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Unprofessional hairstyles can make your boss and higher-ups take you less seriously at work. Know which styles to avoid and how to always look the part with our hairstyle guide.
What Is an Unprofessional Hairstyle?
Whether it’s your first serious job or you’re just looking for styles to avoid in the workplace, it pays (literally) to know how not to style your hair for work.
When first impressions really count, like for a job interview or first meeting with a new client, your hair is a big part of the equation. Those first impressions are made within the first few seconds of meeting someone.
Since your hair is one of the most noticeable features about you, it makes sense that it’s under scrutiny right away. Studies have even shown that unprofessional cuts and styles have a lot to do with your likelihood of getting promoted.
They also affect how favorably your boss and coworkers view you. There’s a strong case for making sure your hair is always on point at work. That means avoiding the styles most often seen as unprofessional.
We thought it’d be helpful to compile a list of the 30 most unprofessional hairstyles that could ever darken the office doorway. Take a look at our list, and don’t miss the six keys to professional hairstyles at the end!
30 Unprofessional Hairstyles to Avoid
Unprofessional hairstyles can actively work against you and hold you back in the workplace. These are the ‘dos you shouldn’t do.
Featured Unprofessional Hairstyle: Messy Bun

Celeste Duffy/Shutterstock
We, too, are crushed that Ol’ Reliable, the messy bun, doesn’t work as a professional hairstyle. There are ways to dress it up. But to be on the safe side, save it for the weekend, sister.
Bold Undercuts

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The mismatched hair color, the roots, the high undercut – someone’s not getting a promotion with this unprofessional hairstyle.
Pigtails

Pixpan_creative/Shutterstock
Pigtails can be really cute, but your boss might confuse you for a kid who’s job shadowing. Avoid this schoolgirl style if you want to craft a professional image at work.
I Literally Woke Up Like This

Voyagerix/Shutterstock
There’s nothing professional about unbrushed hair. It’s a great way to tell the entire office that you *maybe* got 4 hours of sleep last night.
Wild and Vibrant Hair Colors

Anna Heludkova/Shutterstock
You might be able to get away with a little peekaboo color in the hue of your choice. But electric blue and magenta don’t exactly scream, “I’m ready for the C-suite.”
Featured Unprofessional Hairstyle: Shaved Designs

Dmytro Kolesnikov/Shutterstock
This would only fly in the beauty industry, and even then, it’s probably a little over the top. You might be forced to resign if you opt for shaved designs.
Crimped Hair

More Than Production/Shutterstock
Resist the urge, however small, to dig out your crimping iron and recreate this unprofessional hairstyle. It’ll really put a kink in your career development.
Space Buns

Moskalenko Yuliya/shutterstock
We miss the 90s too, okay? But you’ve got to promise to keep this style out of orbit during the workweek.
The Grease Trap

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No hairstyle is powerful enough to overcome greasy, oily hair. And there’s not enough dry shampoo on the planet to make this style look promotion-worthy.
French Braided Pigtails

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Nope, not even classic French braids can put pigtails on the promotion list. This cute style is better reserved for weekends or the gym. That’s why this look makes our list of unprofessional hairstyles.
High Side Ponytail

TierneyMJ/Shutterstock
Unless it’s office-wide 80’s day, you won’t find a time when this hairstyle is office-appropriate. Side note: Suggest an office-wide 80’s day to the boss.
Big Hair Clips

Dmitri Gromov/Shutterstock
Go on and let this hairstyle fly away. Big hair clips won’t help you give off a professional vibe in most workplaces.
Over the Top

Arthur-studio10/Shutterstock
There’s got to be a better way to tell your office that you found your hot rollers. This look is pretty and voluminous, but it’s a little much for the workplace.
Featured Unprofessional Hairstyle: Bandanas

Margarite Stomets/Shutterstock
Paisley bandanas aren’t acceptable for work. If you really need to keep your hair out of your face or want to use a cute accessory, opt for a basic headband instead.
Shaved Sides

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Honestly, the model pulls this off pretty well. But edgy shaved sides don’t look professional in most office or work settings.
Too-Short Bangs

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“Baby bangs” might be an edgy fashion statement, but you’re not going to like what kind of statement it makes to your boss. Avoid this unprofessional hairstyles if possible.
High Ponytail

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Ponytails can definitely be worn in the workplace – just not like this. A messy high pony doesn’t look polished and professional.
Scrunchy Styles

Camila Silva Miranda/Shutterstock
Scrunchies at work might not get you sacked, but they probably shouldn’t be part of your hairstyle at work.
Featured Unprofessional Hairstyle: Damaged Hair

Doucefleur/Shutterstock
Severely damaged hair makes your locks look unkempt, no matter what style you wear. Get the ends trimmed to renew your professional appearance.
Messy Waves

WAYHOME Studio/Shutterstock
There’s a way to pull off beachy, casual waves in the workplace. However, this style is more fitting for, you know, the beach.
The Goblin King

Peter Kim/Shutterstock
We feel like you’re not in immediate danger of wearing this style to work, but in case it comes up, just say no. This is one of the most unprofessional hairstyles around. Unless, of course, you’re a rockstar.
Elaborate Updos

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Professional doesn’t mean fancy. Stick to classic styles if you want to wear your hair up. Rocking this style isn’t likely to sit well with your coworkers, or boss for that matter.
Crunchy Scrunched Curls

Vladimir Gjorgiev/Shutterstock
If you’re lucky enough to have natural curls, don’t you dare defile them by gelling them into a mass of wet-looking ringlets that are stiff as a board.
Barrette Collection

Creative Lab/Shutterstock
One barrette is no problem for work. Three or more is pushing it. Leave the collection at home to cultivate a professional reputation at the office.
Two-Tone Colors

Sofia Zhuravetc/Shutterstock
You can admire this dimensional, two-tone color, but don’t get it done if you’re working in a professional setting.
Featured Unprofessional Hairstyle: Plain Pony

Ollyy/Shutterstock
Nothing says “I’m serious and dedicated to my job” like a 2-second messy ponytail, right? If you’re wearing your hair back, make sure to tame any flyaways. Try wrapping hair around the hair tie to dress it up a little.
Half-Up Double Top Knots

Roman Samborskyi/Shutterstock
Double top knots are best left to those who don’t need to make a good impression on their boss, which is why it made our list of unprofessional hairstyles. They’re cute, but do they convey that you can be trusted with accounts payable?
Chunky Cornrows

Gorgeoussab/Shutterstock
Thick, straight-back braids aren’t going to fit into the office environment. It’s nice to keep your hair out of your eyes, but try a single French braid instead.
Frizzy Curls

Darya Komarova/Shutterstock
We know it’s the weather’s fault, not yours. Just have some elastics on hand to secure that mane if you notice it’s getting humid or might rain today.
Featured Unprofessional Hairstyle: Long Faux Hawk

Jandrie Lombard/Shutterstock
If your workplace doesn’t involve a setlist or electric guitars, we suggest steering clear of this long faux hawk. You can always style the long top over to the side for a more professional look.
6 Keys to Professional Hairstyles
Now that you’ve seen what not to do, let’s look at some of the keys to wearing a professional hairstyle. Promotion and corner office, here you come!
Stick to the classics. Classic hairstyles are usually appropriate for work. Examples include wearing your hair down straight, wavy, or curly, sleek ponytails, buns, low chignons, French braids, and half-up, half-down updos.
Professional doesn’t have to be fancy. It’s easy to confuse the two, but professional hairstyles are not the same as fancy hairstyles. In fact, you shouldn’t go over the top if you want to appear polished and professional.
After all, you’re wearing a suit or business casual, not a ballgown. Keep your curls tamed, avoid elaborate updos, and don’t “tease it to Jesus” for the workplace.
Avoid the edge. Unless your workplace is super progressive, you’ll want to avoid too-edgy looks while you’re at the office. That means no wild colors, overly asymmetrical cuts, spiky styles, or shaved designs.
Dress for the job you want. Even if you’re an intern or junior employee at your workplace, it still pays to look professional each day. Get your coworkers and higher-ups used to seeing you in a professional, promotion-worthy light by avoiding unprofessional hairstyles.
Keep it clean. Even if you only take a minute or two to actually style your hair for work, clean hair is necessary. Dry shampoo can only do so much. Make sure your hair is looking clean and smelling fresh to cultivate a professional image at work.
When in doubt, don’t wear it out. If you’re ever unsure if a style will meet your workplace’s standards, err on the side of caution. You can always show your boss or HR an example to find out if it’s suitable to wear in the future.
Fair or unfair, there’s no denying it: Your appearance and hair really matter at work. Follow the tips above to create a professional image in the workplace and keep yourself top of mind for upcoming promotions and special projects.
By taking a little time to learn which styles to avoid and ensure your ‘do is never a don’t, you’ll increase your chances to succeed at work.