AITA for showing up to a job interview with purple hair that I’ve had since I was 20?
In a sterile interview room, a 34-year-old woman’s purple hair sparks a clash. After a career of rocking her vibrant locks, she faces a scornful interviewer who calls her style “clownish,” rejects her, and later sends a biting email barring future applications. Her sharp retort about her 15-year career draws a haughty sneer, leaving her stunned.
Picture the scene: a bold look met with rigid judgment. This Reddit AITA post dives into self-expression and workplace norms, leaving readers to weigh in: was she wrong for her purple hair, or did the company’s unprofessionalism cross the line?
‘AITA for showing up to a job interview with purple hair that I’ve had since I was 20?’
Navigating workplace norms around self-expression can be a minefield, especially with visible traits like hair color. The 34-year-old, with purple hair since 20, faced overt disdain during an interview, followed by a rude rejection and a combative email. Her choice reflects a deliberate stance—seeking workplaces that embrace her as-is—yet the interviewer’s aggression highlights a clash: personal freedom versus rigid professionalism.
This reflects broader debates on workplace diversity in appearance. While some industries, like law, as one commenter noted, accept bold styles, others cling to conservative norms, often alienating talent. Dr. Derald Wing Sue, a workplace diversity expert, notes, “Bias against unconventional appearances can signal a lack of inclusivity, driving away skilled workers.” The interviewer’s hostility, rather than a neutral rejection, was unprofessional, likely reflecting personal bias over company policy.
The woman might consider targeting industries known for flexibility, like tech or creative fields, while leaving a Glassdoor review to warn others. Companies should train interviewers on professionalism to avoid such fallout.
Heres what people had to say to OP:
Reddit’s serving up fiery takes, from calls for Glassdoor reviews to playful jabs at the interviewer’s rigidity. Here’s what users think about this purple hair predicament:
![[Reddit User] - NTA. Please write a review on Glassdoor to warn future applicants, they deserve to know what they’re getting themselves into.](https://en.aubtu.biz/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/238190c-01.png)
![[Reddit User] - NTA. She was unnecessarily aggressive. If your hair is important to you, you take the risk of others deciding not to hire you because of it, and that’s your choice. But her demeanor was unnecessarily aggressive and rude.](https://en.aubtu.biz/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/238190c-02.png)
![[Reddit User] - NTA, you'd never be happy in that job since you would die your hair sooner or later and they'd probably fire you for it. I think you dodged a bullet there and showing up with 'clownish' hair seems to be a good way to weed these places out.. You be you and f**k the people that can't deal with that.](https://en.aubtu.biz/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/238190c-06.png)
![[Reddit User] - Fake... Super duper fake.](https://en.aubtu.biz/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/238190c-12.png)
These opinions spark debate, but do they capture the full tension of self-expression versus professionalism?
This purple hair saga exposes the friction between individuality and workplace norms. Was she wrong to sport her vibrant locks, or was the company’s harsh reaction out of line? Would you dye your hair for a job, or stand firm on your style? Share your thoughts below!
