Is it still hard to get jobs with tattoos?

Author: Ayla Daniel  |  Last update: Sunday, October 19, 2025

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.

Is it harder to get a job with tattoos?

To answer your question, yes, some do, so you have a lower chance of being hired than someone who doesn't have visible tattoos (in general). That's not to say there aren't employers out there who don't care, or even prefer to hire people with visible tattoos.

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.

Can a job refuse to hire you if you have tattoos?

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

Are tattoos still job stoppers?

As a tattoo artist yes, they are still job stoppers. Being visibly tattooed is a much different experience to having tattoos in general.

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

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.

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.

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.

Are tattoos seen as unprofessional?

Tattoos are often completely acceptable in many professional settings, including some positions in the medical and legal fields. As the stigma surrounding body art fades, you may notice more professionals with tattoos. These days, it's not uncommon to see tattooed lawyers, nurses, doctors and teachers.

Can you have tattoos in the FBI?

Tattoos, brands, and body markings are prohibited on the head, face, neck, tongue, lips, and scalp. Hand tattoos are limited to one ring tattoo on one finger on each hand.

Where not to get a tattoo for a job?

Are tattoos and piercings acceptable in the workplace? Depends on the job! Most industries are accepting tattoos in the workplace but industries such as the military and airlines have limitations on visible tattoos (hands, neck, & face).

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.

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.

How are people with tattoos perceived?

Historically, tattoos have held negative connotations, including promiscuity, mental illness, substance abuse, and decreased intelligence [11], although more recent research suggests that negative perceptions, particularly with regard to employment, are either no longer relevant or are dependent on multiple factors ( ...

Are tattoos more acceptable now?

Self-expression through tattoos has become mainstream for students as the professional environment becomes more accepting of body art. Through ink, students can share who they are without saying a word, and many are excited for the workforce as the once "taboo" practice becomes celebrated.

Can jobs reject you 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.

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.

Do employers look down on 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.

How do you hide tattoos for job interview?

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. Concealers like Dermablend are also an option. Some body art (e.g., neck tattoos) can't be as easily concealed.

Are tattoos allowed in Christianity?

Christianity. Some Christians take issue with tattooing, upholding the Hebrew prohibition. The Hebrew prohibition is based on interpreting Leviticus 19:28—"Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you"—so as to prohibit tattoos. Interpretations of the passage vary, however.

Is a nose ring bad for an interview?

If you're asking if you should cover your piercings for a job interview and they're not ear or nose piercings, consider it a no. But if you're asking, “can I wear my nose ring to a job interview,” you're much more in the clear!

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 best tattoo cover for work?

Ink Armor is the best way to cover tattoos at work. Their superior craftsmanship and design make them the most comfortable and durable tattoo cover up sleeve available. Ink Armor by Tat2X has helped thousands of people protect their ink from the sun and their boss.

What makes tattoos unprofessional?

Problematic tattoos can be revealing about a person's character. They show employers what values or beliefs they might bring to a workplace. On the other hand, if tattoos have nudity or imagery that may be considered inappropriate for certain audiences, the tattoo can easily be covered up with clothing or makeup.

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