...to have blue hair as a doctor?

[WiIdfire]

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?

[NoahVale]

i think you would forgive a primary school teacher, she would be down with the kids as it were, although you would be shocked at first.

and people are mentioning paeds, but surely in paeds you have to get the parents to trust you too?

[reallyanotherone]

I'd love it.

I'd like to think you were that rebellious dr that puts her patients needs first and sticks two fingers up at management and their rules :)

[Brankolium]

I think I'd have to reluctantly agree with everdene and say go back to brown. It looks fantastic and wouldn't bother me personally (actually I'd love it in my hair), but it has a real air of fun about it that doesn't quite fit with being a doctor (in my mind).

If you are a paediatrician I'd say fine because it's pretty accepted that bringing joy is beneficial to kids stuck in a medical setting. But not all adults want that and may feel unsettled by it. It's in the same sort of way as if you turned up with a cape, or fancy dress, or a big flashing birthday badge - there's a bit too much of your self on show when you need to be neutral and a face for the job so that your patients feel you are taking them seriously.

If it was very subtle when tied back I could be persuaded though. What kind of doctor are you? If you are an F1/F2 I'd definitely say go back to brown as you don't want to stand out to any colleagues for anything other than doing a great job!

[Alabastard]

My GP has bubblegum pink hair, wears floaty skirts and no shoes.

Anyone over 55 actually refuses to see her.

[BeyondReasonablyDoubts]

There was a nurse at my old surgery (she's about 60) who changed her hair colour weekly, had multiple ear piercings and tattoos. I loved her, I felt so much more comfortable with her than with the Drs/nurses closer to my own age but more 'conservative'. Which is a big thing as I'm rather hcp-phobic.

[Ladybunnyfluff]

It wouldn't bother me but I was a pink haired teacher.

Just also remembered that one paediatric doctor my DD has seen had several piercings, stretched lobes and a small tattoo next to his ear. It really didn't seem to bother anyone.

[Helenluvsrob]

What field are you in? I'm a GP, and I have purple / pink hair ( depending on how faded it is).

I guess I'm lucky. I'm a self employed subcontractor to the NHS not an employee so I'm governed by my own rules.

I'm aware purple hair gives out a message. If you want an old fashioned tie and suit gp to paternalistically tell you want to do, I'm not them. other gps are available. If you want honest and approachable with no " false front" that's me. My patients know me. I have a 20+ year record with many of them.

I think I was too worried about projecting a " professional image " when I was younger to do this and if you still have " bosses to impress" who might be influenced by such superficial things maybe that's a consideration, but maybe they need more equality and diversity training ! ( las comment tongue in cheek, btw!)

Re pp feeling awful appearing " frivolous " in a bad situation as a journalist - not sure it applies here. Bad news is bad news.

[MrsJayy]

Its a shame you are not going to keep it if you are delivering bad news I honestly dont think anybody would give 2 hoots about your hair or even notice .

I keep looking at the photo and wondering if im too old for rainbow hair

[diddl]

It shouldn't matter, should it?

I think that Chewing is correct though.

In that moment some won't want to think that the Dr is any thing but a Dr.

Let alone with a frivolous side!

[Burnshersmurfs]

I think people can be quicker to judge when they are at their most vulnerable. In some situations they have to put all their trust in you, and it helps if you appear absolutely professional. I remember clearly in the middle of a difficult birth, in agony and waiting to hear whether I needed a Caesarian, the shift changed and my new midwife came up- hair in bunches, tied up with bright ribbons. I was horrified, and instantly doubted her maturity and experience in a way I wouldn't normally have done. I think your hair is lovely, but I think you are asked to dress conservatively for a good reason.

[butterflymum]

For those saying older and more conservative folk might be less appreciative of their doctor having 'coloured hair', I can't help but think of the many older, conservative people I have seen with various shades of lilac or blue or other 'colour' in their hair.

[cosmicglittergirl]

Do people seriously judge how 'professional' someone is based on their hair colour? Not their ability to do their job then?
Wouldn't bother me. At all.

[2kids2dogsnosense]

I LOVE it - but as a patient I wouldn't be comfortable with a dr. with zany hair.

Rightly or wrongly, is sends out a message of not being serious about your job.

(You have lovely shine hair,mind - I envy you)

[AllegraAlmond]

It doesn't bother me at all. I think it looks fab and honestly showing a bit of personality makes you more relatable.

[myownprivateidaho]

I wouldn't. There aren't really any "professions" where this would be accepted universally. Most people won't be bothered but some will. Also, don't you think it will hurt you career-wise? I'm thinking of grouchy older male consultants. Personally I wouldn't want a blue-haired doctor -- I'd wonder what other norms of professionalism they rejected. Also I think you'd end up having an embarrassing conversation with HR.

[DancingPenguin1]

Love the hair OP, I think that is quite subtle. In a similar professional role, may steal your hair idea myself!!

[FormerlyCatherineDeB]

I think if the dress code allows it and you love it I would stick with it.

If you don't think you can could you do something more subtle-reds, chestnuts, etc.?

The world has changed in the last 50 years.

[listsandbudgets]

Dd was treated by an amazing woman with pink hair and pink DMS to match. She was absolutely amazing and the only reason I NOTICED was because during a neuro exam (which she managed to make into a comedy show rather than a frightening experience) she lifted her foot and asked Dd what colour her shoes were.

YANBU. It's what's in your head that really matters to your patients not what's on it

[pasturesgreen]

The hair itself looks fab, but yes, I'm afraid I wouldn't be thrilled to see a doctor with rainbow hair, and I'd definitely judge.

[JosephineMaynard]

I'd say that a natural hair colour would be better, nice as the colour looks in that photo.

It's likely to unsettle some patients - particularly more conservative or older ones, who may already be feeling vulnerable and ill at ease even before seeing the doctor.

Although you'd probably get away with it in a speciality like paediatrics - I can imagine most kids responding well to colourful hair - or one with little patient contact.

[dinosaursarebisexual]

If you're a paediatric dr perhaps, otherwise no, in your position I'd dye it.

[lionheart]

It wouldn't matter. Years ago, I had a GP with a colourful Mohican.

[OhTheRoses]

Well one of the best judges I've come across has purple hair and wears biker boots!

A decade ago, I'd have agreed with Crud. Now, at 56, having developed a Cpl of conditions in the last few years and having dealt with the teenage years, my views have changed.

Coloured hair, well done by professionals, is pretty mainstream. As is a nose stud (discreet). What I want from a doctor is the following:

Clean hair and a squeaky clean appearance
A smile
A capable listener
Empathy
Someone who treats me with respect and as their equal
Eye contact
Clear, honest information to facilitate my decision making

Enjoy your hair. You have my respect for asking and I'd be delighted to be looked after by you.

Crud I'd like to challenge a point you have made if I may. The assumption that trust is immediate just because you are a doctor. It just isn't; doctors have to earn it like the rest of us and particularly like all other professionals. There are good doctors and bad doctors and I would reserve judgement based on rather more than their appearance. An unsmiling arrogant arse in a beige cardi and Josef Siebels who barely looked at me, let alone interracted with me, would do nothing to inspire my trust or confidence.

[Idliketobeabutterfly]

Tbh I wouldn't care if I saw a doctor with blue hair....

[leghoul]

I love the hair but think could raise some issues re professionalism and unwarranted complaints to practice management or GMC or unfair criticism. I think it would be fine if you could keep it in a bun in a way that it's hidden when necessary from patient view/ patient contact/ important meetings but otherwise is still there.