Gemini Hair: Is Multi Tone Hair Color Appropriate For The Workplace?
From increased work from home set ups and fading formal organizational dress codes, what people look like and how they show up for work is changing. In this article, we examine how Gen Z and Millennials are changing the game on professional appearance by mixing natural hues with bright purples, blues and pinks in the fashion trend known as Gemini Hair.
What Is Gemini Hair?
According to Glamour, which I think given the topic is a legitimately sound citation source here, Gemini Hair is “also known as skunk-stripe hair or cotton candy hair and is the new trend that has indecisive salon-goers giddy. Instead of choosing just one hair color, you get to have two!”. The nickname stems from the Gemini astrological sign's representation of twins. The twins stand for the dual-naturedness of those born under a Gemini sun, hence the name of this dual-sided hair color.
Why Gemini Hair Is A Big Deal
To be honest, it’s not. Folks, particularly younger generations leading the charge on social norms at any given time, have been pushing the professional boundaries of multi tone hair color in the workforce for years. Why it’s a big deal now is because social trends are impacting and influencing professional standards in typically what has been, conservative workplace environments unwilling to change. While work from home gives workers an increased freedom in their daily routines, it’s also proven to be a great empowerment in helping folks to show up authentically at work, including how they look.
How Does This Relate To Other Levels Of Authenticity?
When we reflect on how workers are authentic in their professional lives, we often consider how comfortable folks feel at work, how welcoming and accepting a workplace environment is and how the culture includes people in sharing their true self at work. Allowing more flexibility, or completely scrapping, professional dress codes at work, which typically covers hair too, is a great way to help folks feel more comfortable at work. From blue and black braids to lavender and blonde hair, if people are getting their work done and they feel comfortable at work, what difference does it make how they look? Am I right?
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Is Multi Tone Hair Color Appropriate For The Workplace?
So what’s the verdict from a professional career coach who’s been working in the professional workplace for nearly 20 years you ask? The short answer is yes. I do believe Gemini Hair is completely appropriate for the workplace. It is important to consider what kind of workplace though. I work in academia and our culture has been embracing non-conformist standards of professional dress and look at work for years. If you work in a financial or accounting firm, perhaps their rules and regulations are different.
If you are job searching, be sure to ask important culturally based questions in your interviews. Is there a company dress code? If so, what are the specifics? Even unwritten dress codes like casual Fridays or “dress for your day” are important to understand as you assess if a company is right for you. The more questions you ask in your interviews, the more information you have when deciding not only what job is best for you, but which employer is going to meet your needs most.
Are Dress Codes Outdated?
Yes and no. I still advise job seekers to dress traditionally professional in interviews, Zoom or in-person. So yes, that typically consists of a nice suite, taking a shower that day, styling your hair etc. It’s an interview, you want to put your best foot forward. Even while adhering to traditional professional standards, you can show a little personality and individualism. From pink and lavender hair to brown and pink balayage, as long as your clothes are clean and pressed, you feel good and confident on how you look (which impacts our mental approach too) then embrace it!
If an employer decides you’re not a “good cultural fit” with the rest of the team, aka you don’t look like them, sound like them or think like them, it’s probably for the best you or they skip on progressing the hire process any further. Who wants to work at a company that stifles individualism, diversity, and authenticity? Not a lot of job seekers into today’s market, which is why many organizations are phasing out super formal dress codes.
While Gen Z and Millennials are mixing natural hues with bright colors consider how you want to incorporate more personality into your professional appearance by giving yourself a micro makeover to better match trends in professionalism this year. Always wanted a chopped bob haircut or micro bangs? Give it a go! You may end up a little happier at work, who knows!
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Meet The Writer!
Hi! My name is Nadia Ibrahim-Taney and I help people design happy and fulfilling careers through authentic career coaching. My expertise includes career exploration guidance, resume writing, interview prep and LinkedIn profile optimization. My pronouns are She/ Her/ Hers and as a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I focus on how diverse identities impact and influence folks holistically and professionally. Please connect with me on LinkedIn or at Nadia@beyonddiscoverycoaching.com
