Professional appearance: a shaven head

[Agave]

I am a relatively young white male. I have no tattoos and am clean shaven. I also put a razor to my scalp each day. I have come to realize that this may not make for a professional appearance.

I seek employment in a paramilitary organization. I have seen uniformed representatives of the organization with shaven heads. I do not wish to come across as less professional due to mine.

Discussions have led me to believe that a shaven head, in and of itself, is no longer taboo in the professional world. However, I desire other opinions.

What do you think?

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[C9H13NO3]

I don't see it as unprofessional. Could always go with a fade if you're worried though.

[HotGuns]

You tryin to be a cop or what?
Lots of them around here have shaved heads.

They dont have the tatoos all over the place though, that about the only way you can tell them apart from the skinheads when they arent in uniform.

[Ram Rod]

I seek employment in a paramilitary organization.

Could you elaborate on that? You fear being termed a 'skin-head'? Almost anything goes in today's society in almost any line of work other than white collar, "respectable" jobs. The rest of us are pretty much clear of the prejudices experienced in the past. Of course we all depend on what our supervisor thinks of us personally no matter our job performance. It is what it is. Make of it what you will, and good luck either way.

[SIXTO]

I don't view it as unprofessional at all, but it also depends on how you carry yourself as well. A person who presents himself well can pull any reasonable "look" off, and a goof is just a goof no matter how he wears his hair.

Some guys look far better with the Mr. Clean thing going on, I look like a neo Nazi living in my moms basement, so I keep at least a little bit of my golden locks. Plus I figure I only have a few good years left with hair any way, so I might as well enjoy it while I can.

[QKShooter]

It is still your personality and how you present and represent yourself that will always make or break you on an interview.

[EW3]

I’ve been shaving my head since my hair started to go bye-bye around age 28 and I never once worried about looking "unprofessional".

If anything, I feel it makes for a more "squared away" appearance.

[rocky]

No , it just makes you look shiny in daylight.

[retsupt99]

I shave my head daily...I am a professional...never considered being judged because of my shaven head...if so, I don't want to work there.

As an above poster(s) has/have said...it's how you carry yourself, not your hair style that counts.

I've interviewed hundreds, perhaps thousands during my lifetime and I've not developed an interview format that included "head shaved...yes? or no?"

Be yourself...dress sharp (shine your shoes), know your 'trade'...

[morintp]

I've worked in white collar jobs with others who have shaved heads. It's not what it used to be. It's now pretty well accepted.

[EW3]

Whatever you do, don't ever, ever go for the "skullet"

[dunndw]

I'd bet that dude has more hair on his back than on his head.

A shaved heard is as professional as the person it's attached to. I know two guys who have their head. One is a financial professional...dark colored suits, sunglasses he looks like a professional hitman.
The second is a security guard. No matter what he looks like a slacker. It's like the others have said. It's got more to do with how you present yourself as a whole rather than the hair on your head...unless you head is lumpy or pointed :-)

[Sergeant Mac]

There's a difference between what is acceptable for those who ALREADY have the job, and in what will past muster for those who are SEEKING the job.

At a job interview, you want your appearance to be as "vanilla" as possible. Your QUALIFICATIONS should be all that stand out.

In my avatar photo, you see that I have two of the three "scary" features: a goatee and a shaved head. I also have the third - tattoos - but those are not visible in uniform. At both my initial interview and my promotion interview, though, I had hair on my head, but not on my chin.

I'm not saying that the Mr. Clean look WON'T work for you. I'm just telling you what worked for ME.

[G96X0]

I sport a No 1 hair do, It's just easier than a razor for me. I know many people that shave their heads and work in white collar jobs, and it's no big deal.

FYI;

I do sport a 3" goatee and full sleeve tattoos. Many people judge me based on appearance alone. If I did need a job I would probably be forced to conform to the employers' expectations. Luckily I am self employed, and don't have to deal with applying for employment any longer.

[bandit383]

I guess it depends on where you wish to work...places like Disney are pretty restrictive (prejudicial). Bald is one thing...shaving another as perception lines are quickly drawn. Since you asked the question...I can only assume you have concerns. If you have concerns...if you really want the job...I would go conservative and not have to worry about it in the interview(s). After getting hired..another whole story.

Rick