Job interview: the blow-dry that feels like you
A hairstyle you no longer have to think about.
By Manel, M BRUSH5 min read
N° 05
The occasions
The essentials
For a job interview, choose a hairstyle that feels like you, only more polished: a sleek blow-dry for a clean, structured effect, a soft one for a more natural look. Have it done the day before or that morning, keep your face clear, and you will not have to think about your hair during the interview.
During a job interview, nobody comments on your hair. Yet it matters, in a discreet way: well-groomed hair frees your mind, and it keeps you from the nervous gestures that give away stress. The right blow-dry is the one that feels like you, only sharper. For many roles, that means sleek.
A detail that sets you free
You do not win a job with a hairstyle. But it can weigh you down. A strand falling over your eyes, roots that swell in the rain, ends that frizz: all small distractions that push you to reach for your hair just as you are answering a question.
A blow-dry done the day before or that morning removes that worry. You know your hair will hold, you stop thinking about it, and your attention stays where it belongs: on the person in front of you and on what you have to say.
Sleek or soft, depending on the role
The finish depends less on the sector than on the image you want to give. A few pointers all the same.
Sleek, for a clean effect
A sleek blow-dry gives straight, clean, glossy hair. There is something structured about it that sits well with a blazer, a shirt or a suit.
It suits interviews in environments where understatement is expected: finance, law, administration, management. For an even cleaner result, a finish with straighteners can be ticked when you book.
Soft, for a natural effect
A soft blow-dry, with its gently rounded ends, is softer. It suits people-facing, creative or care roles, and those who do not see themselves in a very sleek finish. It has another advantage: it forgives more if the interview is late in the day.
If you are unsure, our comparison of sleek or soft blow-dry sets out the criteria for your hair type.
What really matters: your face
Whatever the finish, one rule comes first: your face must be clear. The person opposite you needs to see your eyes and your expressions.
- Long hair: keep it behind your shoulders, or brought over one side.
- Fringe or front strands: work them with the brush so they sweep away from your gaze.
- Parting: keep the one you usually wear. It is not the day to try a new one, which might not hold.
The best interview blow-dry is the one you stop thinking about once you are through the door.
The right moment
The day before or that morning
A blow-dry protected from humidity and friction holds for several days. So you can have it done the day before, which leaves you a calm morning to go over your notes.
If your interview is at the end of the day, a blow-dry that same morning is also a good option.
The journey
The journey is often the riskiest moment. In Lausanne, between the rain, autumn fog and the damp air near the lake, a hairstyle can swell in minutes.
Keep an umbrella, even under an uncertain sky, and avoid hoods. Our article on blow-dries and rain and humidity offers more advice.
The gestures that give away stress
Recruiters rarely notice a hairstyle, but they do notice gestures. Three habits to watch:
- Pushing a strand behind your ear with every answer. If your hair is well placed to begin with, you will not need to.
- Twirling an end around a finger. Keep your hands resting on the table or on your knees.
- Adjusting your hair in the reflection of a window in the waiting room. Do one last check before you enter the building, then forget about it.
What if the interview is by video?
More and more interviews begin with a video call. The camera has its own demands: it magnifies frizz, flattens volume and exaggerates shine.
Sleek is often your best ally there, because it gives a clean outline and even shine. All our advice is gathered in the article on blow-dries for a profile photo or a video call.
Booking before the appointment
Booking is done online: your length, with three reference points (the nape, the shoulders, the bottom of the ribs), then your finish and a free slot.
Nothing is paid online, and no deposit is required. If the interview is moved, you can reschedule by letting us know at least 24 hours in advance.
Come with clean hair, without oil, serum or styling product. The address is Avenue d'Yverdon 4, 1004 Lausanne. During the session, all you have to do is sit back: just enough time to go over your notes one last time.
Is your interview booked? Book your sleek blow-dry and walk into the room with a clear mind.
Frequently asked questions
- What hairstyle should you wear to a job interview?
- A polished hairstyle that clears your face and feels like you. Well blow-dried hair worn down, sleek or soft, suits most roles.
- Should you tie your hair up for an interview?
- It is not compulsory. What matters is that your face is clear and that you do not have to touch your hair; hair worn down and well placed looks just as professional.
- When should you have your blow-dry done before a job interview?
- The day before or that same morning. The day before leaves you a calm morning, provided you protect the style overnight with a loose bun and a silk pillowcase.
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