One of the keys to being confident at work is looking comfortable but professional. Having well-groomed hair that is neat and out of your face is essential. Short hair often can naturally look more professional. However, long hair can look professional too, with the right styling. What is nice about long hair is that you can have a variety of different looks and strategies. Here is my list of how to look professional with long hair.
I have always had long, curly hair. At one point, I cut my hair and wore it short to be more professional. I missed my long hair, and honestly, it took me longer to style my short hair. I also feel more like myself with my long, curly hair. So I had to find a way to incorporate my long hair into my corporate job.
I provide the inspiration based on my experience at a corporate job, both in-person and when working from home and needing to jump on a telecon. If you need more specific details on how to style them, consult a guide written by a hairstylist.
Long hair looks to avoid to look professional
The goal is to look neat and clean for work, while also feeling beautiful and confident. You want your hair to accentuate your features and allow people to see your face. You also don’t want to cause a distraction because it is so messy.
Messy and disheveled
Frizzy and dry
Flat
Greasy
Too voluminous – like you are going to a bar or out on the town
Wispy curls in your face
Too much hair covering your face
Exposed roots that are grey, if the rest of your hair is colored
Wet hair, like you just came out of the shower or pool
Invest in a good haircut
Make sure to start with good haircut. Let a professional stylist trim the ends, sides, and any bangs. A good cut is the foundation for looking professional and neat. If you generally get your hair colored, a good color treatment is a solid look as well.
Comb or brush it
This may seem obvious, but just the simple act of combing and brushing your hair will help it to look neat. Don’t just get out of bed and go to a telecon or meeting with your hair looking messy.
Make sure your roots are colored
If you normally color your hair, make sure the roots are colored. Either get this professionally done or use a root touch-up product such as a spray or powder. Touch up your gray hair.
Put it in a professional ponytail
Comb or brush your hair away from your face and neatly put it in a ponytail. You may want to apply some styling creme or gel to help slick it back or hold it in place. You can put in the ponytail holder at the base of the back of your neck or in the back. Avoid putting it at the top such as you might do to go to the gym. You are going for a neat look not a “cutesy” vibe.
Hold it back with a barrette
Pull the hair away from your face and hold it back with a barrette or clip, with most of your hair laying flat in the back. You can also use a barrette in place of a ponytail holder or vice-versa.
Style it
You can also style it with a curling iron, flat iron or hot rollers. This keeps the hair neatly in place. Just make sure if you style it, it lays neat and in place for work. It should not be like you are going out on the town and a bit wild and fluffed. Avoid wispy curls in your face.
If you wear your hair wavy or curly, use styling products to make it look neat and controlled
Curly or wavy hair can look really nice at work. I have super curly hair which I love to wear natural. The only problem is that it has a tendency to look messy. After showering, I put some styling gel that is for curly hair. This keeps the curls hydrated, and under control. I use a styling comb to keep the curls intact and not frizzy.
Braid it
Braid your hair. You can do French braids or pull it back like a ponytail and braid it. You can also incorporate braids with barrettes or twist them into a bun.
Put it back in a French twist, or use a hair clamp
Pulling it back in a French twist is a classic look. You can also make this easy to secure if you use a hair clamp. This also keeps the hair neatly away from your face.
Put it back in a bun
Put it neatly in a bun in the back of your head or on your crown. This, like the ponytail, is easy to secure, and always keeps the hair away from your face.
Blow it out straight
Either get a “blow-out” or do it yourself. Straight hair tends to naturally look neat. I have known women to get this professionally done before interviews or presentations.
Long hair, like short hair, is truly beautiful. Styled thoughtfully it can lead to both beauty and professionalism at work. Combine your beautiful hair, with comfortable, professional clothes, and tasteful jewelry and see your career and confidence thrive.
