Ask the Image Expert Sherry Maysonave is the founder and president of Empowerment Enterprises, one of America's leading communication-image firms. Sherry conducts corporate seminars and coaches executives, professionals, and politicians in achieving excellence in communication and image. She is also the author of Casual Power: How to Power Up your Nonverbal Communication and Dress Down for Success Professional Hairstyles Question: Is there any particular type of hairstyle that projects a professional appearance? I currently have very long hair, but have been considering getting a shorter style. Elizabeth Answer: Dear ELizabeth, Hair is a critical element of our image. The lion's mane is his greatest pride, so lion lovers' say. And as humans, our egos are caught up in our hair more than any other image aspect. Is there one particular type of hairstyle that projects professionalism more than any other does? No, there is not just one. On the whole, short-to-medium length hairstyles are considered the most professional. Shoulder length dos are also professional, if you have thick hair in good condition. The best hairstyle for anyone depends upon their face shape and their hair type, as in fine, coarse, curly, straight, etc. I applaud you for even considering cutting your "very long" hair as it could be detracting from your overall professionalism. In most industries, long hairstyles that hang to your mid-back area or longer are sabotaging to your career. Why? For starters, it indicates that you do not get regular cuts; that places you at risk of implying that perhaps you do not have the money to do so. Remember most people like to be associated with winners and successful people. Real success leaves clues in your physical visual and stylish well-groomed hair is a strong indicator of your socioeconomic success. Another problem with wearing your hair extremely long is that it keeps you in the past, possibly even little girlish. Women who do not cut their hair are attempting to hold on to some time from the past that was pleasant to them. To get ahead in your career, you want to convey that you are currently informed about the now and living fully in the present tense. This does not mean that a cutting edge, overly trendy hairstyle is the answer. I don't want to sound as if I am against long hair. I am not. A woman can certainly wear her hair shoulder length or even several inches below and still command respect. Again, that depends upon her particular hair. Is her hair "pretty" long or does it tend to frizz out on the ends and get scraggily? Stock splits are financially rewarding; split ends are not. Many women have healthy, shiny, stylish longish hair and they ooze with professionalism. Successful women who want to keep their hair extremely long (and it is a personal decision) usually wear it up or pulled back. If you go this route, avoid wearing the huge banana clips and beware of the bow-head syndrome. If you opt for the updo, keep it tailored. Lots of stray hairs falling around the neck and face communicate that you prefer the bedroom look to the boardroom look. The former works best for social occasions or if you are a Victoria's Secret model. Since you are considering a cut, see a recommended hair stylist in your area. Schedule time with her/him for a consultation and check out their ideas for you. If you have had extremely long hair for many years, take it a step at a time. Commit to cutting three-to-four inches initially and then go from there. Give yourself some adjustment time, until you reach a near-shoulder-length style. At that point, you can tell a lot more about your face shape and ideal hairstyle. A talented stylist should be willing to work with you in this way. Then again, you may be one of those go for it instantly types. Let me know your decision and what kind of response you get when and if you make a change. Best of luck to you, Sherry Maysonave Also see: How much makeup should I wear at work? Ask your image questions Personal Power: A case study from 'Casual Power'