In the midst of covid-19, I was called aside by my line manager and informed that my hair had been raised by senior management as a breach of policy. I expressed my concerns regarding this and requested to know how my hair breaches policy specifically. 

Our policy states that

"Hair should be tidy and neat. Extreme hairstyles or colours will not be permitted, where they detract from the individual’s role and function. "

At the same time the policy states that

"The policy accommodates personal (and cultural) diversity where this does not compromise the safety of patients or staff or damage the professional standing of the individual or the Trust. "

My senior managers have expressed that the colour i had (blue) was "extreme" and therefore I was told to remove this and have a natural colour within 7 days or risk facing disciplinary action. They also expressed that my patients, their families and colleagues may be offended by my hair colour and question my professionalism as a result.

Those who know me, know I have always had multiple colours in my hair for many years, both throughout my nursing career and prior to this. It is how I express my personality and individuality. Work is only a small percentage of our lives and yet I am currently unable to fully embrace my own life choices outside of work as a result of this decision. 

I am asking for people to sign who agree that hair colour does not impact on a nurses ability to complete their role or impact on their professionalism. Colleagues, patients and family members, if you agree, please share your voice with me and help me to continue doing what I love both at work, and outside of it.