Do tattoos hurt your acting career?

Author: Nicolette Moore  |  Last update: Monday, June 30, 2025

The bottom line: having many tattoos as an actor will close as many doors as it opens. You can and will absolutely get hired for acting gigs when you're inked.

Can tattoos affect acting career?

The decision of whether or not actors should have tattoos is a subjective one. It depends on personal and professional preferences. Some industry professionals believe that tattoos enhance characters, bringing a unique edge. While others see them as a distraction that can limit an actor's career opportunities.

Is it easy for actors to cover tattoos?

Depends heavily on the show but most of the time, no, unless it makes sense for the character to have tattoos or wear glasses. Tattoos can be covered up easily by makeup and most actors wear contacts on stage.

Can actors have real tattoos?

Actors can and do have tattoos, but less frequently than the average person for both practical and professional reasons. For those who had tattoos earlier in life, these reasons may net out with them avoiding new tattoos and even getting existing tattoos removed. Why do actors avoid tattoos?

Does a tattoo affect your career?

Now at least one recently published study shows no evidence of meaningful difference in employment levels or pay between people with or without tattoos. That was true whether tattoos were visible or not, and whether a person had one tattoo or many.

Do Tattoos Affect an Actor's Chances in the Film Industry? | Ask a Casting Director Ep.1

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.

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.

Does Robert Downey Jr. have tattoos?

During the interview, Downey shared that he has six tattoos. The sixth tattoo was "Avengers" cast tattoo.

Can Disney actors have tattoos?

You can have tattoos, but there are a few additional rules. This guideline is one that has changed a fair amount in recent years. Previously Cast Members could not have any tattoos visible while working. However, now Cast Members are able to display their body art within certain limitations.

How do you get into acting?

You start by joining an acting class, auditioning for your local community theater, taking workshops that casting directors may offer, joining Actors Access or Backstage, and submitting yourself for casting notices.

How can I hide my tattoo for a job?

Take a look at these 7 ideas for concealing your ink.
  1. Let your hair down. One of the easiest ways to cover up your tattoo is just simply by letting your hair down. ...
  2. Scarves. ...
  3. Sleeves over ink. ...
  4. Makeup concealer. ...
  5. Accessories and bandages. ...
  6. Watch where you place your tattoo. ...
  7. Astanza to the rescue.

Can you be an actress with no experience?

If you haven't been to drama school or set foot on a stage, then you might think a career as an actor is out of the question. But there are a number of major stars, including Carey Mulligan and Michael Caine, who never had any formal training.

Is being a tattoo artist hard on your body?

If you're tattooing all day, it's easy to skip eating to keep working. However, making sure you're eating and taking time to stretch during the day is important to your health. It's highly recommended that you take breaks throughout the day to keep your body feeling healthy.

What jobs are strict on tattoos?

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

Should I cover my tattoos for an audition?

Though most employers have no issues with them as long as they can be covered, theatre has its own difficulties with the issue. During an audition tattoos can be very distracting and in the run of a show most common coverage options rub off on the costumes.

Can movie stars have tattoos?

The simple answer is yes, you can be an actor if you have tattoos. Just ask Pete Davidson, Angelina Jolie, Idris Elba, or Danny Trejo. They've all managed to achieve great success in their craft with multiple tattoos. Of course, there is a difference between celebrities and working actors.

Is it harder to be an actor with tattoos?

The bottom line: having many tattoos as an actor will close as many doors as it opens. You can and will absolutely get hired for acting gigs when you're inked.

Does acting allow tattoos?

This is the usual first question and the answer is, yes, they can. But then you have to ask if the production is will to take the time and expenses to hide them. For example, if you're the star in a blockbuster then they'll hide your tattoos.

Do tattoos limit actors?

Piercings, tattoos, etc., aren't bad, but they may limit the types of roles you're considered for. If they fit your type, they might not hold you back at all, and in fact, you'll probably want to have at least one headshot featuring them.

Can Marvel actors have tattoos?

Some actors have commemorated their Marvel roles by getting tattoos. Five of the six original "Avengers" stars got matching tattoos. Tom Holland got the Spider-Man symbol inked and Sophie Turner has two tattoos for her "X-Men" role.

Does Robert Downey Jr. have heterochromia?

Lots of prominent people have heterochromia: Jane Seymour, Kiefer Sutherland, Mila Kunis, and Robert Downey, Jr. have two different colored eyes. Many people wrongly believed the David Bowie had the unique condition, but in fact he had an eye injury that caused his left eye to stay permanently dilated.

Does Johnny Depp have tattoos?

Johnny has close to 40 different tattoos covering his body. The actor's tattoos range in variety and each has a special meaning reflecting the different stages of his life. Scroll below to take a look at some of the key inkings of the 'Pirates of the Caribbean' star.

Who should not get tattoos?

If you have a medical problem such as heart disease, allergies, diabetes, skin problems like eczema or psoriasis, a weak immune system, or a bleeding problem, talk to your doctor before getting a tattoo. Also, if you get keloids (an overgrowth of scar tissue) you probably should not get a tattoo.

Is black tattoo ink toxic?

Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs), a group of chemicals which are known carcinogens, was found in a fifth of the samples tested and in 83% of the black inks tested by NICNAS. Other hazardous components included barium, copper, mercury, amines and various colourants.

Can I donate blood if I have tattoos?

Yes, you can donate blood if you have tattoos

The same rules also apply to ear and body piercings. Remember, tattoos also include tattoo “touch-ups” and permanent cosmetic tattoos.

Previous article
How many times a week should I put cucumbers on my eyes?
Next article
What is the timeline of hair loss?