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Best Interview Hairstyles For Women To Try In 2023

Impress those who matter with these clean and stunning hairdos that exude confidence.

Reviewed by Tuera A. Jacobs, Licenced Cosmetologist
Written by Jyotsana Rao, BE

Edited by Madhumati Chowdhury, MA (English Literature)

Fact-checked by Manjari Uppal, MSc • Jan 19, 2024

Best Interview Hairstyles For Women To Try In 2023

Image: i Stock

The saying that the ‘first impression is the last impression’ is no lie, and it rings true for job interviews as well. From attire to body language and hairstyles for an interview, every factor is important to make an authentic impression.

Your hairdo needs to look neat, combed properly, and have a hint of edge if you are all about a quirky look. But whatever you go for, make sure it is safe for work, and your flyaways and strands are not having a party of their own.

When you appear for an interview, your physical appearance adds to your seriousness and attention to detail in general. The hiring interviewers not only look at your resume or skills but also how you carry yourself. You need to look presentable, tidy, well groomed, and polished. If they were to hire you, they would want someone to represent their company who carries themselves in a sophisticated manner with confidence and perfection.

Scroll down to check out some interesting yet professional hairdos for your next interview. Keep reading!

Before You Get Started

Limit accessories or keep them minimal. Black and brown are the safest accessory colors for your clips and ties. Avoid bright-colored headbands.
Always carry a comb or brush, pocket mirror, and extra ties and clips when traveling for an interview, just in case.
You can opt for simple braids or intricate Dutch or Goddess braids for the interview. For a clean and efficient look, tie these braids in a top knot or a bun.

In This Article

Hairstyles for Interview – Style your hair the best!

Clean Hair

Clean and sleek hair is interview-appropriate

Image: Shutterstock

This goes without saying, no matter what style you pick, make sure your hair is clean and non-greasy. Make sure it is well conditioned and looks sleek and manageable.

Licensed cosmetologist, Tuera Jacobs adds, “Also, if you have a problem with dandruff that cannot be controlled with shampoo immediately, consider wearing clothes in colors that will help camouflage flakiness.”

Quick Tip

Apply a leave-in conditioner or hair serum when your hair is still damp and wrap a cotton t-shirt or a damp towel around it for 10-15 minutes (before blow drying it and styling it). This will help you achieve frizz-free hair.

Colour

Forget about bright pink and blue, keep your hair color natural, you don’t want glaring highlights or unnatural blonde in your hair, the more natural your hair looks, the more seriously you will be taken. Get flattering lowlights or subtle highlights at the most but no more.

Efficient Hair

Your hair should look as efficient as you. Short or long, you shouldn’t be pushing it back all the time or fiddling with it. Talking about the same, Shandi, a blogger expressed her feelings on why she thinks leaving long hair open may not work for interviews. She said, “Yet I’m also concerned that leaving my hair as long as it currently is may also not give the best first impression. I look young, and long hair tends to accentuate youth. I feel like that would work against me in potential interviews and that could be worse than looking too “edgy” or trendy with a super short cut (i).” The blogger also stated that she keeps experimenting with haircuts and styles and does not have a go-to hairstyle.

“When it comes to a job interview and your hairstyle, less is always more. Let them see you first and your hair second!” Tuera Jacobs advises.

Hairstyle for interview that make you look efficient

Image: Getty

Buns And Braids

Image: IStock

Both buns and braids are classic and can be worn by people of all ages and can be tailored to a variety of facial features. Keep your braid simple yet elegant. A regular three-strand braid, a fishtail braid, or a French braid are all excellent choices. Avoid frilly, decorative, or bohemian braid styles. Also, hair of any texture – straight, wavy, curly, and braided – can be easily tucked into a bun to look professional at work.

Sleek Ponytail

Image: Shutterstock

A ponytail is a great choice if you want to look chic and put-together. Make sure to use cream or an anti-frizz product to tame flyaways and create a clean, sleek look. For an elegant finishing touch, take a small section of hair, wrap it around your elastic band, and secure it with a bobby pin. For a sleek appearance, people with naturally wavy or curly hair can use a flat iron or blow-dry their hair before tying it in a ponytail. Don’t forget to use a heat protectant if you want to avoid heat damage!

Straight vs. Curly

You have interview hairstyles for women with long hair too. Not to stress! Straight hair gives the appearance of being more efficient and serious. While curly hair is a more carefree look that may not be the best for a job interview. BUT if you can control your curls well, there is nothing like it. Blowouts can give you hair a voluminous look if you want to give your hair more volume. As long as they are not frizzy, you’re good.

Quick Tip

You can style your curls into a moderately tight top knot if you have long hair, a deep side part if you have short or chin-length hair, and a low bun with a braid if you have medium-length hair.

Image: Getty

Bangs And Partings

Soft side swept bangs are actually great for an interview, they draw the eyes right to your face and that is important for being noticed. A side parting is less distracting than a center parting and also appears less harsh visually.

Soft bangs swept at the sides hairstyle for interview

Image: Getty

Top Knot

Image: Shutterstock

A top knot is the modified version of the classic bun. If you are going for an interview in a corporate or multinational company, opt for a clean and tight top knot bun. But if you are interviewing for a creative role, you can go for a messy bun or half-up half-down hairstyle. This hairdo not only looks sophisticated but also flaunts your jawline and collarbone in a classy manner.

Loose Waves

Image: Shutterstock

If you are blessed with natural beachy waves, do nothing more and go for the interview without changing your hair texture. However, apply serum for shiny hair and to prevent it from getting tangled when traveling. On the other hand, if you have straight hair, you can also opt for effortless loose waves. Apply heat protectant and lightly curl your hair using a curling wand. Run your hands through the curls to loosen them and apply a finishing serum.

Most hairstyles work for interviews as long as they aren’t offensive in any way. Chignons, updos, low ponytails, blunt and pixie cuts, or a simple bun, all give the impression that you give less time for maintenance, are efficient, and love work more than vanity. These hairstyles are also fashionable, trendy, and modern without catching a lot of attention. And that really is what you need. Just don’t turn up with a Mohawk and you should be fine.

Infographic: Professional Hairstyles That Are Great For Interviews

Whether you want to rock a boss lady look or want to appear prim and proper for your next interview, the right hairstyle can make a difference. It can signify professionalism and give away serious-career-woman vibes. Furthermore, it makes you appear organized, prepared, and ready to face the challenges ahead. In the infographic below, we have listed hairstyle ideas you can consider for your next interview. Check them out.

professional hairstyles that are great for interviews (infographic)

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Job interviews are stressful. You plan everything from your attire to your body language, but a few stray hair strands can leave you feeling muddled and make you look unkempt. When picking a hairstyle for interviews, remember to keep it clean and simple. You don’t want your hair falling over your face and in your eyes. Get your hair trimmed if that’s the easy way for you to go. If you are confused, just opt for a side parting with a bun or a ponytail. Following these simple tips not only makes you look good but also boosts your confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is having your hair down unprofessional?

No. Having your hair down is not considered unprofessional as long as they are a manageable length (preferably medium length), straight or wavy, frizz-free, neat, and well-maintained. However, if you have curly, kinky hair that seems to take up a lot of space, it will seem unprofessional.

Is a ponytail unprofessional?

No. A ponytail is a perfect professional hairstyle option. However, since a low ponytail takes less time than a high ponytail, and a high ponytail may also look bumpy if not appropriately tied, low ponytails are considered more professional and efficient than high ponytails.

Can I wear my natural hair or should I opt for a more traditional hairstyle?

If your natural hair is not very textured then you can go ahead with it; however, for curly or kinky hair, it is advised to tame and style it in a traditional hairstyle.

Are there any hairstyles that are considered inappropriate or unprofessional for interviews?

Yes, certain hairstyles like a messy bun, space buns, cornrows, pigtails, and colored hair in vibrant hues may be considered inappropriate for interviews.

Should I consider the company’s dress code or industry when choosing a hairstyle for an Interview?

Yes, absolutely. However, in case you are unable to find information regarding the dress code, it is always better to opt for formal silhouettes and minimalist hairstyles as a safe bet.

How can I ensure that my interview hairstyle stays in place and looks neat throughout the interview?

To keep the hairstyle intact and neat, you can use bobby pins, hair serums, and anti-frizz hair sprays to tame flyaways.

Do you want to ace your upcoming job interview? Guess what – your hairstyle does play an important role, and getting a stylish formal hairstyle can be effortless. Check out this video for a step-by-step tutorial on creating elegant formal hairstyles with absolute ease!