Personal Question

[fabrisse]

I'm still having no luck on the job front. I'm trying to be good about sending out applications, but, honestly, I'm a little down at the moment. It doesn't help that someone described me as having phenomenal qualifications and then said they didn't want to interview me.

I was able to have a haircut (just a little shorter, getting rid of split ends) about a month ago, and I have a couple of summer weight outfits in case I do get an interview.

The question is should I dye my hair.

Frankly, I like the streak of grey that I have at the front. I hate the idea of chemicals in my hair. I also don't like the idea of pretending to be something I'm not.

But I've had a good friend and a couple of other people tell me that I won't be hired if I leave my hair alone. I won't seem as "vital" according to one person. Since I'm regularly told I look about ten years younger than my actual age, I don't know that vitality is an issue.

The biggie, the thing that's getting me to consider this at all, is cultural. This is the south. I wear more make-up to interviews than I would in southern California. In Boston, I haven't worn make-up in years. Down here, though, it's just not as acceptable. On the rare occasions when I've worn make-up to tutor (usually just after a job interview), everyone has gone out of her way to reinforce how lovely I look. I don't think they're calling me hideous without make-up, but they are trying to emphasize when I conform to the cultural norm.

So, should I do it? I must admit, my first thought is "If I'm going to dye it, Electric Blue is a good color," but I know that would defeat the purpose which is to get money.

Thoughts?

Comments

[eanja]

Sad to say, but I think it might not be a bad idea. I think you look fine as is, but reality suggests that looking mid-30s rather than mid-40s is probably not a bad thing when you want to be hired. It's unfair, but looks and conformity get weighed right in w/ qualifications, especially for women.

I they they make temporary dye for gray hair- I don't think regular temporary dyes wash out of gray very well, but if you could find something that wouldn't leave you needing to regrow the whole gray swoosh, would that help?

[fabrisse.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I've found a couple of brands that do "Level I" color. I think I'll be okay with something that doesn't use ammonia or peroxide.

Thank you.