Can you be turned down for a job because of tattoos?

Author: Mariah Kovacek  |  Last update: Friday, May 2, 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 jobs reject 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.

Is it harder to get a job if you have tattoos?

A Tattoo Won't Hurt Your Job Prospects. Michael T. French of the University of Miami and colleagues surveyed more than 2,000 people in the United States and found 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.

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.

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.

I Can't Get a Job Because of My Tattoos! | This Morning

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.

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.

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.

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.

Is a hand tattoo a job stopper?

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.

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.

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.

Will tattoos make it harder to get a job?

When it comes to searching for a job, many people think tattoos are now widely accepted. There's no way a company wouldn't hire you just because you have a tattoo! While tattoos are certainly more commonplace than ever before, there are still a few careers with tight restrictions when it comes to tattoos.

Can I be fired for my tattoos?

An employee in California can be fired for their hair color, tattoos, or piercings if an employer has a legitimate business reason for enforcing a dress code or grooming policy that prohibits these traits.

Should I hide my tattoos for a job interview?

If you can conceal the ink, do so. “Job interviews are already uncomfortable, so don't exacerbate things by having to worry about your tattoos being visible,” says Foltz. Consider wearing a full suit. Accessories like rings and watches can hide certain tattoos, but make sure they don't shake when you move, Foltz warns.

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 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.

Do permanent tattoos go away?

As you might know, skin cells live for about two to three weeks, but tattoos last forever. And if you've ever thought that tattoo on your inner lip will disappear after six months, well, you'd be dead wrong. It will never disappear.

What jobs are strict on tattoos?

The military, law enforcement and law firms still often enforce strict dress codes that restrict tattoos and piercings. Other employers may also have policies that prohibit them, so be sure to check with specific employers if you have any concerns.

Do people with high IQs get tattoos?

Results: There were no significant group differences regarding crystallized intelligence; moreover there was no correlation between having tattoos and creativity. Conclusion: Tattooed students seem to be neither less intelligent nor more creative than other students.

Does Elon Musk have tattoos?

Elon Musk's new tattoo is a 'white ball' covering his back, but what does it mean? - Celebrity.

Can jobs turn you down for 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.

Why do tattoos have a bad reputation?

Often, people who have tattoos get a bad reputation due to the correlations between tattoos and gang activity in the past. Today, they are more accepted and less associated with gangs, but they are still considered taboo if you don't follow the unspoken “guideline” that tattoos must be meaningful.

Are face tattoos illegal?

Head, face, and neck tattoos are illegal. Under the Health Code, persons violating restrictions on tattooing and body piercing are guilty of a misdemeanor. Upon conviction, they may be fined up to $2500 or imprisoned for a year, or both.

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