Dear Laurie,
Did you see this article about the officer who was suspended because of his mustache? This doesn’t seem right. Could this happen in corporate America?
I am growing a killer beard right now and don’t want to shave it off when I return to work from my leave. This is a big blow to all of us sporting Grizzly Adams beards or rockin’ 80’s mustaches! What can we do to prevent consequences like this (aside from the obvious)?
- The Corporate Manscaper
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Dear Manscaper,
Companies are bossy and love dictating the terms & conditions of your appearance. It is easier than running a debt-free, totally accountable, efficient organization.
There are existing policies on the books of most organizations that speak to clothing, piercings, tattoos, and facial hair — especially when facial hair compromises the safety & quality of products. Most companies will offer religious and cultural exemptions related to the dress code policy just to keep the lawyers off their backs. Here is the HR secret of the day: no one cares about your facial hair unless it’s gross.
My thoughts? if your nose hair blends in with your mustache, you have serious issues beyond employment.
Love,
Laurie
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This is my facial hair HR policy: If you’re mustache is curling over your lip, it has officially become a CHUMPstache. Trim it or be prepared to wear it in a barrette.
Mustaches are gross and unnecessary. I will make sure everywhere I work has a policy on them.
Here’s my rule of facial hair:
Mustaches – You must groom your mustache. If not properly groom, bad things will happen.
Soulpatches – No
Goatees – Little hair, but not too much. People will think…
Beards – I don’t mind a lot of hair if it’s distingush. I don’t like heavy beards like Kevin Youkilis or Kimbo Slice. Slim to medium beard density is a good parameter. The only person who can have a heavy beard is Lanny McDonald. Who knew goatees can go red.
http://halloffamememorabilia.com/images/products/MM-08PHMCD500med.jpg
I think it’s funny how women are like no, no, no to mustaches and Tracy — who can grow a beard — has a thoughtful process about this.
I grew quite a beard at my last company and even though I kept it looking presentable my boss had words with me about it in private. He knew he couldn’t make me do anything about it, but claimed that his bosses didn’t like it. I didn’t care. I already knew I was leaving the company before that and loved doing what I wanted.
Now in defense of my bearded days let me say that my hair is very thick and I spend about 10 minutes shaving every day. If I don’t shave, I sleep longer. That 10 minutes amounts to over 43 hours of extra sleep per year.
@Steve Hmmmm… what’s scarier? Your beard or how you’ve done the math about shaving?
I don’t see a problem with moustaches as long as one doesn’t offer “rides” on it.