Can your appearance change how people treat you?

Question

I recently changed my hair, and people at work who are normally RUDE to me (because they are of a HIGHER um let's just say hiarchy), were surprisingly quite pleasant... Can your appearance really change people's behavior toward you?

Answer 1

I think it can! But I also think it has a lot to do with how you start to carry yourself once youve changed. For ex if someone loses weight and starts to feel better about themself they start to be more positive and carry themselves better and others feed off that energy. Maybe your hair cut made you feel more confident and now they see that confidence when they talk to you.

Answer 2

Oh, turst me, I know first hand how that goes!

I recently went up to my college to pay for my tuition for next semester. While I was politely telling the receptionist in the financial office (who looked like she was in her late 60s) that my father had my money and was running a little late, she never smiled and had the worst tone when she talked to me. When my father arrived with the money, sugar could've melted in her mouth! She was as sweet as she could be to him.

I couldn't understand why she suddenly changed her tone the way she did. I finally realized that I was in plain jeans and a t-shirt because, although I'd been working all day in very professional clothes, I had a lot of errands to run after work and didn't want to do them in heels; my father wasn't dressed in a suit and tie or anything like that, but it was obvious that he'd just come from work. I'm 21, my father's 55. I'm just an unexperienced kid in her eyes, yet my father is older and deseres more respect.

It really sucks that people would rather go by appearance than personality, but I guess that's what they mean when they say the world isn't fair.

Answer 3

yes because of ignorance. I worked with a physicians assistant in cardio thoracic surgery and he was always in his white coat but if u saw him on the street u would think he is a criminal cause he has tattooed sleeves. I had an incedent when i moved here most of my clothes were packed up so i went to a mall Saks store wearin some jeans timberlands and a hoodie and i couldnt find anyone to help me when i asked for help they were like i'll get someone well i went back a week later in my Military dress uniform and people were like oh sir can i help u and all that well i let them know how i was treated the week before when i wasnt dressed nice. Its unfortunate that people do that guess its human nature. I guess since i shave my head and have tattoos and am married to a Black woman i tend not to judge others by their looks.

Answer 4

Yeah...especially if it's a weight-gain thing. When I gained weight after high school, I noticed that when I went to a party, the guys didn't pay attention to me and the girls were all super nice to me. It used to be the other way around! Also, people in stores would always talk to my skinny friends...even if I was the one there to buy something!

I've noticed that my boyfriend is sweeter, less touchy (unless generally in a bad mood), and more considerate if I'm wearing makeup. If my hair is done and I'm dressed-up on top of it, he can be a totally different person.

Your haircut may make you look more professional, more mature, etc... so maybe they're treating you with the respect that a professional person gets.

Answer 5

Of course it can. It's sad to say but people in the world today are very much fixated on outer appearance.

It can also work in a negative way, too. I work in an office where men are required to wear suits/ties to work. On Fridays we have casual Fridays and we are allowed to dress down a bit. I don't like the idea of Casual Friday so I wear my suit/tie on Fridays too. While my dress is standard for Mon-Thur most people in my office think I'm too uptight because I don't let my hair down, so to speak, on Fridays.

Therefore my reputation around the office is that I'm very serious, which outside of the office I'm not.

Appearances make a difference.

Answer 6

oh of course it can and it really bugs me when people do that.

I once died my hair firecracker red and people made such fun of me and the usual comments came when it you know the ones is it ture what they say about red heads? So when the colour died down people were different to me they were actually nice to me.

Its always the way though especially when you get served in pubs or other places. i remember one day i went to a pub i got complety ignored but the barman was more than happy to serve a girl beside me who had well how do you say a lot of charming assets.

So enough said and you are certainly not alone. Whats is it people say tittle deticted behaviour that is so true.

Answer 7

Yes it can. If I go to, for instance, Nordstroms, while still neat & clean but wearing jeans & a sweatshirt versus dress slacks, a dress shirt, & heels, I receive completely different customer service. I think first impressions are everything- maybe it's not always right because regardless of what I'm wearing I'm still the same person, but it's just how people perceive you. The same goes with personal style, i.e.- your hair.

Answer 8

Absolutely. In fact, there are a number of books on the subject. Just consider how you react to others. Aren't you compelled to return a smile when that person appears to be friendly (stands tall, smiles with full face, and is dressed modestly)? Don't we just know who the 'popular' kid is in school without being told?

In the workplace it is even more important to prove yourself and just one of these ways is by mirroring the appearance of those in the positions you wish to hold. It is one way you show that you are serious about the job.

Answer 9

Definately, appearance speaks volumes about a person.

Take identical twins for example:

One is wearing a suit and tie, is clean shaven, neat hair cut, pleasant smile.

The other is in dirty shabby threadbare clothing, his hair is greasy and matted, his beard dirty and he is scowling.

Which one, would you fear, if they were to approach you on the street, at night?

I'm summising from what you've said, that now, your hair looks more professional, and they are thinking of you, in more of a positive light.

Answer 10

Yes and no.
If you think you look better this way, or if you think that you're more... hmm... stylish?, then your behaivor starts to change and you become more self-confident.
To most people, this is a sign of independence that maybe you didn't have before. When people are independent and think for themselves, they seem more approachable and more likable.

All I can say is that maybe your appearance changed the way YOU acted and people liked this better.

It may just be them, though...