Long hair and professional jobs
Posted by Vinny on March 14, 2001 at 02:55:21: Previous Next
I have hair down to my shoulders which took 3 years to grow. I have been working as a male dancer the last 3 yrs and have not had to work a real job because I made a fortune in the stock market, but lost it all since the crash in the last year. Soon I'll have to go back to a normal job. My degree is in education and every job I've had in the past required me to have short hair (health club manager, retail store manager) With all the lawsuits against employers is there a way to get a professional job and keep my hair long by saying it's discrimination or it's against my religion to cut it short?
Thanks,
Vinny
Re: Long hair and professional jobs
Posted by Cam on March 14, 2001 at 17:47:20:
In Reply to: Long hair and professional jobs posted by Vinny on March 14, 2001 at 02:55:21:
If you are a man and have long hair an employer can legally make you cut it in order to look professional. If you are an Indian you might be able to say it is a part of your religion and say it agaisnt your religion to cut your hair but you are probably not so a person can make you cut it. Their are a lot of long hair friendly employers that don't care about hair length. Just dress very conservatively whenever you do go into a job interview and have a good resume.
Re: Long hair and professional jobs
Posted by Bob Berlini on March 14, 2001 at 19:42:15: Previous Next
In Reply to: Long hair and professional jobs posted by Vinny on March 14, 2001 at 02:55:21:
Yes, Vinny, I agree it is a nightmare to have long hair and deal with professional jobs. I am about to enter practice as an attorney and face discrimination with law firms and my hair length. First of all, as an attorney, I must say that there is nothing legally that you can do with your hair length. However, most people don't realize this. You could probably threaten your legal rights and most people would fear you. I am really surprised about this requirement that you speak of. Usually it is just tacit. The employer doesn't hire you, but doesn't tell you that it's because of your long hair. I know of no such requirement except basic training in the military. Make the employer come out and tell you that it's a requirement, otherwise simply don't mention it. If they do openly come out, then offer to compromise by wearing it in a pony tail or something. The airline industry requires that female flight attendants not have hair past their shoulders, but they are given the option of wearing it up.
Please, contact me if you want more advice.