Long Hair in the Boardroom?

Being a woman in a male-dominated corporate environment is tricky. It’s hard enough to tackle pretty and powerful when minimal makeup, accessories and the male-inspired “power” pantsuit are expected. So, the recent buzz about women and long hair has us wondering: can you let your hair down and still succeed?

“Hair is a critical element of our image,” Sherry Maysonave, founder of Empowerment Enterprises and author of Casual Power, tells PINK. “Long hair can sometimes be distracting. If you’re constantly tucking it behind your ear, brushing it out of your eyes and tousling your fingers through it, you’re sending the message that you aren’t task-focused.”

Maysonave adds that over-styled hair could be seen as high-maintenance and indicate someone who spends too much time on herself rather than her work.

Want to know what style and length is best for you? Websites like Hairstyle Preview allow you to upload a picture and virtually see what looks work best.

Avoid looking overdone by pulling your hair back into a chignon or a low ponytail. If you’re going to wear your hair down, keeping it trimmed keeps you looking polished.

Minute Mentor: Lisa Stephenson, Creative Director of Sassoon Salon, tells which hairstyles make the best first impression. 

By Artesia Peluso

“Stock splits are financially rewarding – split ends are not.” Sherry Maysonave