Can you have Long Hair as a Lawyer?

Yes. As a lawyer, you may have long hair. No statute specifically prohibits attorneys from sporting long hair. But in this line of work, appearance, and customs do matter. Before interviews, many people had always been told not to wear their hair in a manner that would be distracting or out of the ordinary. And attorneys are also affected by this. Everything would be fine as you can ensure it appears tidy and professional.

Furthermore, looks matter anywhere you go, just as first impressions do, and in the legal sector, this is especially true. How can you strike the perfect mix between professionalism and style? Keep reading to find out.

Most law offices have fairly formal dress standards. In the morning, if you stand outside a typical top legal firm, you’ll observe waves of well-attired, formal attorneys entering the building, for guys, sharp suits and ties.

Additionally, ladies may wear knee-length skirts, blazers, or suits in serious, traditional hues like black, brown, grey, or navy. Despite this, there are seldom any standards about the length or style of either men’s or women’s hair, unlike in the military.

To our understanding, attorneys are not specifically prohibited from having long hair. There are, however, certain exceptions to this. Come along as we highlight this below.

Professional Dress Code in the Modern Age

In the modern day, professional dress codes have greatly improved. These modifications weren’t made suddenly or on the spur of the moment. Instead, they represent general working-world tendencies.

Being successful professionally also requires that you convey a favorable image of yourself. What you dress may affect how others see you, as can how you interact with them vocally and non-verbally. You may attract attention and get strong thoughts at work by dressing professionally.

Here’s a highlight of the Professional Dress Code in the Modern Age.

For men

Here are some Professional Dress Code in the Modern Age for men:

• Suits with one or two fasteners, matching the jacket and trousers.
• Long-sleeved shirts with properly ironed collars, worn with a plain tie that is either solid, striped, or patterned.
• Short-sleeved shirts with collars worn with a sport coat.
• Dark dress footwear.
• Loafers with slip-ons.
• Basic belts.
• Little to no jewelry
• Mid-calf socks that are the same color as your shoes and pants.
• The cuff links.
• Simple, unobtrusive belts.

For women

Here are some Professional Dress Code in the Modern Age for women:

• Business attire includes a skirt and jacket.
• Blouses with sleeves, if possible.
• Professional attire that is modest and at least knee-length.
• Slacks.
• Shoes with low heels.
• Flats.
• Tights or pantyhose.
• Little jewelry.
• Button-down shirts with collars.

Reasons Lawyers Should Have Short Hair 

Even though the rules don’t prevent it, lawyers frequently avoid wearing long hair in court and the office. Like tattoos, long hair has stopped being a symbol of defiance and has become considerably more commonplace. We’d also like to believe that the persuasiveness of the case wins out. However, appearance counts in the legal profession.

The male attorney wearing long hair in court may need to be better received by the judge, who is likely to be full of gray hair and outdated beliefs. And this might harm the lawyer’s client in the long run.

To ensure that their clients have the best chance of success, attorneys often dress in a way that fits the situation to ensure that they seem professional.

To leave a positive first impression

Often, the first thing people notice about you is how you look. As a lawyer, having short hair might help you make a good first impression on those you encounter in court.

To demonstrate that you are a dedicated employee

Short hair communicates your seriousness about the job you conduct as a lawyer. It demonstrates that you put time and effort into looking well. And it shows how much you care about how you come across at work. People are more likely to appreciate and take you seriously when you demonstrate that you take your work seriously.

To boost your self-assurance

When you’re feeling your best, you can work at your best as a lawyer. Short hair may boost your ability to take on new tasks, meet new people, and advance your profession. You can manage and utilize how you portray yourself to your advantage, even when other aspects of your work life could be beyond your control.

Your brand is similar to the image you cultivate as a lawyer. To those who do not engage with you, it often reveals a lot about you.

What is Considered Appropriate Hair Length?

It’s deemed lengthy if your strands extend over your shoulders. You may choose between a mid-back trim and extra-long hair that reaches your tailbone.

A length of hair that is up to 11 inches for straight hair and 14 to 16 inches for curls and spirals is reasonable. The armpit to the shoulder is the length of medium hair. Straight strands are around 12–18 inches; curly ones may reach 24 inches.

Any hair that is longer than this is considered long. Women should also pick their hair length by their height. All hair lengths look excellent on tall ladies. We advise waist-length or longer hair for small-framed women. This is true since having hair that is longer than you make you seem shorter. If you do decide on a lengthy length, wear it with confidence.

Pros and Cons of Having Long Hair as a Lawyer

The Pros and Cons of Having Long Hair as a Lawyer has been highlighted in the table below.

Pros	Cons
Subjectivity and misunderstandings are eliminated.	If you let your long hair grow and don’t take care of it, wearing long hair as a lawyer might make you seem straggly or unprofessional.
It increases output.	Long hair in a warm environment is equivalent to donning a hat and scarf. It may also be rather uncomfortable.
It helps people recognize you.	You often use extra products, such as shampoo. And your financial situation may suffer as a result.
It is simpler to handle since the lengthy strands can be easily pulled into any design and held together.	Sometimes, it seems so heavy, particularly if you have a thick hair structure.
Long hair looks particularly stunning in current hues.
It enhances the classy appearance of plain clothes.
It keeps you warm in the cold.

How to Professionally Style Long Hair

You have greater leeway to try out risky hairstyles when you have long hair. Despite the abundance of inventive possibilities, most of us still need help finding an elegant, office-friendly look. Nevertheless, this never seems to remain in place all day long!

How do you maintain your long hair throughout the day at the workplace while making it seem polished, suitable, and professional? The following suggestions will aid you:

Consider a keratin therapy

A keratin leveling treatment is one of the best ways to take care of long hair. This gives your hair a bright and lustrous appearance by filling any thin or damaged regions.

Apply a suitable hairbrush.

You must have a spiky or wet brush for long hair. This also holds whether you have short or medium-length hair. This is true since these brushes prevent breakage and retain the fineness of your hair to the shafts.

These brushes’ natural fibers also help to minimize brushing friction. As a result, there is less likelihood of hair being tangled in any knots.

Use a towel made of microfiber.

Minimize frizz and preserve your long hair appearing healthy and polished with this easy-to-use tip.

To dry your hair before styling it, choose a smooth fabric, such as linen, instead of waffle-brushed cotton. This provides you with smoother strands and prevents your hair from fraying.

Tips for Maintaining Professionalism with Long Hair

Never leave damp hair unattended.

Take the opportunity to blow dry your hair if you wash it in the morning before leaving your residence. After that, brush it and apply your preferred product.

Continue to hydrate your hair.

Use a product that feeds your hair and maintains it in place whenever possible. Avoid using products that make your hair glossy or oily since they will make your long hair appear less professional.

Pull back your hair and keep it out of your face.

Even if having a few bangs locks dangle about your face is undeniably lovely, it is hardly a professional hairstyle.

Use a hairband similar in color to your actual hair, and style your hair loosely and low.

Conclusion

In conclusion, attorneys are required to present themselves professionally when they enter the office or the courtroom.

According to expectations, men should keep their hair tidy and modest in style. Facial hair is okay if it is kept in good condition. It would be unacceptable to show up to work with unkempt long hair or rough facial hair.

Both long and short haircuts are suitable for ladies. There won’t be an issue if the style is tidy and professional. Arriving with wild, unruly hairstyles or hair that is a vivid hue could raise suspicion. Additionally, having hair that reaches the waist and sporting childish hairstyles may be restrictions.

Expert Advice

It doesn’t matter whether you have long or short hair. It will seem professional as long as it is well-maintained and refined. That specific hair length might seem incredibly professional with the correct suit and accouterments. For you as a lawyer, having hair that falls in your face or that you have to swing back may be a tremendous distraction. It’s advisable to consider your overall appearance, including your collar and the dress for your body, rather than your hair’s length or style.

Additionally, holding off on sporting longer hairstyles as a rookie lawyer is preferable until you have established yourself in the field.