Are hair salons allowed to mandate a dress code?

[Anonymous]

I’m a hair stylist and applied for this job at a very posh salon. I would love to work there but the policy is all black, head to toe. Women must wear long sleeve black sweaters and leather pants (vegan leather exception for vegans) and men have to wear black fitted t-shirt and black slacks. Shoes/boots must be black.

is this allowed?

[HollyK21]

Yes, that is part of being a business owner, they can set their own rules for their employees, and your only options are to comply or find someplace with no dress code. Uniform is pretty standard for most business if we’re being realistic, especially salons/spas.

[Asker]

Seriously? If that’s true and this is a normal policy for salons then I’ll just accept it. So this dress code is normal? Even though guys can just wear fitted t-shirts and black slacks?

[HollyK21]

Unfortunately (and fortunately for some) this is normal policy. As a hairstylist I’m surprised you weren’t made aware of this in school, even when I went to beauty school we all had black uniforms, and white for esthetician’s. An upscale salon would call the outfit you posted modern, clean, and chic. Guys dress code tends to be a bit different but again, this is up to the salon owner and what style they want in their establishment. You could always keep looking for somewhere less strict, or bide your time, save up and rent your own booth.

[SnakeBoop]

of course. its THEIR establishment

[Asker]

Yeah but telling us what we can wear? Also don’t you think the women’s outfit is a bit much, especially for summer?

[SnakeBoop]

yes. owning the business means they can set whatever rules they want. you do not have to work there

[SnakeBoop]

its not a hard concept.

[Asker]

I under the concept it’s just strange they can make us wear this, even in summer! Guys just need a fitted t-shirt and black slacks…

[SnakeBoop]

girl. stop posting it. we do not care. you had your answer.
i don't think the owners should hire you. fuck me.

[SamIam96]

It is allowed. Lot's of businesses have required uniforms. In this case, it's part of how they create the "posh" perception. Do they give you a uniform allowance or other perk to ease the expense?

[Asker]

Someone else made that suggestion and it’s great! I’ll ask if they will fund it. And yea it is entirely to create a posh atmosphere. My complaint is that it will be hot in summer (the guy’s dress code will be cold in winter!)

[AviatorTom]

Any business can mandate a dress code for its employees. It presents a common and professional look to its customers. If you don't like it, work somewhere else.

[Miristheiss]

Just go apply somewhere else if you couldn't follow these requirements.

[Guy13]

It is there Business. They can do whatever they want and uniform is a common standard. Even schools….

[Static_In_The_Attic]

It’s all about SALES & if you mandate a dress code I guarantee sales will go DOWN.

[Asker]

For the employees?

[Static_In_The_Attic]

Oopsie Doodle, read the question wrong & yes your employer can mandate a dress code however the leather pants seem unreasonable & maybe your coworkers can get them to change it & also pay for your uniform.

[Asker]

That’s genius!! Getting them to pay for it can be part of my negotiations!! Thank you!!

[HollyK21]

Not to impose on your response but this solution just isn’t practical. I can’t think of anyone who can walk into an interview asking the salon owner to change their uniforms and trying to rally the other employees. Maybe if she were a high in demand stylist bringing along a stack of clients or knew the owner personally but just walking in off the street? Not likely.

[Static_In_The_Attic]

If by chance your employer doesn’t want to pay for your uniform save all your receipts & claim it on your taxes as a job related out of pocket expense.

[HollyK21]

It’s not a uniform in the way one is when you go to a restaurant or Home Depot. This is “required clothing”. She’s required to wear the color black and that’s it. She won’t get reimbursed for street clothes. This is simply a case of if she won’t wear the colors then she should work elsewhere. This is a temper tantrum at someone else’s business at this point.

[Static_In_The_Attic]

Ask the owner if you could wear black slacks like the guys.

[HollyK21]

It’s not just the pants it’s the long sleeve shirt as well. Black head to toe as she stated. YES The outfit is hot for the summer but it’s REQUIRED. Other salons have other outfit choices this job is not an obligation Static.

[HollyK21]

Given your suggestions you clearly aren’t familiar with Salon and Spa etiquette. This is a pretty flexible uniform, she can wear what she wants but it has to be head to toe black with vegan leather pants. Personally I would not apply for that but if I did I’d have to respect the owners policy.

[Static_In_The_Attic]

If you aren’t crazy about leather you can always come up with a leather allergy.

What are the symptoms of a leather allergy? If you're allergic and come into contact with leather, the skin gets red and tender. Commonly known as a rash, you might know it as its medical name – contact dermatitis. Other symptoms of contact dermatitis include itchy, burning, peeling, or dry skin.

[Static_In_The_Attic]

Thanks for the 😐 @HollyK21

[HollyK21]

@Static_In_The_Attic all good, I understand you’re trying to be optimistic but at the end of the day this is a upscale, popular job she’s choosing to apply for, and somebody’s business. If they have a general uniform then she should respect the owner and just wear it or work elsewhere, not be difficult. That’s all I’m saying here. Also, it is extremely rare to be allergic to vegan/faux leather, but claiming this would also look bad for her. If this is a popular upscale salon then I am sure there are others applying. If she walks into there being more hassle that she’s worth (complaining about the uniform, being allergic to said uniform), then someone else will gladly wear it. Her only fighting chance with this argument is if she is a high profile stylist herself — someone very valuable and will bring in lots of clients and revenue. Assuming she’s a general stylist, going into this upscale salon telling the owner she doesn’t want to wear the uniform, how does that look? Let’s not push her to set herself up for failure.

[Static_In_The_Attic]

@HollyK21 Are you single?

[HollyK21]

No sir

[Static_In_The_Attic]

@HollyK21 wunderbar

[Asker]

@HollyK21 I called and asked the receptionist if there was flexibility and they said any leather or vegan alternative pant, black, and any long sleeve black top, from a turtleneck to a scoop neck are all allowed. The key there is black head to toe. So it’s not a uniform per se but a dress code. My complaint is that it sounds too hot (not now but in summer), and if that is allowed.

[HollyK21]

@asker maybe you should check around and look at your clothing options. I agree, the black head to toe in the summer may get hot, but I’d hope the owner is conscious of this and has ample a/c, because it has to be tolerable for workers to still be there in the summer don’t you think? Anyway, look for breathable fabrics online. Summertime can be a lightweight scoop neck and look into what a “vegan alternate pant” is. If that gives you options outside of the leather pants then already that’s way better.

[KrakenAttackin]

Of course they are allowed to mandate a dress code.