Discrimination against men with long hair in work places

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fhawk362

Jack Dempsey
MFK Member
Oct 24, 2009
1,282
2
36
Royal palm beach, FL
Hi, I'm currently searching for a job and keep getting turned away because I have long hair. And it got me thinking, is it right to turn someone away simply because they have long hair? I've had long hair since a young age (about 8) and its who I am, it keeps my individuality. I know most people feel it's stupid to think that cutting your hair for a job is a big deal, but to me, and I'm sure there are others, it is. For a job to require you to have short hair at work then you would also have to maintain short hair when not working as well because it is impossible otherwise, it's not a uniform that can be put on and off (excluding wigs). I added that because I can understand certain dress codes. It's also the principal that I will lose out on a job to someone less qualified because of a simple feature such as long hair. I also am willing to ponytail my hair to achieve a "professional" look. I've always been curious on how, as well as why, this rule is in place. I feel it is a very old school mentality to say that men with long hair are not "professional." I also feel that if there were women getting turned away because they have short hair, and for that to be clearly stated as unacceptable, that it would be proclaimed as discrimination. Sorry for the rant, I'll add more as I hear some input on the matter. Please be respectful in your responses and I will do the same.
 
I am all for personal freedom and stuff but if a job requires that you look professional and you want that job then you should cut your hair. If anything it shows who wants the job more (if you are not willing to cut your hair for for it then it must not be too important). If however it is a job where appearance does not matter then who cares. I guess it all depends on the situation but if you are looking for a job seriously then it is time for a hair cut. It could not hurt your chances....
 
I've cut off my dreads three times. If you want Babylon's green energy, you've got to look like babylon.
 
I used to have long hair, I never got a job either. I always wondered why the hell it mattered. It doesn't make any sense.

SOOO I cut it, it's pretty short, but I actually like it alot better than the long hair
 
Well... a company I was formerly employed with has strict dress code, it's pretty much about appearance. It is an old school mentality and a mentality that is hard to change. A lot of companies that has to deal with customer/clients on a face to face environment feels that someone clean cut and well groomed is more approachable. Any other company that let's you run free isn't really considered as "professional" or are considered "hippies" It's a trend that is slowly coming around, but probably still won't be accepted anytime soon. A lot of head corporate people are in their 50's...it may change in 20 years when the next generation (probably will feel more casual) takes over.

I currently work for a company with no real dress code/grooming guidelines and a lot of people think we're "hippies" So the hair and beard is a growing, lol!
 
snakeguy101;4401918; said:
I am all for personal freedom and stuff but if a job requires that you look professional and you want that job then you should cut your hair. If anything it shows who wants the job more (if you are not willing to cut your hair for for it then it must not be too important). If however it is a job where appearance does not matter then who cares. I guess it all depends on the situation but if you are looking for a job seriously then it is time for a hair cut. It could not hurt your chances....

Understood, I've been telling myself that if the right job comes around I would be willing to cut my hair.
 
benzjamin13;4401922; said:
Well... a company I was formerly employed with has strict dress code, it's pretty much about appearance. It is an old school mentality and a mentality that is hard to change. A lot of companies that has to deal with customer/clients on a face to face environment feels that someone clean cut and well groomed is more approachable. Any other company that let's you run free isn't really considered as "professional" or are considered "hippies" It's a trend that is slowly coming around, but probably still won't be accepted anytime soon. A lot of head corporate people are in their 50's...it may change in 20 years when the next generation (probably will feel more casual) takes over.

I currently work for a company with no real dress code/grooming guidelines and a lot of people think we're "hippies" So the hair and beard is a growing, lol!

I've been looking into the psychology behind it, from what it sounds, and this makes perfect sense to me, is that men with short hair and no facial hair have a more feminine and more submissive look, like a young boy or a female. Men cut their hair to please their superiors by showing them that they are obedient, which takes away from the man's power, making him feel less like a man by being more submissive, just as I feel about it, which is why I've never cut my hair for my girlfriend.
 
Columbian Shark Catfish;4401921; said:
I used to have long hair, I never got a job either. I always wondered why the hell it mattered. It doesn't make any sense.

SOOO I cut it, it's pretty short, but I actually like it alot better than the long hair

True, honestly if I cut my hair on my own free will I think Id be better off, but I like the individuality and identity that has come with it. But no maintenance short hair sounds nice.
 
fhawk362;4401957; said:
I've been looking into the psychology behind it, from what it sounds, and this makes perfect sense to me, is that men with short hair and no facial hair have a more feminine and more submissive look, like a young boy or a female. Men cut their hair to please their superiors by showing them that they are obedient, which takes away from the man's power, making him feel less like a man by being more submissive, just as I feel about it, which is why I've never cut my hair for my girlfriend.

but that does not make sense because some of the most powerful males have short hair and wouldn't the long hair be a sign of femininity since that is a trait of women?

Just keep this in mind: Chuck Norris has short hair...
 
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