To think the public don't give a rat's arse about the colour of my hair....

[PinkieMinx]

Have been forced encouraged to take leave until my hair colour grows out as work have introduced new rules which include a hair rule - they do not allow 'unnatural' hair colours (eg. green, blue, pink, pillar box red, magenta... you get the idea).

AIBU to think the general public would not care about my hair colour?

YANBU

I always love seeing people with original coloured hair. You're right, no one cares ....

Depends on your job. I'd find it difficult to take you seriously as a police officer/lawyer/bank manager, tbh, but most other roles I don't think it would bother me much.

What do you do and what colour is your hair?

That would identify me in seconds - should have namey changed

Well what do you do? I assume from your name that you probably have pink hair and think you're a bit 'crazy'. I don't think it's really on of the employer to add it as a clause (in fact, is it even legal?) but tbh, in a professional setting you are judged on appearance. I have a friend who has just dyed her hair bright bright red and I just thought, fgs, you are not a teenager. But I am a muchos borning conservative when it comes to hair

So if a police officer had purple hair but full uniform and acted professionally, you would not take them seriously?

Bright purple? Nope. But presumably, the police do not allow wild hair colours for that very reason

I would have difficulty, PinkieMinx, but then many police officers look about 12 to me these days anyway.

repeats [auld gimmer]

Completely ridiculous. You should be able to have any colour you like - how can it affect how well you do your job?

I have, in the past, had neon blue streaks in my hair. I work in a school and have never had any negative comments about it.

It's part of your personality and as long as you can do your job then, no YANBU

No one elses business but yours, as for age/hair colour, what has that to do with anything.

I see that some people think those in 'authority' should have natural hair, that is where the bosses are coming from too.

SandStorm, see, there's where I have a problem, I think. You're not at work to "express your personality". You're there to work.

Now, I wouldn't give a toss if the check-out assistant at Tesco had a magnificent multi-coloured Mohican. Indeed, it would make me nostalgic for lost youth.

I'd feel rather differently if my (hypothetical) oncology consultant sported the same hairdo.

Maybe that's wrong, but OP asked whether we'd care. Yes, in some circumstances, some of us would, very much.

I work in the public sector (healthcare) and have at various times had pillar box red, blonde streaked (very unnatural for me!) and purple/black hair. All neatly tied back during work hours.

I have seen consultants with short hair dyed blonde, spiked and then highlighted pink. No requests to change hair colour and no complaints from the patients.

Obviously depends on your job and hairstyle but if a doctor can do it I don't see why anyone else can't.

There's an element of professionalism at stake presumably, but I have never known hair colour influence anyone's ability to do their job.

Schools don't allow crazy hair colours in pupils. And while you're obviously not a child, I think the sam reasoning will apply- whoever you work for want to demonstrate a professional image and unfortunately your hair isn't in fitting with that. Likewise, I'm sure those with tattoos are asked to cover them up too.

They are, I feel that hair is different. It's so personal and not being allowed the colour I want at work also means i can't have it in my 'life'

You won't say your job? Or what colour your hair actually is?

BooBoo, this comes from those in authority wanting to impose their values on others this includes schools. As long as they can do their job or be a good pupil then the colour or style of hair is no one elses business.

ANd no, I don't think it is personal. As an employee, there are certain things that are expected. To be suitably attired and presented is one of them. But I will reiterate,I would look into the legality of them introducing this rule, when you are already an employee. Fair enough to tell them someone at interview stage I think.

Only as anyone who works with me/has met me at work or knows me in RL will know it's me straight away. Not beacause I'm MI5 - honest

Of course it's their business. I used to work for a solicitors. A real old boys club kind of place. Wild hair would not have been tolerated in there as it would be completely at odds with the firm's image, regardless of your ability to do the job. It is probably in your contract tbh, not hair specifically, but somehting about being presentable to a certain standard

Then it must be pretty wild if your hair colour will identify you out of a whole workplace. Suggesting it is at odds with the rest of the employees

I'm always immaculate (at work!) though - that's what pisses me off. i am well presented, professional, good at my job. I have always had dyed my hair different colours. Your firm probably wouldn't have employed me in the first place.
I took a job once and was told i couldn't have a piercing, I took it out. I have worked this job for years and am now not 'good enough'

BooBoo, who decides what and what isnt presentable, this is just someones opinion.

I remember at school. first the boys could not have long hair and then they could not have skinhead crops.

If no one is being harmed then it is no one elses business.

That's what I mean newwave - they have a blanket rule - I work with peiople who look like they've been dragged thru hedge before work and my freshly washed but loud colour hair is now a problem!?!

But I asked if IWBU to think public don't care and am shocked to find they do.