye your hair.

26. AnonymousMay 29,2024 at 5:59PM UTC

    From the original poster: Thank you all! I decided to get a glaze on my hair to give it a shine and hide my grey hair. I already have an edgy hair cut and style it daily. I've sadly had more luck with dying my own hair then going to a salon - so I did it myself.

    Also, the interview went well - onto the next round!

27. Rebecca MillikenMay 29,2024 at 5:59PM UTC

    I agree with those who say go to a pro and find out what they say. I just saw a woman this morning who had striking hair that was gray. She looked to be in her mid 40s at most but the reason she looked so good is she had a great cut.

    I have graying hair and don't like to dye it. I don't like the way it looks and I don't want to spend the money on maintenence. But I go to a stylist who cuts it well. I find some dye jobs to be distracting so unless you get it done well and get a good cut, it's not worth it.

28. Linda SchultzMay 30,2024 at 11:43AM UTC

    I've been searching for a different role (I'm 55) for a year now. Ageism is real.... If you feel it makes you look younger and puts you at a more competitive edge, do it. You can always go back. I went back to my dark brown for 6 months and got so many compliments on how I looked 10 years younger. I believe it helped me in interviews as the majority of the interviews I've had were with "younger" generation. I have successfully landed a position with a Federal agency.

29. AnonymousMay 30,2024 at 11:54AM UTC

    You do you, if that is something that is in 'your head' as a concern, remove that so that you can focus on sharing the benefit you will bring to their organization.

30. VasanthaMay 30,2024 at 12:24PM UTC

    Yes

31. AnonymousMay 30,2024 at 3:55PM UTC

    Even in 2024, we still live in a world where as we age, men become "distinguished" and women become "old". Ageism is real. Dye it, get the job and then do you!

32. AnonymousMay 30,2024 at 11:45PM UTC

    I don't get this.. I have silvers at 37 and still get offers. I think it's the women who make this up. Maybe stop? Also, wrinkles don't fool anyone. If you're wrinkled, you're still going to look older, despite dying your hair. Period.

33. AnonymousMay 31,2024 at 2:50PM UTC

    No, at 37 you definitely don't get it. Come back when you're in your 50's and let us know about all those offers.

34. RobertK RollinsMarch 26,2025 at 9:39AM UTC

    Dyeing your hair is a personal choice, but in a senior leadership role, projecting confidence and professionalism matters most. Many female executives choose to dye their hair, but authenticity is also valued. If your current look makes you self-conscious, coloring it could boost your confidence. For expert advice on hair concerns, check out https://hairlossrevive.com/the-ultimate-guide-to-covid-hair-loss-help-expert-tips-for-recovery/. Ultimately, focus on your skills and presence—confidence will leave the strongest impression in your interview.