Does long, thick hair look unprofessional on a 40 yo woman?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP be honest is your hair really thick?

Yep.

Every stylist comments on the thickness. It takes forever to blow out. It has a natural wave to it.

Like I said, thicker than Julianne Moore’s hair. (Pretty sure her hair is real/no extensions since I saw her one time in person. She’s stunning btw.)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Or get it thinned. Most competent hair stylists can do that.

My sister tried that and it wasn’t a good look. Her stylist apologized afterwards.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If you can't or don't want to put it up for work, then a shorter style is more likely to read as professional.

Do people pull up their hair at your office? Nobody at my office does.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Or get it thinned. Most competent hair stylists can do that.

My sister tried that and it wasn’t a good look. Her stylist apologized afterwards.

Shame she wasn't competent, then.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If you can't or don't want to put it up for work, then a shorter style is more likely to read as professional.

Do people pull up their hair at your office? Nobody at my office does.

What kind of office? OP is asking what looks "unprofessional."

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:How tall are you OP and what is your dress style in general? Taller women can get away with longer hair, but if you are short and half of your body is covered in hair - that's not a good look.
Your hair should frame your face, not just sit on your chest.

5’9”

And, I have a longish, roundish face.

So keep it a bit bellow shoulder length. Since it's so nice and thick find someone who can do a slightly layered cut.
You should show off your beautiful hair, especially if it's red, that's gorgeous!

[Anonymous]

PP - like this:

[Anonymous]

OP, what is the culture at your office or workspace? Does anyone wear their hair long and down, and if so, how does it look? Does anyone comment on those other people's long hair?

Or do people with long hair wear it up? Or are there just people with short hair there?

[Anonymous]

I think it's fine (and I think it's fascinating how many women get so heated about this topic, really, insulting others because they have long hair? embarrassing behavior from adults), but my office is a pretty granola place. Walking into my workplace with a french twist and a blazer would make you the odd one out.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP, what is the culture at your office or workspace? Does anyone wear their hair long and down, and if so, how does it look? Does anyone comment on those other people's long hair?

Or do people with long hair wear it up? Or are there just people with short hair there?

No, she doesn't need to look like everyone else, but like herself.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think it's fine (and I think it's fascinating how many women get so heated about this topic, really, insulting others because they have long hair? embarrassing behavior from adults), but my office is a pretty granola place. Walking into my workplace with a french twist and a blazer would make you the odd one out.

This really does matter. "Professional" isn't just one thing -- it's context-driven. My hair is longer than OP's, and I like enjoying it down, both how it looks and how it feels. That's not outside the norm for where I work, though.

I pull it back when there are logistical reasons to do so.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP, what is the culture at your office or workspace? Does anyone wear their hair long and down, and if so, how does it look? Does anyone comment on those other people's long hair?

Or do people with long hair wear it up? Or are there just people with short hair there?

No, she doesn't need to look like everyone else, but like herself.

Right, but she's asking about what is professional, which is by definition comparative. It's a standard across individuals, not an individual quality. If other people are doing it without comment, then it's likely not considered unprofessional at her office.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:careful about getting a short cut with thick hair, OP. I don't know about yours, but mine is pretty wavy, so when it goes short there is WAY TOO MUCH VOLUME because it's not being weighed down by length.

I just made the mistake of getting mine cut too short and now I look like a poofy mushroom

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think it's fine (and I think it's fascinating how many women get so heated about this topic, really, insulting others because they have long hair? embarrassing behavior from adults), but my office is a pretty granola place. Walking into my workplace with a french twist and a blazer would make you the odd one out.

This really does matter. "Professional" isn't just one thing -- it's context-driven. My hair is longer than OP's, and I like enjoying it down, both how it looks and how it feels. That's not outside the norm for where I work, though.

I pull it back when there are logistical reasons to do so.

Good point.

Here’s what I’ve noticed:

Most older women cut their hair short (bobs or chic boy cuts).

Most younger women have long hair with a center part. Some have funkier cuts (short, spiky, or bold color).

I’m in my 40s; not young, but not old. I’m not interested in chopping my hair off, but I think it needs to be shorter. I suspect fresh highlights/color will help.

Maybe glasses would make me look more distinctive on camera? I’m noticing lots of women who never wore glasses at the office are wearing them on zoom along with a bolder lip.

Still looking for style inspiration.

[Anonymous]

Glasses with a bolder lip will definitely give some definition to the face. Or a good eyebrow groom, if you don't wear glasses. Why not try and see what you think?