Pink Haired Professionalism

Recently, someone asked why I have pink hair and whether it might be considered unprofessional. It’s a fair question—one that highlights outdated notions of workplace professionalism.

For years, professionalism was defined by conformity—suits, neutral tones, and a polished, uniform appearance. But does conformity truly equate to professionalism? Today, competence, integrity, and impact matter far more than personal appearance.

As a consultant, I lead through expertise, adaptability, and results—not by adhering to outdated visual expectations. My hair colour has no bearing on my ability to deliver successful projects, foster collaboration, or drive business transformation. If anything, it enhances approachability and authentic leadership.

My consultancy operates as a Teal organisation, a concept from Frederic Laloux’s Reinventing Organizations. Teal organisations embrace:

1. Evolutionary Purpose – A shared, evolving purpose that allows for organic growth.
2. Wholeness – Employees and leaders bring their full selves to work.
3. Self-Management – Decision-making is decentralised, empowering individuals.

In a Teal environment, authenticity is valued over conformity. My pink hair symbolises that authenticity—an invitation for others to bring their full selves to work, knowing their identities are respected.

Workplace culture thrives on psychological safety—the ability to express oneself without fear of judgment. Research has shown this to be the most critical factor in high-performing teams. Employees who feel safe innovate and collaborate more effectively.

This ties into Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI). As a EDI trainer at Z-Twist, I advocate for workplaces where all identities are valued. Encouraging self-expression—through cultural identity, personal style, or neurodiversity—is essential for fostering inclusion. When leaders model individuality, they set the tone for a more equitable workplace.

By embracing individuality—whether through appearance, perspectives, or working styles—leaders create environments where employees feel safe to do the same. This inclusivity fosters engagement, improves retention, and strengthens teams.

If professionalism is about competence, reliability, and delivering value, then personal expression—whether through hair colour, style, or other individuality—should never be a barrier. Instead of asking whether pink hair is professional, better questions: Does this person deliver results? Are they an effective leader? Do they foster an inclusive and high-performing environment?

If you want to build a workplace where authenticity, psychological safety, and inclusion drive results, let’s connect. Through Z-Twist, I help organisations create environments where people thrive—not despite their individuality, but because of it. Get in touch, and let’s shape the future of work together.