D - who’s a sophomore in her architecture program – is planning on getting the side of her long hair shaved. I’ve refrained from saying anything but personally wish she wouldnt. She’s going to try for internships in february . . . So, any thoughts about alternative haircuts when it comes to professional internships???
I’d probably say something. It won’t help her, could hurt. Many young adults need to decide whether “expressing themselves” in personal grooming choices is worth it when hunting for a professional job or internship. But I’d have one conversation, then leave the decision to her.
Never hurt either of mine. Internships in fed government, corporate office of a national food producer, and a healthcare system. FWIW, hair grows back. I tried a similar argument to try to talk one out of tattoos. I wasn’t successful
She would probably best be advised by someone in the industry (i.e. architects) or at least familiar with the industry.
I tend to err on the side of caution and wouldn’t want the hairstyle to be a distraction. To me, the shaving looks more dramatic with long hair compared to short hair. I would mention it in relation to the internships; perhaps she hasn’t really thought that far ahead.
D2 decided to have bangs when she was 14. Both D1 and I thought “what were you thinking of.” We didn’t say anything when she did it. She regretted it 'til this day. D1 told me to let it go because it wasn’t going to hurt anyone. But if D2 at 20 wants to shave off a side of her hair and is looking for internship, I may step up to say something.
I think it is a good idea for her to speak with someone in the business.
Some architecture firms are stodgy and corporate, others are more edgy and hip. She’ll be fine at the latter. I’m of the school hair is super easy to grow out, so not a hill I’m generally willing to die on, but there’s no harm in having the conversation.
How much does she want an internship? If she cares a lot, then she would not lessen her chances at any employer, I would think. I believe architecture is quite competitive for internships and jobs.
D is a junior and is on her second co-op with a large bank, in the head office. In her first co-op term with the bank, she wanted to dye parts of her hair a rose color. Before she did, she asked her supervisor if it would be OK. They said “Of course”. Times have changed. If a stodgy bank is OK with an alternate hair color, I would think that a more creative industry, like architecture, would be OK with a half shaved head. It may even help her to stand out - it shows some cognizance of form and structure.
There could be regional differences as well in how it is regarded. Also, to be blunt, several studies show more attractive people get more job offers. There is no one who looks more attractive with a half-shaved head. She might still want to do it, but it certainly won’t improve her looks. She may be comfortable with that fact, but should be aware that it may affect other’s actions.
I am reasonably certain that it won’t matter. Things have definitely changed and I’m pretty sure no one cares anymore.
I know lots of people who would care. YMMV.
“There is no one who looks more attractive with a half-shaved head.”
There was this girl in 11th grade in my high school who absolutely rocked her Pat Benatar-inspired half-shaved-head look and was completely a knockout with it. Being a girl myself, I had not really noticed her face much before, but she was beautiful, and with the hair off of her face, it showed.
In creative jobs, I don’t think slightly off beat hairstyles or clothing is really that unusual. If she otherwise cleans up pretty professional looking, I wouldn’t worry about it too much. If I said anything at all, I might say “have you thought about how you want to present yourself/do your hair for internships and interviews coming up?” And then let it go.
OP here - she did it today. It pretty much looks like images that pop up when you google “half shaved head long hair” .
I kept quiet. i hope the shaved part will grow out a bit before february cuz it was short. But it’s not as alternative or drastic as i had imagined it would be. So that’s a relief. 
I don’t know if it would work with her style, but when my D shaved part of her head, she was able to style her hair so that it didn’t show for situations where that mattered.
Lol, based on the wording on a FB post, I thought D2 was about to shave her head for a charity. I’ve learned to turn away when I think an idea is iffy. (She’s 25, but will be looking for a new job.) I mentioned it to someone who instantly said, for Christmas, buy her a hat.
@bgbg4us, Glad to hear that the outcome turned out more stylish than shocking. Generally speaking, architecture firms do care a lot about design, and nothing goes unnoticed. They don’t have a problem with an employee making a personal statement in their hair or clothing, as long as it’s a nuanced, tasteful statement, rather than a big look-at-me! arrow.
My observation from the places where my son has worked is that the kind of firms that might have budgets to offer PAID internships tend to be more understated fashion-wise. I wouldn’t call them conservative or stodgy; but probably not art school edgy. She’d most likely find hipper, trendier culture at hipper, trendier firms, but often those internships are unpaid.
One of the most valuable aspects of an architecture internship is the opportunity to observe how the firm interacts with clients, governmental agencies, support partnerships like engineers, landscapers, specialists – each of which may have its own cultural criteria. Anything extreme – hair, clothes, piercings, tattoos – may limit her inclusion. As an intern or entry level designer, it’s better to stay neutral.
Like a comb over tee her. It will matter to some people and not to other.