Why do female attorneys wear long hair?

1. 91

   MarleneBposted 11 years ago

   Why do female attorneys wear long hair?
   
   Every female attorney I have met wears her hair long. When I was a juror on a misdemeanor case a few years ago, I noticed that all of the female attorneys had long hair. Now, as I watch the television show, "Suits", I notice that all of the female attorneys wear their hair very long. Is there some kind of statement of power or something about women and long hair in the legal industry? It's almost like, if you are a female attorney you are received better if you have long hair. Does anyone else notice this? What are your thoughts.

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2. 75

   Skarletposted 11 years ago

   I haven't actually paid attention, but I when I think of it, they women I know who went to law school have long hair too. I would guess that they want to stay in touch with their feminine side. There is nothing glamorous about being a lawyer, and traditionally we think of a man in a suit, so perhaps, these women do not want to look like female versions of the stereotypical lawyer.

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      MarleneBposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      One of my clients is an attorney and when we met for the first time, the first thing she said to me was, "Hi, I like your hair..." Then, she introduced herself. I use to wear my hair really long because it was easier to manage. She had long hair too.

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   Vega Vallariposted 11 years ago

   Although I wouldn't say long hair is true of every female attorney, I do see trends. I went to lawschool for one year and I don't recall any short-haired women in my class. It's just my opinion, but we must remember that representation is also judged during a trial.  To men and women alike, a woman in a powersuit and short hair can come off as ball-busting and domineering, a trait cherished in men alot of times, but not women.To many who are watching, long hair allows you to look feminine while still being strong. I  think a woman has more freedom to be more aggressive in the courtroom with long hair. I don't agree with it, however. With television, I think it's merely aesthetics..lol

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      MarleneBposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      I think you have a very good point here. If they are on top of their game, their sweet and gentle looks can take us by surprise. Good strategy.

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   Lizam1posted 11 years ago

   I work oftentimes with lawyers and have met both the long and short haired variety.  I care not the length of their locks - just that they are good at their jobs.  BTW there is a male lawyer here in Victoria who has a ponytail:-)

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      MarleneBposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      A ponytail? That's so cool! I agree with you that it shouldn't be about the hair, but the talent. Yet, we certainly do notice the hair.

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   Vickiwposted 11 years ago

   I have only seen them on TV, and some have long hair, others not. I don't know the answer, but what I do notice is that these days a lot of women look surprisingly similar, with long hair, flawless skin, no wrinkles. (botox?).They look the same, so why should the lady lawyers not share in the "glamour"and look like cookie cutters too?

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      MarleneBposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      I live here in sunny California. Botox, straight hair, and bangs. That's the look. Yeah, why shouldn't female attorneys get in on the act?

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6. 61

   duffsmomposted 11 years ago

   No, I haven't noticed that.  We have several female attorneys in our town and they all have short haircuts.  Suits, however, being populated by actresses rather than lawyers would likely have long hair as it seems a lot of actresses wear their hair long and luxurious....I miss long and luxurious--aging sucks!

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      MarleneBposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Hi duffsmom. Thank you for sharing your findings. It may just be the area I live, but I have never seen a female attorney with short hair. But, now that I know they exist, I'm on the lookout for one. Thanks.

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7. 62

   Veronica78posted 11 years ago

   I've seen many female lawyers with shorter hair.

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      MarleneBposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Hi Veronica78, I think I need to get out more. I have never seen a female lawyer with short hair. Now, I'm on the search for such a "creature". Thank you for sharing your views. At least now I know female lawyers with short hair do exist.

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8. 61

   Lisa HWposted 11 years ago

   I've seen some with shorter or middle-length hair.  If it's true that many have long hair, though, I'd just assume (and, of course, I could be wrong) they're people who think they look their best/prettiest with long hair.  I'd assume that since they're mostly likely strong people (in general) they may decide they shouldn't have to give up what may look pretty/feminine on them "just because they're professional women".  A big message sent to women of my generation  (I turned adult in the early 70's) (and by the Women's Movement) was that women had to essentially get rid of make-up and aiming to look their prettiest, and should, instead, aim to look and sound "like fake men".    Women were told that if they aimed to look their prettiest they were (paraphrasing here) oppressed by men and "only wanting to look pretty in order to attract men".
   
   The idea that women just wanted to (at least sort) like what they saw in the mirror seemed to escape a lot of people.   Since then, that particular attitude isn't quite what it used to be (although a lot of people still worry if they buy their little girls pink or lilac clothes they'll be "encouraging them to be (my words here) fluffy headed and weak, rather than strong.
   
   A lot of people these days just figure that trying to be "a fake man" or aiming to "eradicate all things feminine" is essentially misogyny.   A lot of people want "the world" to figure out that women can be smart, strong AND care about looking their most attractive.  Since I'm not a lawyer, I can't speak as one; but I can't help but guess that it's more likely something like this (that I mentioned) behind the fact that a lot of women lawyers have long hair.  (A whole lot of people don't look at all good in very short hair.  Mid-length hair can't conveniently be put up in a ponytail or bun and may actually require more attention than longer hair.  )  Again, though, just guessing......

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      MarleneBposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Hi Lisa HW, thank you for sharing your take on this. I like your comment about women trying to be "a fake man". I enjoy having my hair long (so does my husband). Long hair is easier to create both strong (manlike) and feminine looks.

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9. 68

   skgraoposted 11 years ago

   Simple answer when you have neck and  your upper wear covered fully the judge cannot see your legs as his table is just below his neck if your hair is long then he will know you are a lady and give you a margin that you may speak truth as all other lady's.

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      MarleneBposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Hmmmmm! skgrao, I never thought of it from the judge's point of view. Glad you weighed in on this because it adds a whole other angle. Thank you.

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    Express10posted 11 years ago

    This may have something to do with wanting to maintain a feminine look and it may also have something to do with bluffing. People love to put labels on others and for some all it takes is a feminine looking woman to come into court for the opposing side to get their hopes of winning up. Either way, ladies should continue doing as they please.

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11. 82

    Tonipetposted 11 years ago

    Hello Marlene. To me, it's because long hair is easy to ponytail or brush up which when neatly done leaves a very respectable image, especially in the courtroom. We all believe that lady attorneys have to speak and act in a more assertive way, not to compete with their male counterparts but as part of a very tough profession. Short or long length of hair may not matter, but in general, long hair is always feminine and maintaining long hair is a womanly nature that proves they're every inch a woman inside and out.

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       skgraoposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       There is a superstion in India that hair has to be kept long and tied as it will keep your money longer and tied with out wasting.In India lady's keep long hair and tie them.Plait it cris cross.

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       Tonipetposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       Hi skgrao. Thanks for the comment. I'm not really familiar with the superstition, but I agree on know how ladies in India wear their hair braided or tied up, makes Indian women so maidenly.

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    lupineposted 11 years ago

    I have notice this too. I think they want to show they are women around all those men. I think many are using extensions, it's not always easy to grow long, healthy hair.

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       MarleneBposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       I like your answer, and you could be right about the extensions because it really is hard to grow hair as long and gorgeous as I've seen on so many of these ladies.

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       lupineposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       Thanks MarleneB. Extensions have become very popular here (Calif.), but they do  end up breaking your own hair where they are attached, then you really end up with bad hair. I love long, beautiful hair, but would not use them myself.

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    emeraldcandiceposted 11 years ago

    I didn't really notice that until I read your question. I tried to recall the friends of my mom and dad who are all lawyers. The women have long hair. Well, I can't think of a logical basis for that yet, since I am a girl, I might say that it gives a more feminine look to them. Since have great job, they want to show some authority being females.
    
    bad faith attorney - http://www.martinstanleylaw.com/bad-faith.php

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    1. 91

       MarleneBposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       It's really quite interesting. Now after asking the question, whenever I meet a female attorney, I take note of her hair.

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    cianekoposted 10 years ago

    I don't know why. I only see them in movies and I find them cool and sexy.

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