What are tattoos considered unprofessional?

Author: Rahsaan Lemke  |  Last update: Tuesday, July 1, 2025

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.

What tattoos are considered offensive in the workplace?

A face tattoo or neck tattoo is usually inappropriate at almost any office, whereas a forearm or back tattoo isn't that important unless it's distracting or offensive in nature. I would avoid anything gruesome, gory, or containing naked people or profanity.

Can you be 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.

What profession does not allow tattoos?

In reality? None. The three traditional ``professions'' are law, medicine and clergy. Visible tattoos are frowned upon in all three although likely more accepted in ministry than law or medicine in the 21st century in the US. True professions remain more conservative about appearance than other career fields.

Should I tell my employer I have tattoos?

You should be fine as long as they aren't offensive. You can ask in your interviews how they feel about tattoos as well just to get an idea of the temperament at that company is like. Just make sure you have a way of covering/concealing them in the event they are against them.

Are Tattoos Still Considered “Unprofessional”?

Can my employer force me to cover my 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.

How are tattoos considered 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.

Can I still get a good job with 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Can you be fired for 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.

What is considered an obscene tattoo?

Obscene or Indecent – Obscene or indecent tattoos are those that are grossly offensive to modesty, decency, propriety, or deemed unprofessional. Sexist – Sexist tattoos are those that advocate a philosophy that degrades or demeans a person based on gender.

Why do people look down on tattoos?

In the modern era, tattoos began to be seen as taboo. This was largely due to their association with gangs and criminals. Tattoos were seen as a way to identify someone as being part of a certain group, and they were often used to communicate criminal messages.

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.

What jobs won't let you have tattoos?

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

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.

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 any successful people have tattoos?

Yes, you read that right! From CEOs to entrepreneurs, and even athletes, many of the most successful people are proudly sporting tattoos.

What does having tattoos say about a person?

For better or for worse, tattooed people are typically associated with: being extrovert, have a rich social life, or the necessity to feel unique and stand out from the of the people. In fact, not so long ago, tattooed people used to be regarded as more rebel or even more conflictive.

Are forearm tattoos painful?

Forearm tattoos are generally considered one of the least painful areas to tattoo. The forearm has thicker skin, fewer nerve endings, and a good amount of muscle which helps to cushion the tattooing process. However, pain levels can vary between the inner and outer forearm.

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