Can jobs reject you because of tattoos?

Author: Mr. Pedro Ratke  |  Last update: Friday, December 19, 2025

Currently, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 protects employees and job applicants from employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex and national origin, but does not yet prohibit discrimination based on tattoos or other forms of body art.

Can you be denied a job because of tattoos?

The employer can refuse to hire you for any reason except your race, sex, age (40+), religion, national origin, or disability. Not hiring someone for having a tattoo is perfectly legal.

Can tattoos cause you to not get a job?

A potential employer can't base hiring decisions on the basis of ethnicity, religion, gender, age, disability, citizenship (if the person's authorized to work within the US), or any other class protected from discrimination. Otherwise, physical appearance, including visible tattoos, can disqualify a job candidate.

What jobs will not hire you if you have tattoos?

Here's a short list of some of the most common employers that either don't allow tattoos or ask you to cover them up at work:
  • Healthcare Professionals. ...
  • Police Officers and Law Enforcement. ...
  • Law Firms. ...
  • Administrative Assistants and Receptionists. ...
  • Financial Institutions and Banks. ...
  • Teachers. ...
  • Hotels / Resorts. ...
  • Government.

Will jobs not hire you if you have a hand tattoo?

There still isn't a solid tattoo discrimination law in California. The same goes for California piercing laws. However, business owners and employers are encouraged to consider tattooed applicants as some jobs don't really need such rigorous rules.

Jobs Reject Me Because Of My Face Tattoos | HOOKED ON THE LOOK

What is the disadvantage of tattoos?

A skin infection is possible after getting a tattoo. An infection might be due to contaminated ink or equipment that isn't sterilized correctly. Getting a tattoo at a studio that doesn't follow good safety steps also can raise your risk of a skin infection.

How to remove a permanent tattoo?

Common techniques used for tattoo removal include laser surgery, surgical removal and dermabrasion. Tattoo ink is placed beneath the top layer of the skin. That makes tattoo removal more complicated — and expensive — than the original tattoo application.

What jobs are strict on tattoos?

Workplaces Tattoo Policies
  • Military.
  • Airlines.
  • Medical Professionals.
  • Actors.
  • Teachers/Educators.
  • Law Enforcement.
  • Corporate.
  • Legal.

Is it unprofessional to have tattoos?

Tattoos are generally accepted in the workplace as long as they're not offensive, unprofessional or distracting. However, visible tattoos may not be appropriate for every profession. Even if your company allows body art, you may find that customers or coworkers discriminate against tattooed employees.

Can you donate blood with tattoos?

Most people with tattoos can donate blood as long as they don't have risk factors that prohibit or limit blood donation, and if they got a tattoo at a state regulated facility. In the U.S. you have to wait 3 months to donate if the tattoo was from a state that does not regulate tattoo facilities.

Do jobs ask if you have tattoos?

Discuss your tattoos in the interview process. If you're going in for an interview, it can be beneficial to let your prospective employer know you have tattoos in advance so there are no surprises. They might also clarify their tattoo policy during the interview process so you're sure you're in compliance.

Are there CEOs with tattoos?

In fact, CEO Varun Krishna, who took the top job seven months ago at Rocket, said in a statement to Fortune that he appreciates how the company's culture embraces people's individuality—especially given that Krishna has a few tattoos himself.

Can you lose a job because of a tattoo?

Can I Be Fired for Having a Tattoo? An employer is generally free to maintain a policy prohibiting employees from displaying tattoos at work. That means in most circumstances, your employer can discipline or even fire you for displaying a tattoo.

Do tattoos put employers off?

Despite becoming more mainstream, many employers still consider them unacceptable, and stories of 'tattoo discrimination' continue to emerge. The statistics reflect the lingering taboo: According to a 2022 YouGov poll, 63% of the public say they would consider face and neck tattoos to be unprofessional.

Are tattoos protected by the First Amendment?

“The tattoo itself, the process of tattooing, and even the business of tattooing are not expressive conduct but purely expressive activity fully protected by the First Amendment,” the appeals court explained.

Is it illegal to not get hired because of tattoos?

Currently, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 protects employees and job applicants from employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex and national origin, but does not yet prohibit discrimination based on tattoos or other forms of body art.

Do any successful people have tattoos?

Yes, you read that right! From CEOs to entrepreneurs, and even athletes, many of the most successful people are proudly sporting tattoos.

Can I be a lawyer with tattoos?

Lawyers are not, say, lifeguards. They don't expose a lot of skin. And just about all of the advice we saw on the internet said lawyers can definitely rock a tat — just make sure it's not exposed.

What counts as a visible tattoo?

Visible tattoos are deemed unacceptable, for example those located on the neck, face or hands or if they could reasonably be interpreted as: discriminatory. offensive.

Can you have tattoos in finance?

2 – Finance and banking

A banker must maintain a crisp look, with unblemished skin to face clients properly. Although a tattoo never impedes your function and capability to do your job well, having a tattoo is still highly discouraged.

Can I get a federal job with tattoos?

Whether hand tattoos would adversely affect your advancement in the federal government is entirely up to whomever is your supervisor. Officially, there isn't a dress code so long as your position isn't in the public eye.

Can tattoos be 100% removed?

It is difficult to give a one-size-fits-all answer to this often asked question, but broadly speaking, yes a tattoo can be 100% removed so long as your immune system is working effectively and you follow our sun-safe aftercare guidelines.

How expensive is tattoo removal?

The average cost of laser tattoo removal in North Hollywood ranges from $110 to $600 per session, depending on the size. Meanwhile, erasing a massive tattoo can cost you as much as $4,000+ for the entire treatment. In terms of pricing, medical spas have different approaches.

How painful is tattoo removal?

Depending on what type of tattoo removal you choose, there may be varying levels of pain or discomfort. Some people say that removal feels the same as getting a tattoo, while others liken it to the feeling of a rubber band being snapped against their skin. Your skin may be sore after the procedure.

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