Would you change your look for your employer?

[Mondkind]

Long story short, I am in a managerial position at my current work place and have successfully interviewed for another managerial position elsewhere. Not the same job, but more of a side-step than a promotion iyswim.

I have bright red hair and an ankle tattoo, which was visible throughout the interview day. No one mentioned my looks all day. HR have just sent me my contract and the staff dress code (among other documents). It blatantly states in there that unnatural hair colours and visible tattoos are strictly forbidden and subject to disciplinary procedures.

I'm a bit taken sad to see it go, but nevertheless, I have booked myself in with a hairdresser to neutralise my colour and will cover up my tattoo with opaque tights and trousers/ socks.

Friends have commented that I shouldn't have to let go of my individual looks for an employer as it is removing part of my identity - especially as they wanted me to work for them knowing fully well that I sport a more alternative look.

I think for the sake of £45,000 a year and my dream job I can overlook this and just use coloured hair accessories/ fake streaks and flash my ankles when I'm not at work.

What do you think?

Keep the hair,you were enjoyed as you are and if the hair is part of a professional image keep it.It can easily be changed if you are spoken to.
I work.in things and and healthcare professionals do have coloured hair,tattoos but patients don't mind if the care they receive is good.

How long is your hair? I have gone with dip-dying mine because I wear it in a bun for work anyway so no one can see it until I let my hair down.

Alternatively would a more natural shade of red suit you?

Thank you again. My hair is pretty long. I need to wear a 'cold' colour (I realise how odd that sound when I have chosen red, but it has no hint of yellow/ ginger etc. in it, so still cold) to suit my skin, so toning down the red/ going auburn or ginger is really not an option. I suit a very light blonde/ almost grey, most pastels, that specific tone of red, purple, blue, very dark brown and blue/black. I've had them all at some point in my life, but got stuck with the red. The plan is to go dark as I don't think the transition to blonde would be smooth, even with a professional.

We have a tight dress code that is an absolute requirement with very little leeway. It makes life easier as everyone knows what is e pe ted and there is no debate about suitability. Young admin staff might be given some breathing space but those representing the organisation externally are absolutely required to adhere to code.
My husband is a CEO and has very firm ideas about appearance of his staff. Again junior admin staff might get a slightly looser interpretation but definitely no facial piercings (told at interview they’ll have to be removed), no visible tattoos, men wear ties, no mini skirts, shorts, cleavage displays, see through blouses etc. He makes sure he interviews with a female director or HR person who will have a word about inappropriate dress at interview and make clear expectations.
We are, in fairness, both in fields where conformity and sticking to rules is vital so the jobs probably won’t appeal to the wildly exuberant and idiosyncratic.

Last job I had was entirely non client facing. Call centre type customer services. Had to have natural hair colours, no visible tattoos etc.

Job I'm in now is entirely customer facing, and I'm talking important government types - and I have bright blue and green hair with the complete support of my HR department who shrugged and said "it's your hair go for it" when I asked about any restrictions.

I'm quite happy to go back to having brown hair if the dress code changes however.

In your case I would call HR to clarify, as a PP says it shows willingness and at least you'll know one way or the other.

Done. See before and after (sorry for the bad picture quality). I think it will take quite some getting used to!

The current and past company that I work for has appearance and dress code. My preferred look is not allowed.