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What’s the best way to style long hair for job interviews if you’re a woman in your early 20s? Could wearing it down make you look too young? Reader D wonders:
How should a 20-year-old style her long, straight hair for the interview process for a management consulting job? Is wearing it down and straight too young/collegiate? Is styling it with a curling iron too beauty-pageant/date-y? Just how conservative is the corporate culture of the big three consulting firms? Must hair be pulled back? Interview wardrobe all taken care of, and nails are neat and well-groomed, but what about long hair?
We’ve frequently discussed workplace hair, from whether long hair makes you look young, to whether ponytails at the office are acceptable, to what easy, maintainable hair looks like, to work-appropriate up-dos. We’ve also talked about what your hair says about you at work.
{related: here are 12 easy office up-dos!}
For this post I was going to find a bunch of YouTube tutorials and pictures of women with interview-appropriate updos, half-updos, and long hair. But… here’s the thing: so many of those look totally pageant-y, and on a young woman it’s going to look even more like you’re playing dress up.
So here’s my answer: for an interview, your hair should be neat, recently trimmed, and not something you play with. Ultimately, the hairstyle should be forgettable.
I mean that in two ways: first, it should be forgettable for you — once you do your hair and leave your house, you should be able to forget your hair and focus 100% on the interview(s). No touching, no smoothing, no combing — no thoughts of “ow, these bobbypins are sucking my will to live and when.can.I.get.them.out.please.God.is.it.now.” (Ahem. Personally I hate bobbypins.)
Secondly, though, your hair should really be forgettable for your interviewer as well, because you want them to notice your resume and your qualifications and your smarts — not your hair.
For an interview, your hair should be neat, recently trimmed, and not something you play with. Ultimately, the hairstyle should be forgettable.
This is going to look a bit different for every person — just reading through the comments on our last ponytail post some women noted that their hair felt “scraggly” if it was down, others felt like it looked “scraped back” in a ponytail.
So, for my $.02, here’s my list of options for how to wear your hair for interviews:
1. Hair, Down
Hair, down, is fine. If you find yourself touching your hair, smoothing it, re-parting it, whatever — then think about pulling it back. If your hair is super voluminous and it takes a bit of effort to maintain a neat look throughout the day, I’d suggest just pulling it back.
2. A Half Up-Do
Long hair, pulled into a half up-do so it’s out of your face — see our options for ponytails, below.
3. An up-do
If this is the easiest for you to do, that’s fine too. Just make it neat, comfortable to wear, and not too high — the fashion blogger’s topknot or a messy bun (whether on purpose or not) is not likely to win you any fans. Note that readers have loved Goody Spin Pins in the past (particularly for curly hair).
4. A Polished Ponytail
A ponytail is fine — but it can’t look pageant or cheerleader at all. I’d suggest you think LOW ponytail, if only because I think people associate higher ponytails with cheerleaders — plus I often find them uncomfortable to wear for long days.
I’d suggest taking the time to find an easy, comfortable way to make your ponytail look a SMIDGE more polished with one or more of the following ideas… (you can also go for the Better Call Saul ponytail!)
Psst: Below, find some of our favorite hair accessories for work as of 2024. Note that some of our long-standing favorite brands for quality, durability, comfort and styling include Ficcare and France Luxe. For more affordable options (which may not last as long), keep an eye out at Anthropologie, Ann Taylor, and J.Crew stores (including J.Crew Factory and Madewell). Also: Kat loves these flat elastics.
How to Style a Ponytail for Interviews
- Use your hair to cover the elastic — you can also create a small braid to cover the elastic
- Putting a sedate, professional hair accessory to hide the elastic (or using an elastic with a barrette or cuff built in) — I think the look above looks great because the barrette nearly matches her hair, and the hair looks very neat. Nordstrom has a ton of beautiful ones similar to the one pictured at top; I always think of J.Crew and Ann Taylor for this also — but your drugstore is fine as well.
Look for ones that match your hair, don’t sparkle, and are comfortable to wear. Some quality brands worth the money include Ficcare, L.Erickson, and France Lux.
- Start a Gibson Roll – Make a hole in your hair just above the elastic and then pulling your ponytail through that hole — sort of like the beginning of a Gibson roll
- Twist the hair around your face to give it a bit of volume before pulling it back, as illustrated in the YouTube video I linked to in this ponytail post
- Adding a bit of height on top of your head, either by teasing it or using a product like a BumpIt (or Jean at ExtraPetite‘s beloved velcro bump) — but be careful here!
Maintaining a Professional Look: Tips for Long Hair Care
Having long, beautiful hair is a statement in itself. But when it comes to maintaining a professional look, long hair requires extra care and attention. Let’s explore some essential tips to keep your long locks looking polished and presentable, ensuring you make a lasting impression in any professional setting.
Hair Care Tips for Long Hair
Long hair demands a consistent hair care routine to keep it healthy and vibrant. Here are some key tips to incorporate into your regimen:
Regular Trims to Prevent Split Ends
Long hair is more prone to split ends, which can make your locks look dull and unkempt. Schedule regular trims every 8 to 12 weeks to remove damaged ends and promote healthy hair growth. This practice will help maintain the overall appearance and prevent further damage.
Deep Conditioning Treatments for Healthy Hair
Long hair tends to be drier due to its length and exposure to environmental factors. Treat your tresses to deep conditioning treatments at least once a week to nourish and hydrate the strands. Look for products that contain natural oils like argan or coconut oil, as they provide deep moisture and restore shine.
Some of our latest favorite deep conditioning treatments for healthy hair include these options:
Ladies, what are your thoughts — particularly those of you who regularly interview women in their early 20s? Have you noticed someone’s interview hair, in either a good way or a bad way? How do YOU style your hair for interviews? How would you advise your 20-year-old self to style your hair?
New here? Some of our main fashion articles that might be of interest include our Ultimate Guide to Business Casual, Wardrobe Essentials for Work, and The Corporette Guide to Comfortable Heels — all constantly updated! If you’re just starting out or on a budget, check out our Affordable Office Clothes roundup — and if you’re plus-sized, check out our Plus-Size Picks for Work.
Other Interview Attire and Accessories
Great Interview Suits
We’ve rounded up a TON of suits in every price range (and for every body — petite, plus, tall, pregnant) — the mid-range is usually great for an OCI interview, whereas the more affordable options are better for extending a suit wardrobe, but these days you can find a bunch of great ones.
The Best Bags for Interviews
I’ve always thought you should have a paper copy of your resume with you for every interview (especially if you’ve recently added something new, like law review) — and accordingly, your bag should be big enough to hold a folder for your resume.
As of 2024, if you’re hunting for a lightweight tote large enough to fit a paper resume — the perfect interview bag for ladies! — these are our favorite options…
The Best Heels for Interviews
We’ve talked a lot about the “rules” around interview shoes — the bottom line is that they should be something you can walk in for at least a few blocks, whether they’re flats or heels.
Our Latest Favorite Heels
Great Low Heels
These are some of our favorite comfortable low heels for work as of 2024… also check out CK Calvin Klein, Trotters, Sam Edelman, and Sarah Flint!
The Best Flats for Interviews
Flats are acceptable for interviews also! Here are some of our favorites…
The Best Ballet Flats
The Best Loafers
As of 2024, some of our favorite loafers for work are from Sam Edelman, Everlane, and Madewell. If you want something more classic, readers love Sperry and Ferragamo; if you want comfort, Vionic and Dr. Scholl’s both have options. Meanwhile, if you want something a bit more feminine or slouchy, the Tory Burch loafers are all really highly rated at Nordstrom (especially this “ballet loafer“)!
The Best Strappy Flats
This post was originally written in 2015, but updated as indicated. Updated stock images via Deposit Photos / sisterspro.
