A spirited debate about whether going to work with wet hair is unprofessional has sparked division online after a TikTok user shared their perspective.
Mel Manski’s (@mel.manski) viral video, which has amassed over 581,700 views and 50,000 likes, questioned the societal judgment around wet hair in professional settings.
“I recently saw a poll asking people if they thought it was unprofessional to show up to work with wet hair, and I just want to say if you can’t handle seeing someone in public with wet hair, you’re weird and you need to get a life,” Manski said in the clip.
Conversation around the subject ignited, drawing input from both experts and the public.
Expert Opinions: Appearance or Performance?
Jo Hayes, the founder of etiquetteexpert.org, argued that wet hair in the workplace signaled a lack of preparation and professionalism.
“Firstly, it looks unkempt, untidy, and disorderly. It demonstrates a lack of care and attention to one’s personal grooming and presentation,” Hayes told Newsweek. “Like all things that pertain to personal grooming, taking care of one’s appearance demonstrates respect for oneself and others.”
Hayes emphasized that wet hair often gave the impression of rushing or unpreparedness, which might reflect poorly on a person’s professionalism.
She also highlighted how different roles could affect this perception, noting: “A local barista making your morning coffee with wet hair is unprofessional. But not nearly as unprofessional as a lawyer showing up to court with wet hair.”
In contrast, Dr. Heather Lamb, a workplace well-being and personal growth strategist, believes the acceptability of wet hair hinges on workplace culture.
“Whether wet hair is unprofessional or not is highly contingent on the culture within your company,” Lamb told Newsweek.
She pointed out that modern workplaces, especially creative and flexible ones, prioritize performance over rigid appearance guidelines.
Lamb added: “We are in an entirely different work world today than before, especially with the emergence of work from home and hybrid work, which has changed the notion of ‘professionalism.’ It’s more about cultivating a culture where employees feel supported and free to bring themselves to work.”
She also emphasized that organizations focusing on inclusivity and well-being were shifting away from appearance-based judgments, viewing policies around personal expression as outdated and unproductive.
Social Media Reacts
The internet remains divided about whether or not wet hair looks unprofessional, with opinions ranging from staunch disapproval to full support.
“Because it sends the message you overslept or otherwise ran out of time to get to your engagement on time,” one TikTok user commented under Manski’s video.
Courtney wrote: “Idk, I think I’d put ‘wet hair’ in the same category as I would ‘wearing pajamas’ to the office.”
On the other side, Matty joked: “My curly hair takes 5—7 business months to dry,” while Victoria highlighted practical considerations, writing: “My office has a gym and showers in the locker room. We also encourage people to walk and bike to work = showering at work and going to your cube with wet hair. I think it’s not just professional; it’s also eco-friendly.”
Lex summed up a growing sentiment among employees who prioritize efficiency over appearance, writing: “Until I get paid for the time it takes me to get ready, I will not be blow drying my hair.”
Newsweek reached out to @mel.manski for comment via TikTok. We could not verify the details of the case.
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