Best Job Interview Hairstyles for Women

This illustration shows best job interview hairstyles for women including "Pretty Ponytail," "Rock Trendy Braids," "Pin one side back," "Keep it Natural," and "Short and Stylish."
Catherine Song @ The Balance

What's the best way to style your hair for an interview? Whether you are interviewing in person or remotely, it's important to make a good impression.

How you style your hair for a job interview can be as important as the interview clothes you wear. After all, the interviewer is going to notice everything about your appearance, including your hair, makeup, and attire.

That first glance matters, and you'll only have a few seconds to make the best impression.

You don't need a professional stylist—what's most important is to be comfortable with the way you look and the image you present to the employer.

It's perfectly acceptable to be you, especially if you're not someone who spends a lot of time on their appearance. But do be sure not to look too disheveled or messy, even if your interview is just a quick video call from home.

Keep Your Hairstyle Professional and Polished

professional businesswoman head shot

Hero Images / Getty Images

There are lots of ways to style your hair for a job interview. You can opt for a more formal style, or choose a natural look. After all, interviewing is about you and how you're a fit for the company. There's no need to make yourself over into something you're not for a job interview.

While some options are trendy and others are more traditional, remember that your hairstyle should strike a balance between your wardrobe and your makeup. For example, if your makeup is a little edgy, opt for a more toned down hairstyle. Be mindful of your final look, which should be tasteful, professional, and polished. That way, the focus will be on you, and not how you styled your hair.

If you're trying out a new job interview hairstyle, do a trial run ahead of time so you're happy with how you look. Interviews are stressful enough without having to worry about a bad hair day.

Here's a selection of the best hairstyles for short, long, and medium length hair.

Pretty Ponytails

Ambitious businesswoman with digital tablet in conference room with chandelier
Hero Images / Getty Images

Is a ponytail formal enough for a job interview? It can be, if you choose a polished look. Opt for sleek styling, using an anti-frizz product or styling cream to tame flyaways.

For an elegant touch, pull a piece of hair from the bottom of your ponytail and wrap it around to conceal your hair tie, securing it with a bobby pin. 

Pin One Side Back

Hero Images / Getty Images

During your interview, you don't want to be worrying about pushing your hair out of your face. A style with one side pulled back can be a happy medium between wearing your hair down and styling it in a full updo.

This is an easy look to style: twist or bring one side back, and secure it behind your ear with a bobby pin. 

Try Loose Curls

Studio headshot of confident businesswoman looking at camera.
Tempura / Getty Images

If you want a polished look that doesn't seem too stuffy, style your hair with loose curls.

You'll look trendy and stylish during your interviews, and you won't have to put much effort into your appearance.

Side Bun It

Black woman smiling
JGI/Tom Grill / Getty Images

A side bun is a fun but tasteful way to add some spunk to your hairstyle.

Whether you wear the bun wavy, braided, or straight and sleek, place it at the nape of your neck. 

Go Sleek

Sleek hairstyle
People Images / Getty Images

The risk of keeping long hair down is that you'll touch or play with it during the interview. Or, if you wear lip gloss, it's easy for strands to stick to your lips. That's distracting!

For a good solution, try a sleek, straight look and keep strands of hair behind your shoulders.

Keep It Natural

Smiling businesswoman against white background
Morsa Images / Getty Images

With a natural look, like the one pictured here, your hair doesn't have to be straight or styled.

What matters most, after all, is that you feel confident and comfortable in the workplace. 

Keep It Short (and Stylish)

Co-workers talking together at office space
Klaus Vedfelt / Getty Images

Gone are the days when the workplace called for a prim and proper look. Experiment with shorter styles, like the one pictured—short on the side and a bit longer on the top.

A short haircut minimizes maintenance and speeds up your morning routine. It also lends a unique, edgy appeal to your look. 

Try Natural Waves

Morsa Images / Getty Images

If you have short hair and want to dress it up a bit, consider natural waves. It's a quick and simple way to enhance your appearance.

This will add some body and style, without looking too over-the-top or over-done. 

Rock Trendy Braids

Woman with braids using a laptop at an outdoor cafe
Rawpixel / Getty Images

Don't feel limited to a basic, straight-down-your-back braid. Try options like a fishtail, a side braid, a braid of braids, or a French braid. 

You can certainly have some fun; just remember to keep it more low-key than all-out. You're going to a professional meeting, not a wedding. 

Loosen Up

Ezra Bailey / Getty Images

Loose waves are a beautiful way to add life to medium or long hair.

Even just curling the ends and leaving the top straight can be a nice way to give your hair a more styled, polished appearance. 

Choppy Bob

Confident businesswoman smiling in office
Morsa Images / Getty Images

Want to add some life to your straight, short hair? Chop it up, with spunky layers and texture.

You'll look stylish and confident during your interviews.

Try a Pretty Pixie

Happy senior woman posing
Jacob Wackerhausen / Getty Images

The pixie cut is another great short cut that's a universal classic for women of all ages and professions.

It's simple and easy to maintain, and suitable for all types of interviews and workplaces. 

Keep It Low Key, High Class

Smiling businesswoman looking sideways
Westend61 / Getty Images

Need a simple but stylish hairstyle for your next job interview? Pull your hair back with a smoothing cream, and twist into a low bun.

This is a timeless look, perfect if you're going for a classy, classic vibe. 

Shake Up Your Ponytail

Sustainability Portrait
Richard Drury / Getty Images

Bored with the basic ponytail? Use your preferred method of curling to add medium-width curls to your hair, and then finish the look with a pretty side pony.

Leave a few tendrils loose for a more relaxed look, but be sure they won't distract you or hang in your face during the interview. 

Wear It High

Woman with high bun
People Images / Getty Images

The high bun gets your hair up and out of the way, without compromising style.

First, sweep your hair high on your head, leaving one piece free, and twist into a bun. Then, secure with a hair tie.

To conceal the elastic, wrap the free piece around it and pin the piece of hair underneath the bun with a bobby pin.

Placement is key. Find the top and center of your skull, then move a few inches down, so your bun sits halfway between the top of your hairline and your eyebrows. 

What to Wear

job interview man and woman
Cultura RM / T2 Image s/ Cultura/Getty Images

When you're choosing a hairstyle for your interview, also keep your interview attire and accessories in mind. Regardless of the type of workplace you're interviewing for, it's important to look pulled together and appropriately dressed.

Try out some outfits and hairstyles ahead of time to be sure you're making the best impression. You'll save time and stress and won't have to scramble to get ready at the last minute.