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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

...to have blue hair as a doctor?

257 replies

WiIdfire · 16/10/2016 08:22

I got hidden rainbow hair while on maternity leave, and it was fab. When I went back to work, I dyed it back to a boring brown.

As a doctor, it's always been fairly accepted that you should dress conservatively, that it's not acceptable to have bright hair, visible tattoos, eccentric clothing etc. and I've always stuck to that. However, since going back, I've seen 6 other members of staff (non-doctors, but patient facing, nurses etc) with blue or vivid pink hair, it seems to becoming much more mainstream. My husbands non-medical colleagues were baffled that I would even consider going back to brown just to go back to work.

So, would I be unreasonable to have blue hair as a doctor? Is it socially acceptable yet?

...to have blue hair as a doctor?
OP posts:
Thread gallery
5
Pinksink · 16/10/2016 08:25

I'm pretty sure if I or my children were ill I wouldn't care what colour hair you had as long as you were capable of doing your job!

Lovemylittlebear · 16/10/2016 08:28

Wouldn't bother me one bit because I would be considering all the important things from a GP appointment like interaction, ability to diagnose and deliver medical recommendations etc. But I was brought up not to judge people on the way they look. Unfortunately you get people that aren't like this. I have a similar issue with my job and people expecting me to look a certain way. I'm private so never had the balls to branch out with some of the things would like to do with my hair x

greenfolder · 16/10/2016 08:29

As a patient it's a non issue. You will have a better idea as to whether there is other consequences in terms of senior management view
.

CupofTeaTime · 16/10/2016 08:29

I would love it! Wouldn't bother me in the slightest

AnneGables · 16/10/2016 08:30

It wouldn't bother me what colour hair my doctor has. Is there a hr policy on it?

Sirzy · 16/10/2016 08:30

Surely your hair will be tied up anyway so it will hardly be in your face?

Not that I would care either way!

FormerlyCatherineDeB · 16/10/2016 08:32

One of my friends is a GP - very cool with a hippy vibe. Your hair looks fab, really healthy and not 'in your face rainbow'.

What does your dress code say if you have one?

Brocollili · 16/10/2016 08:32

Not unreasonable at all and it looks great.

Trulymadlymotherly · 16/10/2016 08:32

That's pretty subtle. I am a dr and I would only be jealous if a colleague had that hair. In fairness I'm ED so there's maybe a bit more laxity. Sometimes I think they're just happy someone turns up Wink.

Olecranon · 16/10/2016 08:33

I am a GP and I think it is accepted that you need to dress conservatively. Eyebrows would definitely be raised about coloured hair. I think it looks unprofessional and some patients would judge you for it.

NoahVale · 16/10/2016 08:33

the hospital if it is that where you work, wouldnt allow unnatural colouring in hair AFAIK

NoahVale · 16/10/2016 08:34

agree, that as a patient I would judge you, as I would judge a bank teller, lawyer, accountant, with unnatural hair colouring

pizzapop · 16/10/2016 08:34

Oh I LOVE it. And it wouldn't bother me at all.

oneaddiction · 16/10/2016 08:34

It's lovely but I have to say I don't think it would be suitable for your role. You could tie it up perhaps.

jammyjay · 16/10/2016 08:34

YANBU.
You're hair looks fab in that picture OP! If you were my doctor I would tell you that and then carry on with my appointment! You are right, tattoos and dyed hair are rather mainstream now most of us wouldn't bat an eye, in fact my midwife had a visible one (tatt) and I remember telling her I liked it. She was a brilliant mw!
Perhaps I'm saying all this because I'm a teacher and I have a small but visible tattoo and so far no parents and senior management have said anyhing.
What a shame you dyed it back! It doesn't affect your ability to work. It doesn't make you seem unprofessional. Tbh I would judge a Dr with visibly dirty or un ironed clothes not with dyed hair or tattoos! Blush

DraenorQueen · 16/10/2016 08:35

That's quite subtle, IMO and absolutely gorgeous. I may pinch this look!!

saltededamummy · 16/10/2016 08:35

Check HR's policies &tc, then go for it!

pizzapop · 16/10/2016 08:36

agree, that as a patient I would judge you, as I would judge a bank teller, lawyer, accountant, with unnatural hair colouring

Alright grandad

Misskittycat16 · 16/10/2016 08:36

It's fab. I think actually makes you look friendly and approachable which can obviously work in your favour.

AyeAmarok · 16/10/2016 08:37

I think you would need to wear it in a bun everyday.

passingthrough1 · 16/10/2016 08:37

I've never heard of hidden rainbow hair and now I want it!!

NoahVale · 16/10/2016 08:37

on thanks pizzapop

NoahVale · 16/10/2016 08:38

pizzapop, would you prefer I agree with the op?
is that how it goes?
have a different opinion and get called a grandad Angry
ffs

GeorgeTheThird · 16/10/2016 08:38

The problem is, you have to appear professional to all groups of society. It's really important that you do. Some will feel that this makes you look unprofessional - probably older people, maybe some minority groups. The fact that lots of people think it's ok doesn't mean it's ok. So it's a no from me.

Wellywife · 16/10/2016 08:42

I'd think you were a bit flaky, medical degree or not. I'd find it hard to trust your judgement

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