Hair’s the Deal
Today
Believe it or not, I’ve been working in and on television for more than 20 years now. The one thing that’s drawn the most letters, emails and comments is my hair. I used to think to myself, “People, listen to what I’m reporting about!” But I know, I know… television is a visual medium. If my appearance is unpleasant or distracting, that can endanger any important information I’m trying to convey. No, we do not have hairdressers on staff. Most of us do our own hair and many employment contracts include a clause that prohibits any drastic changes to our appearance.
It’s amusing to recall some of the things people have written to me. Years ago, I tried parting my hair on the other side of my head because a hairdresser told me that’d improve the overall health. Of course, my hair fell into an unnatural-looking style. I got at least ten letters asking what I’d done with my hair and why. Another time, I was talked into some pretty short bangs. Viewers made clear I should grow them out as quickly as possible!
So yesterday!
My hair is longer these days and I think I’ve finally found a style that’s not too hard to maintain with my wacky work shift. I just got back from getting a haircut. Just a trim. Although someone did write to suggest going short because it’s “sassy and fresh”. Been there, done that. And it’s taken quite a long time to grow it out again.
Viewer comments do make me second guess all kinds of things. While hair is the #1 topic, wardrobe is a very close #2. Where did I get that top? (I shop all over the place!) Why was I wearing a vibrant color while reporting somber news? (News assignments can change by the minute.) Don’t you have wardrobe consultants? (Not anymore.) Perhaps I’ll blog about that in the future.
I suppose our high-tech ways have trained all of us to be able to form complex opinions and thoughts on numerous tracks of audio and rapid-fire images without even thinking about it. So you’re hearing me and the stories I’m reporting. Is my hair okay?
Looks great!!
Nancy,
Your hair looks great! I also wanted to mention that I like your website. I think that blogging is a great idea. I personally find the opinions of those broadcasting the news very interesting. I’m sure that you hear opinions of the viewers quite often so this is a great platform to share yours. My compliments.
Best Regards,
Bill
Always looks great!
You always look fantastic!
Dear Nancy,
My friend and co-anchor Justin Pazera used to work for FOX in Chicago and told me that I HAD to read your blog entry regarding your hair. I anchor for a small station in South Dakota — not a big one in Chicago — but I know EXACTLY what you mean! I once got a page-long email about how bad my makeup is, how bad my hair is, and how the viewer felt sorry for my husband for being married to me (no kidding!)
Isn’t it amazing what some viewers say? I often think to myself, “Would that person walk up to their bank teller and say that? I don’t think so.”
You’re beautiful and Justin says you’re a very good reporter too. I have no doubt.
Take care,
Julie
That’s so funny! I wonder how many comments your male colleagues get about their hair & wardrobe?
The guys have it much easier but often get comments on their ties. Thanks for surfing over to read my blog!