Hairdressers advice on male hair cut needed

[ilovelonghair]

I have a question regarding a short hair style that is easy and quick to grow out. It's for a guy who 'needs' to have short hair for a job interview (yes discrimination is still around) Once he got the job, it can be grown again. It doesn't have to be super short. What is the easiest so it doesn't take 2 years to grow the top layers out (and not to end up with a mullet either haha)

[bunzfan]

How about something like this http://www.iknowhair.com/wp-content/uploads/men-hair-styles-medium-3.jpg or is that to long?

[ilovelonghair]

I can imagine that would grow out in a year (that is a looooong time actually), but it's a bit emo-like, I don't think he would like that. He has thick dark brown Asian-like hair with a slight wave. It should also be low maintenance.

[pepperminttea]

What about something like this (http://i51.tinypic.com/1pie5k.jpg)?

(If anyone's wondering, it's a still of Lancelot in the BBC series Merlin.)

[Sundial]

You mentioned Asian-like hair, try searching "Takeshi Kaneshiro" on Google. Google images has a couple of pictures of him in a few hairstyles that could work for your friend

[Firefox7275]

I'd go for what Bunzfan or Pepperminttea suggests with it fairly short at the neck so it does not stick out; then slicked back with gel, maybe even a parting if he suits it. Freshly shaved with a pressed shirt and tie your friend will look like the interview matters to him. Seems to me that some of the prejudice against longer hair is down to it not looking like it is conditioned or cut or styled. :shrug:

[ilovelonghair]

Those are great ideas and still look good! He might be able to get away with shoulder length hair he said, but that means still a LOT of loss for length :( (it's near to BSL)
What can be done with shoulder length to make it look 'corporate'? Or would it even be able to keep the longer hair? He's got lots of layers though, so the front ones don't stay in a pony tail.

[kwaniesiam]

Can he tie his hair in to a low bun at the nape and pin it so the length is unobtrusive? If the cut must happen, I think something like how Christian Bale had his hair in American Psycho. Longer on the top and in the front while being more cropped in the neck but not terribly short.

[Arya]

What about these styles? This is Kimutaku/ Takuya Kimura: Japanese Brad Pitt.
http://noizumi.files.wordpress.com/2008/10/kimura_takuya_040027.jpg

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_RaOrchOImw8/S7vTrZrb-oI/AAAAAAAAfzM/QZuagATC6oM/s1600/6a00d41427934f685e0109d0edf3c7000f-500pi.jpg

[salls]

my OH has bsl length hair and just ties it in a really low pony then tucks any strays behind his ears. I would also suggest he could be more formal in other ways dress shoes/ tie/ suit all add to the corporate look. I also guese it depands on the actual job though if he's a lawyer or banker or something like that then the hair may indeed need to go.

[Panth]

What about something like this (http://i51.tinypic.com/1pie5k.jpg)?

(If anyone's wondering, it's a still of Lancelot in the BBC series Merlin.)

From experience with DBF trying to find a job, that is still counted as too long and "messy" in many, many places. :(

[Panth]

Those are great ideas and still look good! He might be able to get away with shoulder length hair he said, but that means still a LOT of loss for length :( (it's near to BSL)
What can be done with shoulder length to make it look 'corporate'? Or would it even be able to keep the longer hair? He's got lots of layers though, so the front ones don't stay in a pony tail.

To try to keep the hair:
As Salls says, make sure everything else about his appearance is top-notch. If the situation calls for business-casual, always do pure business. Have a traditionally-coloured (black or dark grey/charcoal) suit (preferably one that fits well) with a conservatively-coloured shirt. Wear the jacket unless it is absolutely so hot that he'll be sweaty/red-faced. Tie, again more conservatively-coloured, neatly tied. Dress shoes, well polished, preferably black but brown if not. 100% clean shaven if he doesn't already (if he has a beard, at least that'll grow back quicker than the hair would - facial hair seems to be about as big of a no-no as long hair).

For the hair: tie it back in a low ponytail (nape-of-the-neck) with a black/navy hair elastic. For the bits that won't reach the ponytail, all I can suggest is to try to pin them back very subtly with a couple of bobby pins that match his hair colour. Any frizzy bits should probably be contained using some gel/product. If his hair is curly (which seems to be another thing that "corporate" doesn't like) make sure the ponytail is tight enough to make everything lie very slick and neat and flat against his head. If the length is an issue, you could try a tucked ponytail (how when you make a ponytail but don't pull the hair all the way through the last time) to disguise the length. I'd advise against anything but the subtlest of buns as that's just going to make him look more unusual and nonconformist, not less.

[ilovelonghair]

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_RaOrchOImw8/S7vTrZrb-oI/AAAAAAAAfzM/QZuagATC6oM/s1600/6a00d41427934f685e0109d0edf3c7000f-500pi.jpg


That is what it originally was a while ago. He could grow it in his old job a bit more because he already was there for a long time and they can't fire over hair you once you got a permanent job :cheese: He still kept it at that length because of the job.

Some good tips here, I'll pass them on :)

[cocolady]

I wouldn't cut the hair, maybe just a tidy ponytail, the chances are they won't even notice. My boyfriend used to hide his hair in his jacket all the time and noone knew his hair was waist lenght lol. I would say something like this: http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uCZC5WLnuYY/TX2TG777AxI/AAAAAAAACPM/FkKfquQpJVA/s400/celebrity%2Bponytail%2Bgalvin%2Bross.jpg
It looks corporate enough.
If he really needs to cut it, go with something shoulder lenght with layers?
Like this: http://www.menshairstyles.net/d/48729-1/medium+long+layered+Asian+men+hairstyle+photo.jpg
If it's not to long.

[IcarusBride]

I know this is going to sound really bizzare but... If it's just an INTERVIEW and the job isn't even certain, he should just wear a wig! Tuck his own hair into a wig cap and wear the wig. If he does get the job and he has to cut his own hair to that length to make a show of growing it out from the length it 'was' when he was hired, he can do that later.

[ilovelonghair]

I suggested a wig too :D but is it possible to find good convincing looking short haired wigs for men that don't look like cheap toupets?

[kwaniesiam]

I suggested a wig too :D but is it possible to find good convincing looking short haired wigs for men that don't look like cheap toupets?

Men's wigs:

http://www.wigs.md/pages/wigs_jonrenau_charlie_446.shtml
http://www.wigs.md/pages/wigs_nalee_reedlarge_nm900m.shtml
http://www.wigs.md/pages/wigs_tonyofbeverly_blake_tb.shtml
http://www.wigs.md/pages/wigs_tonyofbeverly_matt_tb.shtml

There are a few others on that site but those were the best looking IMO.

[Arya]

Honestly if he really wants the job, I wouldn't suggest a wig. There's always something a little odd about them, and you don't want the interviewer to be trying to figure out if its a wig the whole time, instead of listening to his abilities and strengths.

[jojo]

How awful that you have to have short hair for a job. I don't suppose the same would apply if you was a woman?

[ilovelonghair]

Men's wigs:

http://www.wigs.md/pages/wigs_jonrenau_charlie_446.shtml
http://www.wigs.md/pages/wigs_nalee_reedlarge_nm900m.shtml
http://www.wigs.md/pages/wigs_tonyofbeverly_blake_tb.shtml
http://www.wigs.md/pages/wigs_tonyofbeverly_matt_tb.shtml

There are a few others on that site but those were the best looking IMO.

Hahahaha, what a nerdy looking styles, perfect for the job actually :D

[ilovelonghair]

Reviving the topic. Apparently it needs to be really nasty: very very short at the back (like spiky, if that makes sense) and short on top *shudder* So quite like those wigs look like. Nightmarish I'd say. I am glad I'm a woman! I will suggest Monistat!
Still trying to find a way around it.

ETA: I lost a section of this post, the bit where the back has to be so short is a bit of a problem, I think the top needs to be pretty short too, so that's another issue.

Any hair styles to suggest that won't look like those wigs? LOL

[cherryblossom]

hmm, well it would depend on the kind of job he was going for, and also his age. I'm guessing he's not too old and still quite young?

I know you said shorter, but since he's Asian.. well, they can tend to get away with longer, whist still looking 'nerdy' as you put it.

http://img2.lln.crunchyroll.com/i/spire4/4913dfd3f96c39f2f541519ced04ef7e1232159401_full.jp g

I think this one is a good choice, I know it looks very young but it's only the model - trust me it works for non-youths too! Plus, it grows out very easily because of the shape and can be styled a variety of ways like...

http://media.onsugar.com/files/2010/03/11/6/346/3463885/7f679ee0d23b2f15_kimbum_singles_april2010_7.jpg

or even...

http://myasiancinema.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/27.jpg

or if you make the sides/back shorter, you can style it like this too.
http://images2.fanpop.com/images/photos/7300000/Uri-Kim-Bum-kim-bum-7346232-361-500.jpg

You also have more fringe (haha), just make the nape bit shorter
http://www.asianpopcorn.com/battle_images/kim_bum-200902240205333.jpg

or if he's still determined on very short, even though I think those will be fine (just learn to style it, mouse can make it more volumised slightly and off the face, thus making it look shorter and more 'groomed'. Sleeked back = very formal/gives a sharp image.
Asian geek =
http://www.asianpopcorn.com/battle_images/kim_bum-200902240205333.jpg


Super short:
http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_krm43rXawv1qa8l7ro1_400.jpg
http://ficdn.fashionindie.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/04/joseph-gordon-levitt.png
http://maydaily.com/files/2011/01/Takashi230.jpg
http://images.digitalspy.co.uk/08/44/550w_richard_armitage_2.jpg
(ignore the half naked man)

To be honest, there's not too much choice if you want quite short, nearly cropped hair...
If he really doesn't want to chop too much, why don't you try maybe collar bone length like that pic before posted by someone else, and make the layers at the front shorter and more like the first pic I posted and the length should have about 3 layers, your longest length, a chin length one and mouth length?

Then, split hair into two sections, keep the top two layers out and take your bottom one, do a tight mid-height plait, and then just pin under the rest in a faux bun. It will work - you keep length + hair looks shorter for the interview.

Hope this helps!

[david]

It always makes me angry that this discrimination still exists, the company wouldn't ask its Female employees to cut their hair.

Are you really sure he has to cut his hair, especially considering the length you said it was. Personally, I have never came across this problem at interviews. I always just make sure that my hair is very presentable and clean looking for interviews. I usually wear it in a Plait/braid, french plait or a low bun idea. Would this idea not work... it just seems crazy to cut your hair for an interview just to re-grow it.

[selderon]

Apparently it needs to be really nasty: very very short at the back (like spiky, if that makes sense) and short on top *shudder*LOL

I'm disappointed to hear you refer to short, conservative hair as nasty. :(

I wish that a lot of industries would happily accept candidates who are skilled and well groomed, regardless of the length of their hair. Unfortunately, that is not the case right now. We get to deal with what IS, not what should be.

The gentleman in question needs to decide which is more important: an edge in getting a job or a year's worth of hair growth. That should solve the problem right there. In a similar position, I took the philosophy that hair grows and got the cut.

Here are some possibilities for more conservative hair for men with Asian-type wavy hair:
Mark Dacascos, short & straight (http://ia.media-imdb.com/images/M/MV5BMTMxMTAzMDQ5MF5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTcwMTI5NTgwMw@@._ V1._SX640_SY845_.jpg) (that may be straightened. Mark Dacascos' hair seems to have natural wave.)
Mark Dacascos, short & curly (http://www.peoples.ru/art/cinema/actor/dakaskos/dacascos_28-7586.jpg)
Dean Cain (http://supermantv.net/art/data/media/8/Dean%20Cain%20Superman.jpg)
Dean Cain looking more corporate (http://supermantv.net/art/data/media/8/Dean%20Cain%20Clark%20Kent.jpg)
Shin Koyamada (http://web.wireimage.com/images/tnm/57813145.jpg)

ETA: I couldn't resist adding this one.
Daniel Dae Kim looking unreasonably beautiful (http://images.fanpop.com/images/image_uploads/Daniel-Dae-Kim-gap-435825_876_1203.jpg)

[ilovelonghair]

Thanks for all the advice and examples, we'll have a good look at them.


hmm, well it would depend on the kind of job he was going for, and also his age. I'm guessing he's not too old and still quite young?

Yes 39 and looks much younger. The job is in a field where people are supposed to be smart geeks (not that being a geek is wrong, I am one :p): accountant. He's got a special outfit for job interviews that makes him look more fit for the job (think Big Bang Theory series)
He's half Asian/Italian, so doesn't look really Asian or Italian. Although I think he could get away with a lot of these hair styles people have posted.


I'm disappointed to hear you refer to short, conservative hair as nasty. :(

I'm so sorry, I wrote that in a bout of anger :(, I hate it when men are discriminated for their hair (plus I have an obvious preference for long hair)



I wish that a lot of industries would happily accept candidates who are skilled and well groomed, regardless of the length of their hair. Unfortunately, that is not the case right now. We get to deal with what IS, not what should be.

I hope one day these things will change. Sometimes I think it might be harder to be a man than a woman.


It always makes me angry that this discrimination still exists, the company wouldn't ask its Female employees to cut their hair.

Are you really sure he has to cut his hair, especially considering the length you said it was. Personally, I have never came across this problem at interviews. I always just make sure that my hair is very presentable and clean looking for interviews. I usually wear it in a Plait/braid, french plait or a low bun idea. Would this idea not work... it just seems crazy to cut your hair for an interview just to re-grow it.

He often wears it in a half ponytail and with a suit it looks really neat, I can't imagine how they wouldn't hire him. But he said it depends a bit on the job, in some fields it's harder to get away with it than others. The corporate world is harsh.

[battles]

Very sad that this still happens. At least with my facial piercings I'd be able to just remove them while I'm working.

[Elph]

Why don't you look into cultural mens buns at the nape of the neck? I know you said it needs to be cut but like you I think that is just a load of hooie. I can see a geeky slicked back low pony which has been tied into a knob and has laces around it. try this http://www.youtube.com/watch?gl=US&hl=iw&v=gFmHYukht3g

[ilovelonghair]

He wear some sort of a bun like that, only messy. Now that can be fixed. He finally grew out the front layers so everything fits into a bun. That looks neater than before when half of it fell out. That's also the problem with cutting shorter and growing it back: the parts that take too long to grow back to fit into a ponytail or bun.

[KittyLost]

Would it be possible to pull it all back into a low nape ponytail and hide the length under a jacket?

[invisiblebabe]

http://images2.fanpop.com/images/photos/7300000/Uri-Kim-Bum-kim-bum-7346232-361-500.jpg
I would hire him if he had the right job skills, he looks very dapper.

I'd also go with the suggestion of gelling the hair back and putting it into a low ponytail or bun. Neat, clean, and styled.

[selderon]

The job is in a field where people are supposed to be smart geeks (not that being a geek is wrong, I am one :p): accountant. He's got a special outfit for job interviews that makes him look more fit for the job (think Big Bang Theory series)
He's half Asian/Italian, so doesn't look really Asian or Italian.
Excuse me while I drool. :love: Half Asian men tend to be extremely beautiful.


I'm so sorry, I wrote that in a bout of anger :(, I hate it when men are discriminated for their hair (plus I have an obvious preference for long hair)
I get it. *hug* It does seem a shame for a man with beautiful long hair to have to cut it. I'm not a fan of long hair for the sake of long hair, but there are plenty of people who are stunning with long hair.

[ilovelonghair]

Would it be possible to pull it all back into a low nape ponytail and hide the length under a jacket?

Didn't think of that, we should try that!


http://images2.fanpop.com/images/photos/7300000/Uri-Kim-Bum-kim-bum-7346232-361-500.jpg
I would hire him if he had the right job skills, he looks very dapper.



That looks like a professional short hair cut, that would definitely do in job interviews. But it is short.


Excuse me while I drool. :love: Half Asian men tend to be extremely beautiful.

He is :), but he's mine :D (I didn't want to mention it in this thread, so I called him 'my friend', but I am actually talking about my boyfriend)

[IanB]

It's all down to discrimination once again. Ladies can have their hair however they wish. Gent - short back and sides - NOT

[celebriangel]

I think shoulder length hair would be worse than BSL surely? Because you couldn't have it all neat. I would put it in a bun and pin/gel back the shorter layers that fall to the front, slowly growing them out till they fit in to the ponytail.

[ilovelonghair]

Not sure, the job agencies have told him before it needs to be cut before they even consider booking interviews for him :(

[cjk]

I was searching for male styles and this thread popped up. This makes me so sad.

As a bearded man, with what most would consider a big beard, I feel this sort of discrimination regularly. I've found that grooming has no actual connection with length, and the only thing the haircut demonstrates is a willingness to conform.

But to be honest I would not conform that way.

Groomed is possible at any length. I intend, as one of my hairstyles as it grows out, to implement a sort of pompadour with a French twist at the back. A similar style to that worn by Seven of Nine in ST:Voyager. That is a very slick and put together style for a woman OR a man with shoulder length hair.

I would not want to work for omeone who mandated a haircut solely for the interview. Safety considerations aside, whether my hair is long or short is immaterial.

[Tosca]

For anyone that needs this advice now, this might be an option https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRwS1PTZF50EH36A9kHHG6DGRNpc3QgZ ZDbrBjZ3GosulXuB0nO Googling "sebastian stan long hair" should get you more results. It slicks back pretty well, and it's only lightly layered (4 inches worth or so) at the bottom.

[EdG]

cjk - in the years since this thread was originally written, the man-bun completely changed the rules. Now, long-haired men can have effectively short hair by bunning it.

[cjk]

Moreso for some industries than others.

Being an outlier always requires a strength of character and a willingness to stand apart from the crowd. And regardless of the view on this forum, long hair is definitely considered a negative for men, at times.

That's one of the reasons I was searching for styling tips.