Can jobs reject you for tattoos?

Author: Mr. Roy West  |  Last update: Saturday, May 24, 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 a job deny you because of tattoos?

Absolutely. An employer has to protect their image and if they think a tattoo harms their image, or if they just don't like tattoos, they can refuse to hire you.

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.

Can I not get a job if I have a tattoo?

Absolutely. An employer has to protect their image and if they think a tattoo harms their image, or if they just don't like tattoos, they can refuse to hire you.

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.

The TRUTH About Tattoos and Employment | Do Tattoos Stop You from Getting a Job?

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 hand tattoos age well?

HOW PERMANENT ARE HAND TATTOOS? If you think long-term, hands and fingers may not always be a good choice. The aging process of hand tattoos, constantly exposed to intense water and sun, is adversely affected.

Are you less likely to get hired if you have tattoos?

Michael T. French of the University of Miami conducted a survey with his colleagues of more than 2,000 people in the United States and the survey concluded, “that those with tattoos were no less likely to be employed than their uninked counterparts, and that average earnings were the same for both groups.”

How many people get denied jobs because of tattoos?

However, 73% of people say they would hire staff that had visible tattoos. 6% of tattooed people say they wouldn't hire someone with visible ink. Only 4% of tattooed or pierced people say they've actually faced discrimination in their current job.

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.

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.

Are hand tattoos job stoppers?

Face and hand tattoos are often referred to as “job stoppers” because they can keep people from getting high-paying corporate jobs. This is one reason a lot of tattoo artists will refuse to give these tattoos to young people who do not yet have an established career.

Should I tell my employer I have tattoos?

Simply ask, "Is it okay to have facial piercings or visible tattoos at work?" This demonstrates honesty and allows the employer to assess your fit within their company culture.

What jobs can you not have tattoos?

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

Can you be fired for the way you look?

The bottom line when it comes to getting fired for your appearance is it cannot be based on any protected factors, such as race. If your employer is equal in firing people based on a specific aspect of their appearance, then in most cases, they can get away with doing it.

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.

Is tattoo removal very painful?

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.

Can jobs deny you for tattoos?

Yes, California employers can ask employees to cover tattoos and piercings. Employers can even refuse to hire potential employees with tattoos or piercings.

How strict are jobs with 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.

What are the positive and negative effects of tattoos?

There are several pros to getting a tattoo, such as self-expression, artistry, and confidence-boosting. However, there are also cons to consider, including the permanence of tattoos, potential health risks, and the possibility of regretting a tattoo in the future.

What tattoos do not age well?

TYPES OF TATTOOS THAT DON'T AGE WELL
  • TINY TATTOOS. Tiny tattoos may seem like a great idea, they're discreet and don't require a huge amount of time. ...
  • TRENDY TATTOOS. Just like clothes and haircuts, any trends regarding tattoos will come and go. ...
  • WHITE INK TATTOOS. White ink tattoos sound like a great idea. ...
  • MEME TATTOOS.

Can I get a job with finger tattoos?

Depending on the company you are seeking to have a career at and how conservative their policies are, hand and finger tattoos are not immediately written off as a reason for someone not to hire you. However, that is not to say that they are accepted everywhere.

What ages get the most tattoos?

Age: Adults under 50 are especially likely to have a tattoo. Some 41% of those under 30 have at least one, as do 46% of those ages 30 to 49. This compares with a quarter of adults ages 50 to 64 and 13% of those 65 and older.

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