Is Having a Shaved Head Unprofessional in Today's Work Environment?

Ever wondered if showing up to work with a freshly shaved dome would get you fired or affect your climb up the corporate ladder? In an age of remote meetings, casual Fridays, and CEOs like Mark Zuckerberg and Richard Branson coming to work in jeans and a plain white shirt, the question of whether a shaved head is unprofessional feels outdated.

But let's be real: people still have opinions, especially those with old-school mindsets.

Let's dive deeper.

How are Bald Men Perceived in the Workplace?

There's a certain aura that comes with a shaved head. Think about Vin Diesel, The Rock, or Jason Statham. When they enter a room, it screams, "I'm in charge" or "I make decisions." Studies (like the one from Wharton - fancy!) show that bald men are often perceived as more dominant in the workplace.

Similarly, a muscular bald dude in the workplace can be seen as a sign of strength and control. While being too buff may raise eyebrows (are you here to work or pump iron?), a shaved head combined with a fit physique can exude a dominating presence and style. The problem starts when people have preconceived notions like you're all muscle and have nothing to contribute. Bryan Becze is a bald and muscular ex-Marine in the workplace, and he shares the social stigma attached to being muscular and bald.

It's important to remember that professionalism is not about a specific hairstyle but about being well-groomed in any hairstyle and delivering quality service in the workplace.

The Impact of Hair Loss on Career Advancement

Want to advance your career? A shaved head can be a power move. Remember, we said that shaved heads are seen as more dominant? On the flip side, the same study shows that a balding man is perceived as less attractive and powerful. If you still sport the bald on top with hair on the side look, it's time to shave it off!

Shaved heads used to be stereotyped as having careers in the military, police, firefighting, and professional sports. But things are changing. As more and more men embrace their baldness and shave it all off, we can start seeing baldies all over the workplace.

What do Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos and Netscape founder Marc Andreessen have in common? Both sport the "power buzz look." This can be an asset in certain professions like sales, law, or any career where you need to project an image of authority and dominance.

Imagine a lawyer striding into court, head gleaming and muscular, ready to unleash legal fury! Opposing counsel? Probably sweating profusely. (Unless they also sport a smooth dome, it will be the battle of the domes!)

Performance and skills are valued over appearance in more creative or tech-focused industries, so rocking a shaved head is acceptable and stylish.

But a smooth dome may raise eyebrows if you work in a more conservative field like banking or high-level consulting. It's like showing up to a board meeting in shorts!

How About Bald Women?

Now, here's where things get interesting. The perception of women with shaved heads is different from that of men. There's still a double standard here since bald women sometimes face questions about their health or are seen as unconventional.

The good news is that things are changing. The stigma is decreasing, and more and more women are rocking the shaved head with confidence.

Remember the fancy Wharton study we shared earlier? It also says that women who shave their heads may be seen as confident and potential leaders in the workplace. Shaving is a bold move, especially for women in the corporate world, but it's still something to think about, especially in more traditional industries like:

• Finance (especially client-facing roles): Wall Street and its brethren are notorious for their traditional dress codes. While things have loosened up, client-facing roles often still demand a polished and conventional appearance. Think "suits," "power ties," and "perfectly combed hair." A shaved head might be considered too edgy or unconventional, especially when dealing with older, more traditional clients.

• Law (particularly in established firms): Law firms, especially the older, more prestigious ones, can be pretty traditional. While some lawyers rock the shaved head, it's still less common, particularly for women. Courtrooms can be surprisingly conservative places, and perceptions matter. If you're in a client-facing role or aspire to partner with a traditional firm, a shaved head might be weird for some and something to consider carefully.

• High-Level Consulting: Similar to finance, consulting firms often have a particular image they want to project to clients. They're selling expertise and trustworthiness; sometimes, that image includes a very conventional appearance. A girl with a shaved head might be seen as too unconventional, especially in client-facing roles.

• Government/Politics (depending on the role): Government and politics can be a mixed bag. While some roles are more open to unconventional appearances, others might be less forgiving, especially those involving public image and diplomacy. For example, a shaved head could be a talking point if you're running for office, but it is not necessarily positive.

• Corporate Environments (especially older, more established companies): Large, established corporations, particularly those with a more traditional culture, can be less open to unconventional appearances. Think Fortune 500 companies that have been around for decades. They often have a concrete idea of what a "professional" employee looks like, and that image might not include a shaved head.

Buzz Cuts: The Safe Zone?

Then there's the buzz cut. Not quite bald, but not precisely with hair either. It's the safer option that screams, "I'm practical," "Low maintenance," and "I don't have time to fuss with my hair." While a completely shaved head might raise eyebrows in some conservative environments, a buzz cut is generally more widely accepted. It's often perceived as a simple, clean, and professional look, especially for men.

The Bottom Line

Ultimately, the key to rocking a bald head in the workplace is confidence. If you own the look and work professionally and with excellence, you'll exude a sense of empowerment and self-assurance that will make people accept your look.

But remember, there's a right way to shave your head. You wouldn't want to go to work with a patchy dome or an uneven shave!

So, is sporting a smooth dome in the workplace unprofessional? It depends on you. In today's workplace, things have shifted. Head shaving is not unprofessional like before, so carry yourself confidently and see those biases melt away!

FAQs

Can You Apply for a Job if You're Bald?

Absolutely. The changing perceptions of baldness in the workplace mean that you can confidently apply for any job, knowing that your bald head is a part of your professional identity and will be accepted. Whether interviewing bald people or those with long hair, a good interviewer will focus on competence and personality rather than appearance and hair style.

But don't go in there with patchy hair or an uneven shave. How you look shaved still matters; it shows that you care about your appearance and take time to present yourself well.

Does it Matter to the Employer Why I Shave My Head?

Baldies shave for different reasons. Most people do it to deal with male pattern baldness or female pattern hair loss, which has no cure. Some shave as a form of personal expression, some due to personal beliefs such as faith, especially within certain religious groups. No matter the reason, it shouldn't affect your job interviews, as companies will be looking at your experience, competence, personality, and track record more than your smooth dome. Most employers do not notice baldness as anything worth commenting on if you are otherwise well-presented.