How to cover tattoos as a nurse?

Author: Ava Walsh  |  Last update: Thursday, December 4, 2025

Many healthcare facilities require that nurses with tattoos cover them up while on duty. Our Ink Armor sleeves are the perfect way for healthcare professionals to comply with no visible tattoo policies at work.

How to cover up tattoos as a nurse?

If you are a nurse and need to cover them then you can wear color, opaque latex gloves. You can also wear a wrist support or wrap bandage fabric around the area so it looks like just an injury. If you work a desk job or they are small then maybe concealer, bandaids, or sharpie if you are in a pinch.

Can I be a nurse if I have tattoos?

Yes, you can have tattoos in the nursing field, but policies regarding visible tattoos can vary significantly between employers and healthcare facilities. Here are some general points to consider: Employer Policies: Many hospitals and clinics have specific dress codes that address tattoos.

How to cover tattoos in scrubs?

If you are a nurse and need to cover them then you can wear color, opaque latex gloves. You can also wear a wrist support or wrap bandage fabric around the area so it looks like just an injury.

How can I cover my tattoo while working?

Use a Bandage or Gauze: After getting the tattoo, cover it with a sterile bandage or gauze for the first few days. Ensure it's breathable to prevent moisture buildup. Loose Clothing: If possible, wear loose clothing over the tattoo to avoid friction and allow it to breathe.

Can I Have Tattoos and Be a Nurse?

Can a job tell you to cover 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 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 use an exfoliating glove on a tattoo?

It is important to know, that while exfoliating gloves can be beneficial for all skin types, it is always best to be gentle and use discretion when exfoliating sensitive skin. As per above, avoid using the gloves on sensitive areas, open cuts, sunburn, fresh tattoos, inflamed skin, or acne.

How can I temporarily hide my tattoo?

Use a color corrector

After priming your skin, dot a peach (for fair skin) or orange (for deep skin) color-correcting concealer over the tattoo. Then, blend it out with a damp makeup sponge. Your ink won't be completely hidden yet, but it should be less noticeable.

Where can nurses not have tattoos?

Common Policies for Tattoos in the Medical Field

Neck, face, or collar tattoos are widely restricted in the workplace. Visible body piercings, including on the nose, lips, and face, should be removed or concealed. Visible tattoos must be covered up by long sleeve scrubs, medical tape, or makeup.

Can RN remove tattoos?

In California, besides doctors, only physician assistants and registered nurses can perform laser tattoo removal - as long as they're under a doctor's supervision. Cosmetologists, electrologists and estheticians cannot perform it at all.

Is tattoo a problem for nurses?

The short answer: It depends. While there is no law prohibiting nurses from having tattoos, some facilities' protocol forbids workers from having visible body art.

Can you be a nurse with a lot of tattoos?

The simple answer is yes. A tattoo is unlikely to disqualify you from working as a nurse, though there are some important considerations to keep in mind. Depending on your place of work, there may be rules about the types of tattoos and visibility restrictions, but these can vary greatly from place to place.

What type of tattoo is always permitted in healthcare?

Tattoos that are decorative, non-offensive, and placed in less visible areas are generally always permitted.

What tattoo should a nurse get?

It's often used as a label on different types of nursing equipment and nursing uniforms. Composed of a staff entwined by two serpents, a tattoo of the caduceus will most likely give you immediate recognition as a nurse and a sense of pride in your profession.

Are vinyl gloves OK for tattooing?

Vinyl gloves are made of a much heavier material and offer much more reliable protection than latex gloves. However, due to their heavier material, vinyl gloves can restrict artists' movement.

How do nurses cover tattoos?

Many nurses with tattoos are required to cover up their body art while on duty. Ink Armor is design to help nurses keep their jobs when “no visible tattoo” policies are put in place. Thousands of health care professionals wear Ink Armor sleeves every day at work.

How long to leave Saniderm on a tattoo?

“After you apply the first Saniderm bandage, we recommend leaving it on your new tattoo for between 8 to 24 hours. Everyone heals differently, and the length of time will vary depending on how much fluid your tattoo is weeping.

Can my employer make me cover tattoos?

In addition, federal law allows employers to establish dress codes and grooming policies that require employees to cover up their tattoos in the workplace, as long as they are applied consistently and adhere to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission's guidelines.

Do employers look down on 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.

How should I cover my tattoo at work?

Clothing is the easiest and quickest way to cover a new tattoo at work. Wear loose, breathable garments to hide the tattoo without irritating it. Choose long sleeves and pants to cover ink on your limbs, and high-waisted pants or a tucked-in shirt to cover lower back tattoos.

Should I tell my interviewer I have tattoos?

Some body art (e.g., neck tattoos) can't be as easily concealed. Since the interviewer is going to notice, “address the elephant in the room and ask whether your tattoo will affect your job candidacy,” Gottsman recommends. Then shift the conversation back to what you bring to the company.

Previous article
What age to start dermaplaning?
Next article
How do you get rid of saggy thigh fat?