Baldness and employment

[andrew]

The question arises, “Well, what about those that are MPB?”  The protocol there is keep it neatly clipped and avoid the combover.  A bad combover (or bad toupe) could cause “background noise” for the younger middle-age clientele.

The bottom line is that, while head shaving is indeed becoming more and more mainstream--and my personal preferrence, unfortunately it's still not a slam dunk in some circles of endeavor.

Rob - Are you really recommending that those with MBP "keep it neatly clipped" and not go sly?  With all due respect, I have to disagree.   I think a "neatly clipped" MBP haircut creates "background noise".

I work with Doctors and Lawyers, as well as very conservative senior management in large corporations, and slyness seems very much so accepted. 

I was very apprehensive about going sly, to a large degree due to concerns about work related concerns, but have found that there are sly dudes at all levels of management in very conservative companies.   

But, of course since you're BBC it's a different situation, and you probably did the right thing growing out given your situation.  But, those that aren't able to grow a full head of hair, I think, should seriously the sly option over "keeping it neatly clipped". 

Just my 2 cents ....

Andrew

[warhawk]

phantom... i wouldn't worry about growing your hair out 4 the interview.  i work with several doctors, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and nurses at the hospital who rock the slick smoooooth noggin'.  besides.... a freshly shaved dome with a business suit looks very professional and clean.   keep us posted on your decision.

WARHAWK

[Tyler]

I work in the business world and deal with C-level execs (CEO, CTO, CFO, etc) everyday and not once has it affected my ability to do business.  At the last trade show I was at I was speaking to 3 CEOs at the same time, all who shaved their heads.  As someone who also goes to NYC quite often for business, I can tell you that it should not be a factor at all.  They'll worry more about your ability to do your job than the fact that you shave your head.

[Phantom]

Tyler, Warhawk, thanks for the information, particularly about New York. This is good news for me, as I'm on day three without a shave, and my head is starting to itch already.

[warhawk]

Tyler, Warhawk, thanks for the information, particularly about New York. This is good news for me, as I'm on day three without a shave, and my head is starting to itch already.

phantom...no problem brah.  now...go get a quality razor and scrape that noggin' smoooooth.  don't make it day #4 without a shave. 

WARHAWK

[Robmeister]

Rob - Are you really recommending that those with MBP "keep it neatly clipped" and not go sly?

NOPE.....don't read too much into or out of this....this has to do ONLY WITH MY PARTICULAR SITUATION, bro.....MY PARTICULAR FIRM....THAT'S IT !!!

I agree with my bro's above that there's most likely nothing to worry about.  My post was not to disagree or argue to the contrary....I was just pointing out the unfortunate exception I'm facing.

Let's not start getting this spun out of context.  This is just what I'm faced with right now and it just so happens to be REAL in my particular, peculiar, personal situation....not imagined...not theorized.....not speculated.....just damn REAL.

I TOTALLY AGREE that the slick noggin in a sharp suit looks WAY COOL, man.....My point was simply that while head shaving is 99.999999% accepted.....there are apparently still stubborn quarters where people need to pull the cork out.  Like our friend--I forget where I read it, maybe this thread--where someone shot him the "Heil Hitler" salute.   There are still folks out there who don't shave, aren't curious about shaving, don't "have to" shave that ain't movin' forward with the look. 

Have I made myself clear?  I LOVE THE SLY LOOK....THE SLY LOOK GOES GREAT WITH A NICE SUIT......THE SLY LOOK WORKS IN 99.99999% OF CORPORATE CIRCLES.....I'M NOT GETTING RID OF MY FUSION

I'm a smart feller just proceeding with caution....wish I didn't have to....but POLLYANNA is a whore, man!

[Tyler]

Tyler, Warhawk, thanks for the information, particularly about New York. This is good news for me, as I'm on day three without a shave, and my head is starting to itch already.

You're welcome bro!

[xnewyawka]

I'm late on this one, but I am in total agreement with Tyler.
Being from NY and working in the financial district for many years, I can attest to the shaved or buzzed head being a very accepted look in business. You should have no problem finding employment, especially if well qualified.
NY and other big cities are way above the curve in regards to the way a person is perceived. Luckily, the skinhead thing is slowly sinking into the horizon, as is the horrible combover.
As more and more men take control and embrace their masculinity and just go with nature, it should eventually be a non-issue. Shave, put on your best suit, and get out there!
Good Luck, and keep us posted.   

[BALDANDRE]

Keep your head slick smooth brutha...

most people will think you do it because you're balding anyways....even if your full on BBC!

Except of course if your like our friend Jdog...

dude has some serious hair under neath that shiny slick dome!

BTW...a bald head and a suit...nothin' tighter lookin' bro!

[NAVRN]

The key in an interview is to exude confidence and look sharp.  People who take the time to shave their clearly take the time to take care of themselves.  Keep it slick, we are in hard times right now, if anything that is what will make it difficult to find a job.  Agree with baldandre!!!

[dieseldan04]

Keep it slick, it is a clean look.

[Phantom]

Thanks guys, I appreciate the help. It's good to be sly and free feeling.

[Cy]

The last guy I interviewed with said I looked like an asian Mr Clean....

[TheSlyBear]

The last guy I interviewed with said I looked like an asian Mr Clean....

Not without the hoop earrings!

[SlyBaldDude]

Depends on where you live.  I would think in NYC it wouldn't be an issue like it would be in a small town.  In my case,  I thing it contributed to my loosing my job in some way.  After I went BBC my boss told me I looked like a gay forest ranger ..whatever that is.  He was constantly making cracks.  Sooo,  I definitely think it can have an impact at an interview .. depending on how it looks on you.  As for me .. I became self employed so I would have to deal with that crap any more.