It depends on what the job is, but I think it's more professional to wear your hair up, it also keeps it away from your face when you're working. I don't think that a person's age matters at all! If you have beautiful hair show it off but remember, a lot of updos can only be done on long hair ...

I feel the same way.
I was watching something on TV, and it was about someone going on trial. There was a lawyer who had tailbone length hair, she was wearing it half up...in court. I don't think there is anything wrong with that

I believe that the appearance of one's hair length should not make any difference in the performance/professionality of an employee. 

However, depending on the situation, and who you're trying to impress, you might want to re-consider.  What I mean is, if you are interested in making a good first impression on someone from the "old school"  you should try to create a conservative updo.  Once that first impression is made, they will tend to "overlook" any subsequent styles (usually)  I like to choose a half-way mark (pulling back the top and leaving the back down.) if I am unsure which way to go.    

My opinion is, as long as you look like you care about your appearance, anything goes!  (A lot of professional training courses will also teach you to appear well-groomed-like clean, un-scuffed shoes, pressed clothes,
nice hair do, etc.  If you appear to care for yourself, you'll care about your customers as well.. ...)

Hope this makes sense!!!

I made the experience that with long and open hair one will not be taken seriously  ??? I have to struggle a lot against prejudices like "young, female, pretty = not doing a good job" that I prefer to wear more conservative hairstyles prevent.

É.

how awful someone would discriminate because of ones looks, sadly, we live in such a world. as i read these posts i become more and more appalled

Take this with a bit o' salt, though I actually do tend to agree with myself here:

I think that in the business world, you should dress to emphasize your talents and skills, meaning to de-emphasize your appearance to the degree that it's not overpowering those other, more important aspects.  After all, you're there to work, not look pretty, right?  My hair would definitely cause a double-take in an interview, and it's actually a hazard even just sitting at desk and computer, 'cuz I would roll over it or accidentally run it thru the paper shredder or fax machine, if I leaned the wrong way at the wrong time.  I think generally conservative hair and aparrel are the best for most jobs, especially in office settings or fomal/semiformal situations.  Retail sales are slightly more casual, and construction is entirely casual.  Basically, the job directs the garb and hair.

I guess it's situational.  For work, generally be a little more conservative.  I don't wear party clothing to work anymore than I wear work clothes on a date with my husband or when partying with friends.  Right?  The same goes for my hair -- as if I'm going to wear a bun to go to a club or to some fancy schmancy restaurant.  Those are the times to let my hair be free!

Jennifer Eve

This is one of the problems that I have with work.  I work as a secretary in a hospital and it is very difficult to keep my hair very neat.  I usually wear it braided, braided and pulled through for a twisted look, or I buy these very long elastic/fabric headbands and do an elongated wrap to give it a fake braided look.  I feel uncomfortable with my hair up because it is heavy.  I would love to find a snood that would look good, but so far it is just too heavy.  I need help!  Of course, my boss has very very short hair.
Linda