DEAR HARRIETTE: I am a college student, and I am currently interning at a very cool advertising company. My boss called me into her office, and she told me that I should straighten my hair because it is a distraction around the workplace. I walked out of her office disappointed because I want to be critiqued about my work, not my appearance. Going forward, how can I appease my bosses? I really like my internship. -- Big Hair, Don't Care, Raleigh, North Carolina
DEAR BIG HAIR, DON'T CARE: Appearance should not make a difference in the workplace, but it always does. Every company has a corporate culture that dictates the look, style and feel of that company. Without seeing you, I cannot comment on your hair. I can tell you a story: My first job was working for a member of Congress. While in college, I had been doubling as a model, so I didn't want to dress conservatively at my new job. I did wear the requisite suits, but I would also wear long, dangly earrings that were obviously not traditional attire for this conservative office. The office manager, who was a compassionate woman, came over to me one day and complimented me on the earrings, saying how pretty they were, and then adding, "for the club." That was her creative way of letting me know they weren't appropriate in that environment.
It could be that your hairstyle is a distraction. Rather than being angry, get creative. Figure out ways to keep your texture while making your look more professional. Also, build a relationship with your boss so that you can turn the discussion toward work.