Question

1. Is there a difference in expectations between a health care professional and a hair designer regarding personal appearance? Discuss. 2. How can impressions make a difference in the communications between individuals? 3. What are the dress colles in your school? Are tattoos allowed? Explain the rationale.

Answer 1

1. There is a difference in expectations between a health care professional and a hair designer regarding personal appearance. Health care professionals are people who are authorised to practice or provide health care services within the scope of their respective profession. Examples : Doctors, Nurses, Dentists, Clinical psychologists etc.

According to the rules and regulations in each health care profession and institutional policies, a health care professional should follow certain standards in maintaining their personal appearance that includes hair style, make up, grooming, level of hygiene etc. There are public expectations too. Certain expected standards are;

* neatly combed and clean hair

* use appropriate deodorant , no use of excessive smelled perfumes or lotions.

* Clothing should be appropriate, neat, fit and ironed properly. No ' too tight' clothing .

* Clean shave or neatly trimmed moustache or beards , short nails without dark colours.

* No excessive make up or jewellery.

Hair designer or hair dressers are people who do hair styling. Hair styling includes hair cutting, hair colouring and other beautification techniques. Expectations in personal appearance of a hair designer might be too different from a health care professional. They can wear fashionable dress, but it should not be offensive to clients. Most of them prefer black colour dresses as there are chances of stain from colouring powders. Hair style and colouring of hair also can be choosen according to their appearance and interest.  

2. Impression can make a a difference in the communication between individuals. Personal appearance, body language and the way of talking of a professional can influence the communication between the professional and the client. Making a good first impression is always a primary step in establishing the rapport with the client. In any profession; health care profession or a business meeting or an interview, the first impression is the best impression. For a first good impression one have to dress well, good grooming, clear and concise conversation, project a friendly manner, and keep the etiquette.

First good impression give a confidence and trust worthy feelings in the client/ second person/ other party. So that they can start a meaningful coconversation with you. It will help in a good starting of professional relationship between the professional and the client.

3. Dress code ( in the medical/nursing school)

* Clean, properly fit and ironed clothes ( or uniform, if any)

* Properly tied hair, secure back with proper put up hair especially in clinical areas.

* No jewellery except traditional ear piercing, only studs are permitted.

* No excessive make ups, or fashionable dresses that distract others.

*Clean shave short nails.

* Appropriate foot wear and shoes.

( Kindly add point s according to your school dress code).

Usually tattoos are not allowed in health care profession as tattoos are harmful to health and it is considered as an unhealthy practice. If a student is having a tattoo on her body, that is permanent, she can cover it with clothing.