Can an Employer Make You Cut Your Hair?

An employer may have the right to demand an employee to cut his or her hair.

As an employee, you must adhere to employee policy and protocol. A company's guide for employee uniformity and business appeal usually includes some form of dress code, giving the employer the right to dictate the length of one's hair and nails (among other things). According to Employee Issues, employers typically have the right to define and execute office/business dress code policy as an employment contingency.

Employer's Call

It is standard for the employer to set the guidelines for the corporation, by which the employee must adhere. A dress code falls under the umbrella of such guidelines. Each employer knows what will best represent the company, and therefore determines the appropriate appearance suitable for its staff. Workers who handle food, tend to elite customers, speak in public and act as major representatives of the corporation can be expected to maintain a particular hair length and overall appearance.

State by State

Although the employer determines what qualifies as "long hair," the laws vary nationwide as to whether or not long hair is gender exclusive to women. If you are a male, and your employer requires you to cut your hair, you may want to research your state laws, in addition to the bylaws of your company.

Bottome Line

Because you are an employee and not the employer, you will most likely have to cut your hair, especially if doing so will adhere to an already established dress code policy. However, the employer must also adhere to particular guidelines in executing such policy. According to Employee Issues, "As with all policies that govern employees, an employer must apply a dress code policy and related discipline equally to all employees in the same group. Otherwise, the employer faces the threat of discrimination."

References

• Employee Issues: Dress Code Policy