Before
the pandemic, a corporate client inquired about my business etiquette seminar.
During our conversation she told me that she hadn’t hired someone because, “She
looked old, as she had gray hair.”
I
did not color my hair during the last 16 months. It was
wonderful not having to go to the hairdresser every couple of weeks. My dyed
brown hair has almost all been replaced with a combination of my natural gray,
silver, white, and black hair.
The
photo on the left – taken five years ago – is my corporate head shot, and on
the right is a recent photo. Photographer Joey Del Palazzo took both photos,
and we tried to recreate the original setting as best we could for the second
photo shoot.
I
teach business etiquette and professional presence, and I know that hairstyle
and hair color are important parts of a person’s image. I also know that people
have strong opinions about hair color. There’s a meme featuring The Joker that
says: Change your hair color and everybody loses their mind.
Do
you make assumptions when you see a professional with gray hair?
Do
you think gray hair makes a woman look old, out-of-date, or less professional?
And do you believe that gray hair can make men look distinguished, but not women?
I
want to believe that gray hair can signal wisdom and experience in both men and
women. I also want to believe that gray hair – if it’s cut well and suited to
you – is not a reason to reject anyone as a job applicant or seminar
lecturer.
One
of my clients recently admired my silver-gray-black mane and told me, “People
pay a lot to get your current hair color!” On the other hand, my style-conscious
sisters joke that I am now the oldest sister! (I am the middle sister.)
If
I keep my new hair color – and I’m leaning towards doing so – I will follow the
advice of businesswoman and white-hair fashion icon Iris Apfel: “If your
hair is done properly and you have on good shoes, you can get away with
anything.”
Pachter & Associates
provides seminars and coaching on communication, career development,
business writing, presentation skills, professional presence, and
business etiquette. For additional information, please contact Joyce
Hoff at joyce@pachter.com. (www.pachter.com)
