Interview hair: 10 confidence-boosting styles to help you smash your next job interview

So you’ve secured an interview for your dream role. You’ve prepped for those difficult questions and you’ve got your outfit all laid out ready to go. But wait, what about your interview hair?

You only get one shot at a first impression, so why risk tainting that with a sloppy hairdo? What you really need is a list of ways you can wear your hair for an interview

10 interview hair ideas that are sure to get you hired

Show them you mean business! Credit: Verity Jane Smith

1. Top knot

A lot of us tend to use our hair as a comfort blanket, hiding behind it in uncomfortable situations.

So by wearing all of your hair up off of your face in a top knot

Keep long hair looking neat with braids. Credit: Verity Jane Smith

2. Side fishtail braid

Braids are always a people pleaser as they look so intricate. And the best part about them is that once they’re in, they stay put.

So, whatever freak weather occurs on your way in, with something like this side fishtail braid you can be sure you’ll turn up looking put together.

Editor’s tip: Freshly washed hair can sometimes be too slippery to be able to braid, but don’t worry, you can still wash it. Just spray some of the VO5 Texturising Sea Salt Spray

Prefer to wear your hair down? Go for it! Credit: Verity Jane Smith

3. Straight and sleek

It doesn’t matter how many intricate hairstyles we see, there’s something about simple, sleek, straightened hair that just looks amazing. Even if you’ve got naturally straight hair, running a straightener through it will help to give it a shiny, professional finish – so it’s worth the extra 5 minutes effort.

New to using straighteners? Check out our guide on how to straighten hair for a salon sleek finish at home

Editor’s tip: It’s important to do what you can to protect your hair from heat damage, so using a heat defence spray is a must.

The TRESemmé Keratin Smooth Heat Protection Shine Spray

Interview hair doesn’t get prettier than this. Credit: Verity Jane Smith

4. Braided half-up half-down

If you’re after a look that isn’t too difficult to do but will still give off the impression that you’ve made an effort, you can’t get better than a half-up, half-down ‘do.

Simply braid 2 sections of hair around your hairline and tie them back so that they join for a crown

Keep it classy with mirror shine curls. Credit: Verity Jane Smith

5. Polished curls

Applying for a role where appearances are important, such as front of house or on a beauty counter? Whether it’s interview hairstyles for long hair you’re after, or even if you’ve only got mid-length locks, we have the perfect style…

These glamorous Hollywood curls are a fantastic way to wear your hair for interview situations, as they’re sure to wow and set you apart.

Editor’s tip: Try running a few drops of the TONI&GUY High Shine Serum Drops through your curls once you’re finished styling. It’ll give your curls that extra something something, defining them by smoothing down any frizz.

Adding twisted details can really spruce up basic styles, like this low bun. Credit: Dvora

6. Elegant low twist

Perfect for those with shorter or in-between-length locks who don’t want to have to worry about any strayed strands obscuring their faces during an interview, this elegant updo

Make the best first impression possible with a polished updo. Credit: Verity Jane Smith

7. Donut bun

If you have very thick or unruly strands, a neat – and easy – donut bun is the ideal updo, regardless of the position you’re applying for. While it’s perfect for keeping those crazy curls and frizz under control, this elegant hair-up option can work wonders for pretty much all hair types, too.

Elegant updos: French braid tuck.

8. French braid tuck

Boasting a brilliant combination of effortless and chic, the French braid tuck basically involves creating a classic French plait and then tucking the “tail” under for an invisible bun effect. Plus, it’s not just restricted to those with long hair.

Tie all of your hair back into a ponytail and it won’t get in your way.

9. Sleek high ponytail

Long, straight hair? The super sleek high ponytail is by far one of the most elegant interview hairstyles for long hair out there.

To make it boardroom-appropriate, try and avoid placing it too high up on the crown (as often seen on the runways & stars like Ariana), and instead go for a more sophisticated placement a little further back to achieve a more contemporary look.

See our step-by-step guide to creating the perfectly sleek high ponytail

Put your best face forward and show your confident side.

10. Top knot (for natural hair or box braids)

Looking for a way to keep your naturally curly, kinky or coily hair pulled back? Then the classy, contemporary half-up top knot is exactly how you should style your hair for interview situations.

Super easy to create and ideal for those who want to keep the look neat, this is the perfect go-to, interview-ready hairdo that can also work on various lengths.

Editor’s tip: Before creating your hairstyle, use the TIGI S-Factor Papaya Leave-In Moisture Spray to help condition and keep your natural hair hydrated while in this protective hairstyle.

So, you’ve landed your dream job (thanks to our interview hair tips, obvs), but now you’re looking for more office-appropriate, formal hairstyles to wear to work? Here are some brilliant styling ideas that’ll take you straight from desk to after-hours drinks.

Take a look at more desk to dancefloor hair ideas