Debate is rife in the HELLO! office this week. The topic in question? Princess Kate's hair (yes, I know there are bigger issues in the world, but we do work for a magazine which heavily features the royals, so forgive us).
The Princess of Wales' always long hair looked longer than ever at a reception for Cancer Research at St James's Palace on Tuesday, cascading down her back, almost reaching her waist, causing HELLO! reader Carol to comment: "That hair is just so unprofessional."
Unprofessional? What is the future Queen supposed to be professional at? Her job is 'princess,' and they're famed for having long, swishy hair. If she were working in a restaurant or on a farm, maybe Princess Kate's hair could be deemed unprofessional – or impractical, perhaps – but at a sophisticated soiree, as part of her royal role? Absolutely not. But also – since when has hair impacted how capable we are in our professions?
© Getty ImagesSome of the team members (I shall name no names) didn't agree with the unprofessional comment, but they did say that perhaps the royal's hair is a bit *too* long and could do with a trim. Their qualms were with the conditions of Kate's hair, not necessarily the length.
But in that case, if it's about looking smart, why are we praising Prince William for his slightly scruffy beard? The narrative around William's beard is that it makes him look handsome and manly, whereas when Princess Kate misses a trim, we're shrieking that she's unprofessional. Misogyny strikes again. But also, maybe it's ageist…
© Getty ImagesIs it an age thing?
With Princess Kate now in her 40s, HELLO!'s Second Act Editor Isabel Mohan questioned whether a woman in her 20s or 40s would be deemed unprofessional for having long hair – good question.
Women are generally expected to snip their hair off as they reach midlife, a notion HELLO!'s Head of Beauty, Cassie Steer, rejects with her bra-length hair, noting: "After the age of 40, hair below the shoulders suddenly feels more subversive."
Perhaps Princess Kate's long hair is subversive, given that most other royal ladies (Duchess Sophie, Queen Camilla, Zara Tindall, to name but three) do all wear their hair shorter – but does that make them more professional?
Does hair make us professional?
The link between hair and looking professional is an interesting one. It's not just length. As someone with curly hair, if I ever want to feel polished (and professional) I always blow dry my hair straight.
Once I've smoothed out my hair, I feel like I'll be taken more seriously, and importantly, be more respected in my role in the beauty industry – so perhaps I do agree, and maybe Princess Kate's hair is unprofessional…
It's still up for debate – and we'd love to know what you think so take part in our poll and then leave a comment below.
