Ideas for interview hair

Big hair with plenty lift at the roots was where stylish hair was at in the 1980s — think of the stars of Dynasty and Dallas. Thankfully, though, these days hair that means business is definitely sleek, easy and under control. Employers wonder if you can't keep your hair under control, how can you possibly be keeping your business under control either? Groomed hair is smart-and-together hair; a sleek ponytail, a smart, short crop or a bob are the perfect styles, and shiny, silky hair in tip-top condition is a must.

It is often quoted that employers decide in the first three minutes of an interview who they are going to employ. To make a good impression, ensure your hair is clean and shiny, as it is an obvious sign that you take care of yourself — the thinking being that if you don't take care of yourself, will you take care of your job? Make sure that your hair is not overly elaborate. If a style looks like it takes forever to create, you will be sending out signals that you will be wasting company time checking your reflection in mirrors. Leave elaborate hairstyles to ladies who lunch, who have nothing more important on their minds than their next Caesar salad. A ponytail can be elegant, but girly styles like braids are a no-no if you want to be taken seriously. Depending on the type of business, leave the pink bow and glitter hair clips for the evening. Your Hello Kitty hair accessories won't impress a bank or law firm.

Updos

Sleek, chic and giving the appearance of being effortlessly elegant and well-groomed, long hair pinned up in a chignon always means business. Even simpler ponytails can work just as well on hair that is layered or growing out as on straight, one-length hair.

1. Tidy up growing-out layers and feathered-cuts by combing through some firm control mousse before tying back the hair.

2. Your hairdresser can show you how to attach a hairpiece in the same color as your own hair to add bulk to a thin ponytail.

3. Avoid tying your hair back towards the crown, Positioned too high, your chic updo will become a cheerleader's ponytail.

4. Keep a hairpiece for ponytails handy on business trips. That way, even if you don't have time to wash your hair, you can tie it back, slick it down and look super-stylish in a flash.

5. Wrap'a small strand of hair around the elastic so that it can't be seen and fix it with a bobby pin on the underside. It finishes off the look better than a hair accessory. Alternatively, to make sure your ponytail is really secure, use wet string instead of an elastic to hold it. The string will contract as it dries, fixing the hair in place. As before, wrap a small section of hair around the string to hide it.

6. Slick down wispy bits with a little styling lotion and hairspray to keep the look sleek rather than sporty.

7. If your hair is fine and flyaway, wash it the day before so it's easier to handle and stays in place.

Power bobs The simple bob — with or without bangs; curled-up, curled-under or straight; short or long; blunt-cut or wispy — looks professional. There is a variation to suit everyone, so talk to your hairdresser about finding the one that suits you. It can be made sleeker or choppier with styling products, depending on your mood. It is the versatility of the bob that keeps it so fresh, even though it has been around since the 1920s.