Dyed hair

[BStoPhDtoMD]

I did a quick search of old threads and was surprised by how judgemental and negative the responses were (especially from admissions committee members) concerning non-natural hair colors.

I get my hair dyed professionally and often get compliments on how it looks. It's a conversation starter. I started getting my hair dyed interesting colors after it grew back for the first time after chemotherapy. I volunteer at the local cancer center and it helps break the ice, especially because I'm young to be a cancer survivor.

I also feel like my hair is a way to express my queerness. If it is really a deal breaker to adcom members, I will go to interviews with my natural hair color, but it makes me feel that I have to "tone down" my identity. I feel like we should embrace diversity, rather than churn out cookie cutter doctors who all look alike.

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[gyngyn]

If your identity requires a particular hair color, you should do that. Otherwise, a "natural" haircolor has the best chance of allowing your personality to speak for itself (without the need to offset first impressions). Your school can only grow to love you if you get to matriculate.

 

[gonnif]

Whether right or wrong, the culture of medicine is strongly influenced by being professional, presentable to all, leader of the community, etc. if you look at any group of docs, muted colors and “conservative” looks (not politics) is what reigns. So if you to get into medical school, you have play the part. You can argue about it, but that is the reality for medical school, for residency and for gaining employment

 

[BStoPhDtoMD]

Thanks for your replies. Not really here to argue, but I will say that at one point, medicine in this country was practiced exclusively by white men. Just because one "type" of person is considered the norm doesn't mean that it's how it should be. What about my queerness itself? Even with my natural hair color, I am fairly feminine for someone who appears male. Sometimes I feel like I have to hide that to be considered "professional" but in the process, I just become too anxious and reserved.

 

[TMP-SMX]

What color are you talking? Medicine is a conservative profession. The patients are often even more so in what they expect their doctor to look like. It's not going to help you it can only hurt your chances with particular people.

 

[frog301]

Give it a go, and let us know what happens

 

[BStoPhDtoMD]

What color are you talking? Medicine is a conservative profession. The patients are often even more so in what they expect their doctor to look like. It's not going to help you it can only hurt your chances with particular people.

It's bright pink, but again, very professional-looking. I've never had anyone say anything negative about it, and have had many people compliment it (including and especially the patients I interact with as a volunteer).

But I understand your points.

 

[Blanky]

Just like I'm shaving my beard, which represents my masculinity. Play the game, and you will be the next generation and can set more open standards.

 

[Gilakend]

It's bright pink, but again, very professional-looking. I've never had anyone say anything negative about it, and have had many people compliment it (including and especially the patients I interact with as a volunteer).

But I understand your points.

Definitely do not go to interviews with bright pink hair. My opinion has nothing to do with the ethics of the situation but just common sense.

 

[RNtoMD87]

Thanks for your replies. Not really here to argue, but I will say that at one point, medicine in this country was practiced exclusively by white men. Just because one "type" of person is considered the norm doesn't mean that it's how it should be. What about my queerness itself? Even with my natural hair color, I am fairly feminine for someone who appears male. Sometimes I feel like I have to hide that to be considered "professional" but in the process, I just become too anxious and reserved.

Its always been that way even for men. I used to wear a Mohawk or a high and tight in the Army, and freshly out of the army I wore a long beard and shaved my head and even that was frowned upon during nursing school because it didn't fit the look they wanted. That's fine. My job isn't about me, its about the patient. If that will make patients less comfortable, I have no problem toning down my appearance.

 

[TMP-SMX]

Do you find it hard to be who you are if you aren't dying your hair? First impressions are important when it comes to patient rapport and interviews. There's plenty of gay/flamboyant men in medicine so that's a separate issue.

Think of it like going to boot camp. You need to lose your identity and become a basic science regurgitator for two years before you become human again. There's no benefit to you moving ahead in life being the nail that needs to be hammered down because you stick out. When you are working through the hierarchy of medical training play the game. Some people, as in life in general, would be ok with unique hair colors, but many would not be. If it's between a patient choosing you vs the clean cut physician down the road it may make a difference in you. Though in psych I wonder if it gets more conversations started with the patients. Maybe when you are in private practice.

 

[smukke]

How does it look in a ponytail? There are ways to have dyed hair that can look moderately conservatively professional when the need arises.

 

[atomi]

Thanks for your replies. Not really here to argue, but I will say that at one point, medicine in this country was practiced exclusively by white men.

White men are presenting as white men because they were born white men.
Nobody is born with bright pink hair. You cannot naturally develop bright pink hair. A white man cannot naturally change himself into a black woman. You are born the way you are and that's the way it is. When people present themselves in an unnatural way, most people will find that odd because their brains are conditioned to expect people to look the way that people naturally look. Whether you like it or not, when you artificially alter your body and image into something that you are in reality not, it sends an outward statement. This statement will be interpreted differently by different people, but it is undeniable that a very strong and very clear statement is being sent.
Sorry, but that's the way it is. Adjust your actions accordingly with the outcome you hope to achieve.

 

[BStoPhDtoMD]

Do you find it hard to be who you are if you aren't dying your hair?

It is pretty central to my life post-cancer, but changing my hair again also wouldn't be the end of the world. I guess I don't understand why it's so controversial, but since it is, I won't want to take any unnecessary risks.

There's plenty of gay/flamboyant men in medicine so that's a separate issue.

Not in my experience, but I don't live in the most gay-friendly of places.

Some people, as in life in general, would be ok with unique hair colors, but many would not be. If it's between a patient choosing you vs the clean cut physician down the road it may make a difference in you.

Patients could also discriminate against me for being gay. Or they could find some comfort in my diversity and uniqueness.

 

[BStoPhDtoMD]

White men are presenting as white men because they were born white men.
Nobody is born with bright pink hair. You cannot naturally develop bright pink hair. A white man cannot naturally change himself into a black woman. You are born the way you are and that's the way it is. When people present themselves in an unnatural way, most people will find that odd because their brains are conditioned to expect people to look the way that people naturally look. Whether you like it or not, when you artificially alter your body and image into something that you are in reality not, it sends an outward statement. This statement will be interpreted differently by different people, but it is undeniable that a very strong and very clear statement is being sent.
Sorry, but that's the way it is. Adjust your actions accordingly with the outcome you hope to achieve.

People also aren't born wearing clothes, but I don't suppose I should show up naked. But, I think you're right. Thanks.

 

[RNtoMD87]

People also aren't born wearing clothes, but I don't suppose I should show up naked. But, I think you're right. Thanks.

My advice is tone it down until you finish med school, and then live however makes you happy once no one can stop you.

 

[ciestar]

My school literally puts it in the handbook you can’t have an unnatural hair color..

Granted, I just finished day 2 of clerkships, but this isn’t the place to stand out. The people you are working with are ill and you want your presence to put them at ease. With the number of boomers out there aging, you’re really gonna run into a bunch of people who won’t be comforable with non-conformity.

 

[longhaul3]

A few arguments against interviewing with pink hair:

• You won't get to choose your patients until you're an attending, and despite the progressive attitudes we may want our patients to have, they think whatever they want.
• Most sick people are old, and old people on average will be less tolerant of pink hair on a (student) doctor.
• Your career advancement (beginning with the interview) is based largely on the whims and opinions of your superiors who will be 1) older, see above and 2) more conservative on average.
• Showing up with pink hair is a decision, and irrespective of whether it is a good or bad decision, it will be evidence of how you make decisions. I predict that more interviewers would view this in a negative light than in a positive light.

 

[BStoPhDtoMD]

My school literally puts it in the handbook you can’t have an unnatural hair color..

Granted, I just finished day 2 of clerkships, but this isn’t the place to stand out. The people you are working with are ill and you want your presence to put them at ease. With the number of boomers out there aging, you’re really gonna run into a bunch of people who won’t be comforable with non-conformity.

This makes me uncomfortable. I mean... there are patients out there who might be uncomfortable with having a black doctor or a female doctor. Should we cater to sexism, racism, and heteronormativity? I don't think so. I have been a patient and I would have liked to see some more diversity in my healthcare providers. But as others have said, I guess I just have to play the game.

 

[ciestar]

This makes me uncomfortable. I mean... there are patients out there who might be uncomfortable with having a black doctor or a female doctor. Should we cater to sexism, racism, and heteronormativity? I don't think so. I have been a patient and I would have liked to see some more diversity in my healthcare providers. But as others have said, I guess I just have to play the game.

You absolutely cater to them within reason. If they’re dying, no. In any other setting, patients have every right to refuse to see you, regardless of how ridiculous we may think it is.

 

[NotASerialKiller]

Whether right or wrong, the culture of medicine is strongly influenced by being professional, presentable to all, leader of the community, etc. if you look at any group of docs, muted colors and “conservative” looks (not politics) is what reigns. So if you to get into medical school, you have play the part. You can argue about it, but that is the reality for medical school, for residency and for gaining employment

Have to? Or it'll just make your life easier? I know Canada is much more liberal, but applicants with unusual hair/piercings/etc. get in without any issues at all here. Same for residency. I'd be surprised if, especially in liberal areas, this was absolute in the US. Maybe it's just that terrible of a country though...

 

[RNtoMD87]

You absolutely cater to them within reason. If they’re dying, no. In any other setting, patients have every right to refuse to see you, regardless of how ridiculous we may think it is.

Exactly. Guess how many patients aren't comfortable with a male nurse.

Do you think I force them to have me as a nurse? No, I switch patients with a female to make them more comfortable. Some old ladies don't want a male changing them or assessing their bodies.

It's about them, I will do whatever to make them comfortable.

 

[Blanky]

This makes me uncomfortable. I mean... there are patients out there who might be uncomfortable with having a black doctor or a female doctor. Should we cater to sexism, racism, and heteronormativity? I don't think so. I have been a patient and I would have liked to see some more diversity in my healthcare providers. But as others have said, I guess I just have to play the game.

Listen most of us are on your side. But you are playing a game and they make the rules.

 

[ciestar]

Have to? Or it'll just make your life easier? I know Canada is much more liberal, but applicants with unusual hair/piercings/etc. get in without any issues at all here. Same for residency. I'd be surprised if, especially in liberal areas, this was absolute in the US. Maybe it's just that terrible of a country though...

Absolute? No. There are just a lot of very conservative areas within the US. Even where I am..Philly is very liberal but veer off into the suburbs and attitudes can change quickly.

Won’t get too political, but things got significantly worse starting January 2017..

 

[atomi]

People also aren't born wearing clothes, but I don't suppose I should show up naked. But, I think you're right. Thanks.

Human beings, on the whole, are naturally programmed to be receptive to certain patterns, colors, appearances, shapes, smells, etc. For whatever reason, there are things that appear to us a certain way and cause us to feel relaxed, soothed, at east, comfortable, happy etc. It's the reason we listen to music. A monkey banging on a keyboard randomly is technically also producing sound, but we are not going to enjoy it. It is going to cause us alarm and make us feel tense and uncomfortable and just want to get away. Regarding clothes, conservative dress is conservative because it generally doesn't make anybody feel upset. Yet, if you show up wearing a bright pink bowtie, a yellow shirt with puke green splotches all over it, white pants with black swirly vortexes all over them, and a perfume that smells like burnt plastic, people are going to naturally feel uncomfortable. They cannot help it. It's the way our brains work. We don't like things that are not harmonious. Pink hair is not harmonious. I strongly advise that you present yourself as natural and harmonious as possible. You want the person interviewing you, both consciously and subconsciously to feel at ease. Be Mozart. Not the monkey banging on the keyboard.

 

[RNtoMD87]

Its silly and it isn't.

Its silly that people are intimidated by me being shaven with a beard, and its silly that people don't like tattoos, pink hair etc. to the extent that it really upsets them.

But it isn't silly that if it affects business, and whether someone wants to be your patient that you will be asked not to. If I was a physician with a private practice and I had a staff member with pink hair, (or looked too "intimidating" for that matter) and I had plenty of complaints and realized I was losing business, I would also make policies against it.

Money talks.

 

[frog301]

Patients could also discriminate against me for being gay. Or they could find some comfort in my diversity and uniqueness.

There it is. You are the minority if you think having pink hair will contribute to the "comfort" that patients will find in a physician. Again, it's not about you, it's about the patient.

 

[BStoPhDtoMD]

There it is. You are the minority if you think having pink hair will contribute to the "comfort" that patients will find in a physician. Again, it's not about you, it's about the patient.

I work with patients regularly and I've never had a single negative reaction to my hair. In fact, I am frequently told by patients that they enjoy it. Quite frankly, it seems like doctors are the ones who are most opposed to differences, but doctors are the ones who are deciding whether I get admitted to medical school, so that's most important right now anyway.

 

[MedicineN'Jazz]

Thanks for your replies. Not really here to argue, but I will say that at one point, medicine in this country was practiced exclusively by white men. Just because one "type" of person is considered the norm doesn't mean that it's how it should be. What about my queerness itself? Even with my natural hair color, I am fairly feminine for someone who appears male. Sometimes I feel like I have to hide that to be considered "professional" but in the process, I just become too anxious and reserved.

Sweetheart, leave your hair and wear a wig! Screw the rest of the world.

 

[RNtoMD87]

I work with patients regularly and I've never had a single negative reaction to my hair. In fact, I am frequently told by patients that they enjoy it. Quite frankly, it seems like doctors are the ones who are most opposed to differences, but doctors are the ones who are deciding whether I get admitted to medical school, so that's most important right now anyway.

I think its hard to say. It will bring comfort to some nontraditional patients knowing you're carefree, and many patients will feel uncomfortable thinking you're not serious enough. Many will not mention it to you so it will be difficult for you to know for sure.

To me the bottom line is, look into the school, try to fit in. Succeed. When you enter practice, judge whether it would be a good fit. If it is that important to you, try to become an independent provider and do as you wish, but you may notice like I said before that money talks. Its all about what's important to you. I can say that where I work nurses are not allowed to have nail color, unnatural hair color, piercings other than a single earring, and must cover any visible tattoos. This has been in 4 different facilities that I've worked in.

 

[deleted804295]

I work with patients regularly and I've never had a single negative reaction to my hair. In fact, I am frequently told by patients that they enjoy it. Quite frankly, it seems like doctors are the ones who are most opposed to differences, but doctors are the ones who are deciding whether I get admitted to medical school, so that's most important right now anyway.

Look, you can complain about it all you want but this is the way things are.

If you really can't accept the numerous suggestions against it, take a stab at it and let us know how it goes.

 

[BStoPhDtoMD]

Look, you can complain about it all you want but this is the way things are.

If you really can't accept the numerous suggestions against it, take a stab at it and let us know how it goes.

I have thanked people for their responses, agree for the most part, and said I will play the game.

 

[gonnif]

Have to? Or it'll just make your life easier? I know Canada is much more liberal, but applicants with unusual hair/piercings/etc. get in without any issues at all here. Same for residency. I'd be surprised if, especially in liberal areas, this was absolute in the US. Maybe it's just that terrible of a country though...

Yeah, for getting into med school, getting past multiple docs, adcoms, unconscious bias, the rest of the applicant pool, the idea of the doctor in a dark suit, yeah I say “have to.” And for getting into residency and attending as well. Again, its the reality of the situation. Why add risk factors that are under your control?

Two other lines of thoughts I would add to this. First, this would be true for virtually any professional job as bias still exists on far too many levels for far too many groups. A friend of mine, an African American woman, was complaining to me literally today, that she needs to wear a wig to cover her natural hair as she doesnt want to straighten it just for job interviews. Second, historically it takes time for groups to overcome entrenched cultural bias. For example, Jews were either banned or had strict formal quota at many top medical schools up thru the 1970s. Even though those restrictions were eased and removed over, wearing religious symbols, dressing overtly “jewish”. Some 40 years later, that no longer exists.

Should this be the way things are? No but it is the reality.

 

[NotASerialKiller]

Yeah, for getting into med school, getting past multiple docs, adcoms, unconscious bias, the rest of the applicant pool, the idea of the doctor in a dark suit, yeah I say “have to.” And for getting into residency and attending as well. Again, its the reality of the situation. Why add risk factors that are under your control?

Two other lines of thoughts I would add to this. First, this would be true for virtually any professional job as bias still exists on far too many levels for far too many groups. A friend of mine, an African American woman, was complaining to me literally today, that she needs to wear a wig to cover her natural hair as she doesnt want to straighten it just for job interviews. Second, historically it takes time for groups to overcome entrenched cultural bias. For example, Jews were either banned or had strict formal quota at many top medical schools up thru the 1970s. Even though those restrictions were eased and removed over, wearing religious symbols, dressing overtly “jewish”. Some 40 years later, that no longer exists.

Should this be the way things are? No but it is the reality.

It's hard to know when people will stop caring though, when it's no longer reality. I guarantee 20 years ago (probably fewer) there weren't any docs in Canada with coloured hair or gauged ears, but now it's not a big deal. At some point those things became more common place, the oldest fussiest docs retired or more likely died, and here we are. I'd be pretty shocked if medicine in the US was so fundamentally different and conservative that that won't happen relatively soon.

I just think at some point people will still be giving the "be ultra conservative" advice without it being necessary anymore, and it's very hard to tell when that will be the case for pink hair. It's very possible that things aren't like that right now, but that will change. I don't buy the argument that medicine is conservative therefore it will never change, it might just happen a little more slowly.

 

[QPOC1231]

I feel like it's just so much a personal decision where you want to draw the line with expressing your identity and acknowledging your experiences. Only you can know when too much is being asked of you, but I would urge you to reflect throughout your journey to ascertain if that line has been crossed.

A few posters talk about waiting to express yourself until after medical school or after residency, but it's important to recognize that medical school and residency combined is quite a bit of time. Quite a bit of your life. That's a long time to "tone down" your identity.

This all being said I just want to say that I support you. Good luck this cycle!

 

[atomi]

I just think at some point people will still be giving the "be ultra conservative" advice without it being necessary anymore, and it's very hard to tell when that will be the case for pink hair. It's very possible that things aren't like that right now, but that will change. I don't buy the argument that medicine is conservative therefore it will never change, it might just happen a little more slowly.

I'm going to be laughing in 50 years when the pendulum has swung the other way, kids are back to dressing like they did in the 1950s with sharp cleancut looks, and all my buddies at the retirement community are the butt of grandpa jokes for their arm sleeves and huge holes in their ears. Or who knows, maybe we will continue to the point where everyone looks like lizard man.

 

[trobinsonmd]

I think it really depends on the school and the culture... interviewing at university of colorado is going to be a lot different than interviewing at mt sinai or wash u... if you're willing, i would change your hair back to your natural color and if you want, you can maybe do a few more subtle streaks or highlights... when you dealing with patients, you are representing the hospital and it is important to maintain a professional appearance. Some patients won't take you seriously with wacky colored hair... I don't really agree with this school of thought, I have a large tattoo on my forearm and I've had some patients look at me weird... it is unfortunate but that is how it works in a majority of places in the US

 

[bbdylan87]

Everyone on this thread is saying don't have pink hair for interviews (if you even get them) and have acknowledged themselves that if it were up to them it wouldn't be a big deal. Yet every time, the first thing you say in your replies are snarky responses about how "it's not fair", or that "no one says anything bad about it (of course they won't say it to your face!)". While you do end each response with a defeated resignation that you will indeed have natural hair during the interview, you keep on drawing this whole thing out to 37 comments.

It's very simple: play the game by the rules or risk being rejected on the basis that you do not take this process serious enough to make sacrifices. Your identity should not reside in the color of your hair, but rather who you are as a person (FYI your hair may be a physical part of you, but your HAIR COLOR does not contribute to your internal identity). It sounds to me that you are a very proud gay man and want to express that by having pink hair, but that does not have anything to do with your identity, or your choice of being gay. Rather, expression and identity are two very different things, and while freedom of expression is great and all, there is a time and place for certain manners of expression.

EDIT: Also, another comment, you mention earlier that you make your sexual orientation very obvious by your "queer" nature. Really man? You're going into a work environment, no, you MAY BE going into the most serious and professional work environment in the world. It is completely UNPROFESSIONAL to take any indication of your sexual orientation into work. Outside of the hospital, that is completely your business. The fact that there is even a thread on this reminds me of a Key and Peele youtube video "office homophobe"

 

[BStoPhDtoMD]

Everyone on this thread is saying don't have pink hair for interviews (if you even get them) and have acknowledged themselves that if it were up to them it wouldn't be a big deal. Yet every time, the first thing you say in your replies are snarky responses about how "it's not fair", or that "no one says anything bad about it (of course they won't say it to your face!)". While you do end each response with a defeated resignation that you will indeed have natural hair during the interview, you keep on drawing this whole thing out to 37 comments.

It's very simple: play the game by the rules or risk being rejected on the basis that you do not take this process serious enough to make sacrifices. Your identity should not reside in the color of your hair, but rather who you are as a person (FYI your hair may be a physical part of you, but your HAIR COLOR does not contribute to your internal identity). It sounds to me that you are a very proud gay man and want to express that by having pink hair, but that does not have anything to do with your identity, or your choice of being gay. Rather, expression and identity are two very different things, and while freedom of expression is great and all, there is a time and place for certain manners of expression.

EDIT: Also, another comment, you mention earlier that you make your sexual orientation very obvious by your "queer" nature. Really man? You're going into a work environment, no, you MAY BE going into the most serious and professional work environment in the world. It is completely UNPROFESSIONAL to take any indication of your sexual orientation into work. Outside of the hospital, that is completely your business. The fact that there is even a thread on this reminds me of a Key and Peele youtube video "office homophobe"

Yikes. Sorry that my snarkiness so easily offended you. If you don't like that this thread had 37 comments, why did you make it 38?

I have said multiple times that I WILL play the game, so I don't know why you felt the need to patronize. I am willing to change my hair for interviews ("if I even get them"; what kind of assumption are you making about me?). What about you? Would you be willing to change who you are for interviews? What if someone told you that you HAD to wear a dress, wig, and makeup for an interview? Wouldn't it feel a little awkward for you?

I don't talk about sex in the workplace, like any other reasonable human being. But I shouldn't have to completely hide my personality, change the way I walk or talk, etc.

 

[DSM_302.0]

People also aren't born wearing clothes, but I don't suppose I should show up naked. But, I think you're right. Thanks.

We're all born naked and the rest is drag.

 

[NickNaylor]

Being in the situation of competing for a very limited resource (admission to a US medical school) is not the time to die on the hill of having pink hair.

That being said, do whatever you want. There was a previous SDN member (a woman) who wore a bright pink suit to her interviews and was accepted to numerous "top" schools. Being eclectic doesn't mean automatic rejection. However, understand that it's a risk, and whether or not this is something in your life that you want to take a risk on is the choice that you need to make.

 

[gonnif]

I just think at some point people will still be giving the "be ultra conservative" advice without it being necessary anymore, and it's very hard to tell when that will be the case for pink hair. It's very possible that things aren't like that right now, but that will change. I don't buy the argument that medicine is conservative therefore it will never change, it might just happen a little more slowly.

Which was precisely my point. But as an advisor my role is to help people get into medical school so why take an additional risk that is wholly under your control? Hence my advice play the part.

 

[Goro]

This makes me uncomfortable. I mean... there are patients out there who might be uncomfortable with having a black doctor or a female doctor. Should we cater to sexism, racism, and heteronormativity? I don't think so. I have been a patient and I would have liked to see some more diversity in my healthcare providers. But as others have said, I guess I just have to play the game.

Even my gay colleagues and student intetviewers would reject you for having the poor judgement to show up at an interview with pink hair. AND we're a very pro-LGBT place.

We take professionalism and good judgement very seriously. When you put on that white coat, you go into character, and it's all about the patients, not you.

 

[BStoPhDtoMD]

Even my gay colleagues and student intetviewers would reject you for having the poor judgement to show up at an interview with pink hair. AND we're a very pro-LGBT place.

We take professionalism and good judgement very seriously. When you put on that white coat, you go into character, and it's all about the patients, not you.

Which is why I asked before showing up to the interview and have made the judgment to take everyone's advice. It's a little disappointing that people who claim to value diversity can't tolerate minor deviations in appearance, but there are things other than my hair (LGBT, cancer survivor, Ph.D., to name a few) that set me apart, and I think they are more important anyway.

 

[deleted804295]

Which is why I asked before showing up to the interview and have made the judgment to take everyone's advice. It's a little disappointing that people who claim to value diversity can't tolerate minor deviations in appearance, but there are things other than my hair (LGBT, cancer survivor, Ph.D., to name a few) that set me apart, and I think they are more important anyway.

Your diversity isn't having pink hair. That's a slap to the face to anyone who was born with a very distinct phenotype and has to change their natural appearance to appease other's (e.g. @gonnif 's colleague).

Toughen up buttercup, dye your hair a natural color and/or wear a wig if you don't want to put yourself at a disadvantage.

 

[Blanky]

Your diversity isn't having pink hair. That's a slap to the face to anyone who was born with a very distinct phenotype and has to change their natural appearance to appease other's (e.g. @gonnif 's colleague).

Toughen up buttercup, dye your hair a natural color and/or wear a wig if you don't want to put yourself at a disadvantage.

Pink hair is not a slap in the face to anyone.

 

[deleted804295]

Pink hair is not a slap in the face to anyone.

No, it's not. Stating pink hair is a spice of diversity is.

Anyways, I'll probably be leaving this thread soon. SDN has reiterated the point about 12 times to OP and OP says they will grudgingly adhere to it.

OP if you do end up going through with it please do send us stories. If it was a success it can be an "in your face" to SDN and if it didn't it'll make for good stories.

 

[Goro]

Which is why I asked before showing up to the interview and have made the judgment to take everyone's advice. It's a little disappointing that people who claim to value diversity can't tolerate minor deviations in appearance, but there are things other than my hair (LGBT, cancer survivor, Ph.D., to name a few) that set me apart, and I think they are more important anyway.

What We're trying to get across at this point is to have you understand our rationale, which we don't seem to have much luck with.

 

[BStoPhDtoMD]

What We're trying to get across at this point is to have you understand our rationale, which we don't seem to have much luck with.

That's frustrating because I've said multiple times that I understand what people are saying. I disagree with some of it but have agreed, repeatedly, mostly because this has been so controversial, I don't think that interviewing with unnatural hair is worth the risk. Sorry if I didn't make that clear. I understand the rationale. I don't necessarily agree with it, but I will comply because getting accepted is important to me.

 

[KLM098]

Dyed my hair after getting that acceptance. You can have it rainbow at that point.