Unemployed: Should I cut my hair into a short pixie to look more professional? (haircut, hairstyles)

[Brainy Intellectual Type]

I am a 31 year old woman who has been unemployed for over six months. For most of my life I have had long hair. People say I look like a college girl not a professional and because I am trying to get back into a law firm (I am a Paralegal) in a very conservative town, Washington DC, maybe I should cut my hair real short to look the part.

Many of the people I talk to about my job search and long period of unemployment tell me that my appearance is holding me back. They say the college girl long hair look just does not match with the needs of a conservative law office, and I need to cut my hair off.

Do you have any advice? Would a pixie ear length haircut make me more marketable? What is the perfect woman's haircut for a conservative law office in Washington DC?

[sirron]

...please consider a modest trim, maybe to the shoulders or just below. This length can be pulled back into a low, classy pony with a pretty barrette, or, can be swept up and back into a conservative twist. I wouldn't go drastic to please others - ever!

[misplaced1]

There are a few programs on sites where you can upload a photo and "try on" some different hairstyles. Why don't you give that a shot before making a decision on any particular cut or style.

[JanuaryGirl]

I wouldn't consider a pixie cut to be ideal for a conservative law firm. I think it would be better than long, bland hair that doesn't look professional at all, but remember (as silly as it is) in conservative circles women aren't expected to have super short hair.

Not sure what your hair type is, but for most types you could try a nice, slightly layer bob at or just below the chin. Short enough to not hang on your shoulders.

Also, not sure if you have bangs, but bangs can go a LONG way toward making plain hair look more pulled together. I had boring, long, straight hair that made me look really young (not in a good way). Cut the hair to fall just below my shoulders and cut long, side-swept bangs (not so long they fall in my eyes though). I dry it and flat iron it and it looks stylish instead of sloppy now.

[pitt_transplant]

Why not just keep it but tuck it back in a bun like Lilith from Cheers? It looks very professional and you get to keep you hair. I suggest to keep it and find yourself some decent suits and conservative heels and flats. Wear tights or pantyhose if you are wearing a skirt.

I think that would work fine and also focus on:

- conservative hair color
- conservative make-up
- conservative jewelry/purses/etc/cellphone
- nails - short no polish buffed to shine or skin tone polish
- resume writing/coverletter writing
- behavior
- written ref

[Brainy Intellectual Type]

The more I look at women on the street who look professional, the more I see women with short hair. Many of the lawyers in my old office cut their hair short and few had it longer than a bob. I am not thinking of a lesbian look but a cute 3 inch long pixie! Like this?

http://z.hubpages.com/u/265229_f520.jpg

[pitt_transplant]

I know what you are talking about. But I have also seen people make the mistake and it just made them look old and tired. If your face is not really tight and you are on the thinner size I would not do it. It can look really bad on some people.

[kaykay]

Very long, just straight hair might look a bit "college girl-ish" but I tend to agree with just maybe cutting it just below chin length or even shoulder length. At least in my area, this style would not be considered unprofessional at all at really, any age. Now...of course if someone wants a very short cut...that's another story.

[AlexTx]

I vote for shoulder length. It's hard to know what will look good on you without seeing you, but a pixie cut sounds scary. Few people can pull it off.

[M3 Mitch]

Good grief, just put it up in a bun if you think this will help you get a job!

If you are having problems getting hired, I doubt that it's your hair that's the problem.