Job interview and what to do with stupid hair?

[Ltl89]

Hello everyone,

I have a question about my upcoming job interview and what I should do with my hair. 

As many of you know, I'm still in the start of things so I'm not full-time; therefore, living in boy mode is a necessary for the time being.  I've been in the process of growing out my hair and it's currently in mid range.  Essentially, the hair on the back of my head sort of flows over any collared shirt and the hair on my side easily covers my ears (it's about the range of my mouth more or less).  I need to keep growing my hair out because it's very important to my transition.  However,  I know it is sort of sloppy looking as it's in the transitional phase from short to long.   

The problem is I have a job interview coming up and I want to look professional.  I know most people go into interviews with haircuts and guys usually have much shorter hair than what I will be sporting.  This is an office position, so I need to look so what decent.  Yet, I know it will look a little sloppy and feel this will hurt my chances.  And I need a job as I've been looking for quite some time.  Does anyone have any tips on what to do with awkward transitional hair during a job interview?  Maybe it won't be as bad as I imagine, but I'm concerned it will hurt my chances.  Any feedback would be appreciated.  Thanks.

[JennX]

Slick it back with gel and a rubber-band in a pony tail. That's what I did for awhile. You'll still look more than professional enough this way.

[Anna++]

The important things is probably just to make your hair look neat.  You should consider getting your hair trimmed and neatened to remove split ends and try to get all of your layers even.  You can then brush your hair behind your ears and use hair spray or gel to hold your hair in place.

Good luck on the interview!

[GendrKweer]

Anna's on the right track for sure. Clean ends, a little light holding gel, a perfect part, tucked behind the ears.

[Ltl89]

The important things is probably just to make your hair look neat.  You should consider getting your hair trimmed and neatened to remove split ends and try to get all of your layers even.  You can then brush your hair behind your ears and use hair spray or gel to hold your hair in place.

Good luck on the interview!

I'm a bit afraid of trimming it.  Yeah, I know most people do that, but I don't want to trim it until I feel it's a bit longer.  I'm not a fan of shorter hair and it's taken me forever to grow it all out.

Slick it back with gel and a rubber-band in a pony tail. That's what I did for awhile. You'll still look more than professional enough this way.

I might try a pony tail.  Still, it's a bit on the shorter side, so it would be a tiny pony tail. Plus, its a little curly at the ends, so it wouldn't be the neatest of little pony tails. I don't know if that would make me look less professional than just wearing it down.

[Joanna Dark]

I'm a bit afraid of trimming it.  Yeah, I know most people do that, but I don't want to trim it until I feel it's a bit longer.  I'm not a fan of shorter hair and it's taken me forever to grow it all out.

I might try a pony tail.  Still, it's a bit on the shorter side, so it would be a tiny pony tail. Plus, its a little curly at the ends, so it wouldn't be the neatest of little pony tails. I don't know if that would make me look less professional than just wearing it down.

Yeah you have quite the conundrum going on. I would go to a stylist and get it styled and possibly trimmed. Just tell them your siutation that you want longer hair but it has to look neat. You will have to tell them to keep it femme. Ask someone in your support group where the get their hur did at.

[Ltl89]

Yeah you have quite the conundrum going on. I would go to a stylist and get it styled and possibly trimmed. Just tell them your siutation that you want longer hair but it has to look neat. You will have to tell them to keep it femme. Ask someone in your support group where the get their hur did at.

The interview is before my next meeting.  I'll probably just wing it and hope for the best.  It seems unavoidable because I really can't trim it.  I've been taking a large amount of msm and biotin to grow out my hair and can't imagine cutting it at the moment.  It's a little longer and shaggy, but maybe that won't hurt my chances.  However, I've been struggling to find something so I really don't want to jeopardize my opportunity.  But I'm not looking for a career position.  I'm just looking for something to pay the bills and allow me to afford my transition.  If all goes to plan, I'll be in grad school next year which is pretty much a necessity in my field. 

Good thing I have money saved up for the initial phase of my transition.

[kariann330]

I usually throw a part down the middle and if they ask about my longer then normal jet black hair i simply explain that i am in a band that plays small bars on weekends, but also reassure them that the band won't interfere with my employment with there company. It also acts as a great cover story if you forget to scrub off all of your eyeliner lol.

[Rachel]

I have a professional position and I have been letting my hair grow. I cleaned off the scruffy neck hair and use gel. I got about 10 compliments from fellow guy workers. I was smiling inside ear to ear. I need to have the ends evened out. I think slight trimming will enhance growth and health of the hair.

[Ltl89]

I usually throw a part down the middle and if they ask about my longer then normal jet black hair i simply explain that i am in a band that plays small bars on weekends, but also reassure them that the band won't interfere with my employment with there company. It also acts as a great cover story if you forget to scrub off all of your eyeliner lol.

I don't know if the band story would work well for me.  I feel like the long hair and band story may create this idea that I would be a liability to their organization.  Not that it would be, but people (including prospective employers) tend to be judgemental.

I have a professional position and I have been letting my hair grow. I cleaned off the scruffy neck hair and use gel. I got about 10 compliments from fellow guy workers. I was smiling inside ear to ear. I need to have the ends evened out. I think slight trimming will enhance growth and health of the hair.

I've heard different things about trimming.  I'd rather not cut anything unless it was needed.  The idea of cutting my hair again is a nightmare.  My mom was yelling at me a few days ago to get my hair cut.  She doesn't yet know about me, so she's angry that I insist on having the long hair.  When I told her the hair is staying she threw a plate down and told me that I look more handsome with short hair and should act like a normal boy.  Still, I can't do it.  I need the long hair for my own happiness and to pass.  But I've been going crazy without having regular employment.  I don't know how people can stay unemployed long term and enjoy it. 

Maybe, I'll put it in a short pony tail, but it would probably look stupid given the fact that it would be a shorter than a usual one. 

[Joanna Dark]

I don't know how people can stay unemployed long term and enjoy it. 

I don't think anyone enjoys long-term unemployment. But for many trans women it becomes a facet of life. I am truly scared for the future. Yet strangely excited cause this is all I have ever wanted.

[Theo]

I'd second what most people already said. Gel it down, pulling it flat behind the ears.

Whatever you do, consider that it is something that you may have to keep up for a while, at least partially. Stuff like gel or mousse are ideal, as you can gradually reduce the amount you use, gradually getting your then new co-workers used to your real hair style.

[Christine167]

Yeah "product" of some sort has been the answer for men with longer hair who wanted to look professional for decades.

[Ltl89]

I'd second what most people already said. Gel it down, pulling it flat behind the ears.

Whatever you do, consider that it is something that you may have to keep up for a while, at least partially. Stuff like gel or mousse are ideal, as you can gradually reduce the amount you use, gradually getting your then new co-workers used to your real hair style.

Yeah "product" of some sort has been the answer for men with longer hair who wanted to look professional for decades.

Yeah, I'll probably do something like this.  As long as I wear a suit and tie I believe I'll be okay.  Hopefully.

I don't think anyone enjoys long-term unemployment. But for many trans women it becomes a facet of life. I am truly scared for the future. Yet strangely excited cause this is all I have ever wanted.

Some people enjoy not having work if they can afford it.  I myself can't understand that.  I'm so used to having a new project and working really hard.  It's weird to not have something going on professionally or academically.  I'll probably be one of those people who work till I die because I love being active.