Picture this: You're scrambling to get out the door in the morning, maybe grabbing a quick protein bar instead of a proper breakfast, but should you ever consider showing up at work with wet hair? A prominent career advisor insists it's a massive no-no that could tank your professional credibility—and the debate has sparked fierce online backlash. It's time to dive into this eye-opening discussion that challenges how we think about grooming, workplace norms, and fairness in the office. But here's where it gets controversial: Is this advice rooted in genuine professionalism, or is it a sneaky form of bias that unfairly targets certain groups? Stick around, because this isn't just about hair—it's about the unspoken rules of success that might surprise you.
We've all experienced those hectic mornings when time slips away, forcing us to cut corners on our routines. Skipping a full meal is one thing, but what about the ritual of showering and prepping for the day? The most time-consuming part? Definitely drying your hair. Yet, career guru Grace McCarrick, a TikTok creator and LinkedIn expert (https://www.linkedin.com/in/gracemccarrick), dropped a bombshell: Forgoing this step isn't just inconvenient—it's a career killer. She boldly declared that heading to work with wet hair is an absolute mistake, no exceptions.
In a video that later vanished from the platform, McCarrick emphasized, 'In the real world, people won't be overly upset by critiques on wet hair being unprofessional because, deep down, they recognize it as a valid point.' Her stance didn't sit well with everyone, though. Author and TEDx speaker Selena Rezvani (https://www.selenarezvani.com/) responded with a stitched video, expressing strong disapproval and labeling McCarrick's views as prejudiced. 'Statements like this perpetuate the worst elements of corporate culture—shallow evaluations, arbitrary standards of professionalism, and a total lack of adaptability,' Rezvani argued. 'It's steeped in class and gender biases, overlooks diverse hair types, and let's not forget, it's seldom the guy rocking a hoodie and messy bedhead who gets called out for it.'
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Undeterred by the criticism, McCarrick defended her position vigorously. She dismissed detractors as 'intelligent folks playing dumb for attention' and clarified her intent. 'No one can tell if your curly or coily hair isn't fully dry. I'm not referring to that. I'm focusing on those with straight, fine hair who step out with it soaking wet.' To illustrate, she tugged at her own locks, saying, 'If I arrive with this hair dripping, leaving spots on my back or my crisp button-down, it creates an instant negative impression. That's precisely what I'm warning you about—nothing more profound than that.'
But this is the part most people miss: The issue divided experts, revealing a deeper divide in workplace etiquette. When Newsweek (https://www.newsweek.com/viral-debate-wet-hair-workplace-etiquette-1998401) covered a similar TikTok trend in 2024, it consulted two specialists. Etiquette expert Jo Hayes, founder of etiquetteexpert.org, echoed McCarrick: Wet hair signals neglect in personal care and appearance. 'It shows a disregard for grooming and how one presents themselves,' she explained. On the flip side, Dr. Heather Lamb, a strategist in workplace wellness and personal development, offered a nuanced view: 'The perception of wet hair as unprofessional depends heavily on your company's specific culture.'
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Indeed, this topic has two compelling perspectives, each worth considering. On one side, arriving with visibly damp hair, especially in a traditional, suit-and-tie office, might come across as sloppy or unprepared. It could subconsciously affect how colleagues and superiors view your commitment. Yet, fairness plays a crucial role here too. Consider the biological differences: Men often have shorter, finer hair that dries quickly, whereas women might deal with longer strands that take much longer. This creates an uneven playing field, potentially disadvantaging women in terms of time management.
Moreover, individuals from diverse backgrounds, particularly people of color, face added hurdles. Their hair is frequently thicker and curlier, requiring extra care. For instance, according to Laifen (https://www.laifentech.com/blogs/news/how-long-does-it-take-for-hair-to-dry), a company specializing in premium blow dryers, curly hair can take two to four hours to air dry naturally, and using a blow dryer demands caution to avoid damage. Thicker hair might dry in 30 minutes to an hour without heat or 15 to 30 minutes with one. Adding this to a busy morning means waking up earlier, which can disrupt sleep patterns and overall well-being. So, while some might label wet hair as unprofessional, it's unfair to assume everyone has the luxury of quick, effortless drying. Perhaps the real issue is empathy—next time you notice someone's damp locks at work, extend a bit of understanding instead of judgment.
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This debate isn't just about personal grooming; it touches on broader societal questions about inclusivity and bias in professional settings. Is enforcing such standards truly about productivity, or could it be a veiled way to uphold outdated stereotypes? What if the 'lack of professionalism' is actually a symptom of inaccessible norms that don't account for real-life differences? We'd love to hear your thoughts—do you agree with McCarrick that wet hair is a no-go, or do you side with those who see it as discriminatory? Share your opinions and any personal experiences in the comments below. Let's start a conversation about what professionalism really means in today's diverse workforce.
Mary-Faith Martinez is a writer with a bachelor’s degree in English and Journalism who covers news, psychology, lifestyle, and human interest topics.
