How to Ban Hair Colors in the Workplace

Maintaining a professional work atmosphere often means implementing an employee dress code. Part of this process requires setting rules. Flamboyant or outrageous hair colors may distract employees and create an unprofessional climate for new or existing clients.

• 1

  Inform new employees in writing that hair colors are not allowed in your workplace. If they have existing hair color that interferes with established standards, let them know that they will have to bring their hair color into compliance before hiring can take place.

• 2

  Be very clear about which colors are allowable and which are not. Add it to the written set of rules. Tell employees that the rules on hair color are subject to change at any time. This will allow for flexibility in the policy that will accommodate changing styles that may not be covered under the existing set of rules. Display the rules in a prominent place that is accessible to all employees.

• 3

  Have an employee meeting to explain and discuss the new or existing policy. Allow employee input and opinion, but be sure they understand the rules by having them read and sign a document you have prepared that explains the policy. Give a copy of the document to your employees and keep one for your records as well.

• 4

  Set consequences for breaking the hair color ban. You may want to have a set of repercussions that range from less to more serious based on the infraction or the number of times the rule has been broken.