I think it depends on what industry you're in. I'm in IT and most people (including senior management) are relatively young so they can deal with hairstyle changes. I imagine being in a predominantly older industry would be different 'cause the management will be in or near their 60's and would probably consider it "unprofessional". I say do what you have to do so you can get where you want to be. I'm putting up with it for now (though I don't want to) only because I know I'll get where I wanna be and will retire as early as possible. It's a small sacrifice. I refuse to work all my life like my parents have. There's more to life than that.

just my thoughts...