Do tattoos put employers off?

Author: Elenora Stoltenberg  |  Last update: Monday, September 15, 2025

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.

Do employers look down on tattoos?

A staggering 88% said that having a tattoo could limit someone's career progression. On top of that four out of ten (41%) admitted to actively rejecting a suitable candidate because they had a visible tattoo.

Can you get 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.

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

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.

Will jobs not hire you if you have a hand 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.

What Are Job Stopper Tattoos?

What jobs prohibit 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 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.

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.

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 an employer fire you for having 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.

Do tattoos affect employability?

Tattooed employees are just as likely to find work as their non-tattooed counterparts. Based on their results, it can be concluded that the existence of tattoos does not cause workplace discrimination.

How many people get tattoos every year?

How many people in the US get a tattoo every year? Americans get 11 million new tattoos every year. That's greater than the population of New York City!

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.

Where are tattoos considered unprofessional?

Nevertheless, things look slightly different when it comes to visible tattoos, especially on the face and neck, as 63% of the general public would consider them unprofessional. The older population, aged 55 and above, have a firmer stance on this, as 80% see face and neck tattoos as unprofessional.

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.

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.

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 much is it to remove a 6 inch tattoo?

Across the United States, laser tattoo removal cost can range between $200 to $500 per removal treatment, which usually varies based on factors like tattoo size. At Removery, we also offer the option to pay-per-session and the average cost per removal session is $175 to $600, depending on the size of the tattoo.

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 you not be hired because of tattoos?

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

Do employers still look down on tattoos?

Tattoos are generally accepted in the workplace as long as they're not offensive, unprofessional or distracting.

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.

Previous article
What military does not allow tattoos?
Next article
Can tattoos get infected under Saniderm?