21 Job Interview Hairstyles That Make Great Impressions

The Golden Rules of Interview Hair

Before we dive into the styles, let’s establish a few universal principles. An interview is not the time for drastic experiments or overly trendy looks. The goal is to look put-together and allow your skills to take center stage.

Keep it Neat and Intentional: Your hairstyle should look deliberate, not like you just rolled out of bed. This means taming flyaways, using appropriate products, and ensuring your style holds throughout the day.

Consider the Company Culture: A creative startup might appreciate a more modern, expressive look, while a corporate law firm typically calls for classic, conservative styling. Do your research!

Practice Makes Perfect: Never try a complicated new style on interview morning. Test your chosen look a day or two before to work out any kinks and ensure you can achieve it smoothly under pressure.

Accessorize Minimally: Avoid loud, distracting hair accessories. Opt for simple, neutral-colored clips, pins, or headbands that blend with your hair color.

Classic & Timeless: The Always-Appropriate Looks

These styles are the bedrock of professional hair. They are universally flattering, communicate reliability, and work for almost every industry.

1. The Sleek Low Bun: The epitome of polished sophistication. A smooth, low bun at the nape of the neck keeps hair completely off the face and looks incredibly elegant. Use a boar bristle brush and a light-hold gel for a seamless finish.

2. The Professional Ponytail: Not your gym ponytail! This version is positioned at the crown or mid-back, sleek at the roots, and secured with a hair tie that matches your hair color. A small section of hair can be wrapped around the base to conceal the band.

3. Soft, Face-Framing Layers: For a more approachable yet professional look, wear your hair down but styled. Blow-dry with a round brush to add body and shape, and use a curling iron to create soft, face-framing layers that add movement without being messy.

4. The French Twist: A vintage-inspired classic that exudes grace and competence. It’s a beautiful alternative to a bun and works wonderfully for medium to long hair. Secure with U-pins for a lasting hold.

Modern & Polished: Contemporary Confidence

These styles show you’re current and detail-oriented, perfect for industries like tech, marketing, or design where a modern sensibility is valued.

5. The Textured Bob: If you have a chin-length or shoulder-length bob, add subtle texture with a flat iron or texturizing spray. This creates a lived-in, modern look that’s far from severe.

6. The Half-Up, Half-Down Knot: A stylish compromise. Pull back just the top section of your hair into a small, neat knot or twist at the crown. This keeps hair out of your face while showing off your length and texture.

7. Slicked-Back Style: Using a strong-hold gel or pomade, slick hair back away from the forehead into a low ponytail or bun. This bold look projects confidence and clear-mindedness.

8. The Polished Waves: Create uniform, shiny waves with a large-barrel curling iron. Brush them out gently for a glamorous yet professional look that says you mean business.

For Curly & Coily Hair: Celebrate Your Texture

Your natural texture is a powerful asset. The key is to style it in a way that looks defined and maintained, showcasing your unique beauty with professionalism.

9. The Defined Wash-and-Go: For a successful interview wash-and-go, ensure your curls are well-defined with the right products. Shape your hair while wet and allow it to dry completely for a full, healthy halo of defined curls.

10. The Stretched Twist-Out or Braid-Out: This style offers length and a beautiful, uniform wave pattern. It reduces shrinkage and presents a sleek, elongated look that is both professional and protective.

11. Curly Pineapple with a Scarf: Gently pull curls up into a high, loose ponytail on top of your head (a “pineapple”) to preserve volume. A sleek, silk scarf tied as a headband adds a pop of color and tames the front.

12. Flat Twists or Cornrows to the Back: Intricate, neat flat twists or cornrows that lead into a low bun or ponytail are an excellent protective style that looks incredibly sharp and intentional.

For Short Hair: Bold and Beautiful

Short hair can make a stunningly powerful statement. The focus is on clean lines, healthy hair, and polished details.

13. The Tousled Pixie: Add a bit of texture paste or wax to your fingertips and work through your pixie cut for a piecey, textured look that’s modern and full of personality.

14. The Sleek Side-Part: A classic side-part, achieved with a fine-tooth comb and a bit of pomade, looks crisp and commanding. It works perfectly with blunt bobs or shorter crops.

15. Accessorized Crop: Use a simple, elegant barrette or two to pin back one side of your short hair. This small detail shows thoughtfulness and style.

16. The Voluminous Blowout: Even short hair can benefit from a blowout. Use a round brush to create volume at the roots and shape the ends for a full, bouncy look.

Quick, No-Fuss Styles for Last-Minute Prep

Running late or not a hair pro? These styles are your saviors, delivering a polished look in minutes.

17. The Low Twisted Bun: Simply twist your ponytail and wrap it around its base, securing with pins. It’s faster than a traditional bun but just as elegant.

18. The Headband Hero: A wide, fabric headband in a neutral color can instantly tame flyaways, push hair off your face, and pull a look together with zero styling required.

19. The Claw Clip Elegance: Choose a large, sophisticated claw clip (think tortoiseshell or matte black). Twist your hair loosely and clip it at the nape of your neck for an effortless chic look.

20. Simple Braided Crown: A single braid along your hairline, from one temple to the other, pinned at the ends, keeps hair secure and adds a touch of detail without complexity.

The One Style to Avoid

21. The “Just Woke Up” Look: This is the only “style” on our list to actively avoid. Completely unstyled, frizzy, or obscuring-your-face hair can mistakenly signal a lack of effort or preparedness. Even if you’re going for a natural look, ensure it’s a styled natural look.

Final Touches for a Flawless Finish

Your chosen hairstyle is the foundation. These final steps ensure it stays impeccable from the waiting room to the final handshake.

Tame Flyaways: Use a clean toothbrush spritzed with hairspray or a small amount of hair wax to gently smooth down any baby hairs or flyaways around your hairline and part.

Check Your Part: Is it straight and clean? A lopsided part can throw off your entire look. Use the end of a rattail comb for precision.

Carry a Mini Kit: Toss a few extra bobby pins, a travel hairspray, and your matching hair tie into your bag for any last-minute adjustments.

The Confidence Factor: Most importantly, choose a style that makes you feel confident and authentic. When you feel good about how you look, it translates into better eye contact, a stronger posture, and more compelling answers.

Your job interview hairstyle is a key component of your non-verbal communication. It’s the frame for your face, the finishing touch to your outfit, and a subtle indicator of your professionalism. By choosing one of these 21 impression-making styles, you’re not just styling your hair—you’re strategically setting the stage for success. Now, take a deep breath, give your perfect ‘do one last check in the mirror, and go ace that interview.