Could your tattoo stop you from getting a job?

Tattoos have moved from the fringes of society to become a widespread form of self-expression, with a 2024 YouGov poll indicating 40% of British adults aged 25-49 sport at least one ink.

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I don't think it's completely accepted, and I think there's probably limits to that.

Despite this mainstream acceptance, sociologist Dr. Michael Rees observes a persistent divide in how tattoos are perceived in the workplace. He highlights a significant difference in social acceptability between tattoos on hands, neck, and face compared to those on other body parts. Rees himself, despite having tattoos on his hands and neck, waited until securing his academic position before getting them, expressing concern that such visible ink could hinder career progression.

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Even working in the career I work in, I was concerned that it may harm my job prospects.

Research from YouGov in 2022 supports this observation, revealing that while about two-thirds of people find face or neck tattoos unprofessional, a similar proportion deem other visible tattoos acceptable in a professional context. Dr. Alyssa Grocutt's PhD research at the University of Calgary further explored these perceptions, finding that stereotypes about tattooed individuals endure. Her study indicated that intimidating tattoos, like skulls, were perceived as risky, whereas more benign designs, such as roses, were associated with creativity.

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I think people getting tattooed in those areas are potentially restricting the careers that they go into.

Overall, Grocutt's findings suggest that job applicants with visible tattoos face a slightly lower chance of being hired. However, she notes that for entrepreneurs and those in creative industries, tattoos might be embraced as part of a personal brand. She recalls that 11 years ago, tattoos on the hands, neck, and face were commonly referred to as 'job stoppers,' with many artists hesitant to ink those areas. While perceptions are shifting and tattoo artists may be less inclined to act as gatekeepers, she acknowledges that visible tattoos still attract more attention.

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Even 11 years ago, when I started getting tattooed, the hands, neck and face were called 'job stoppers', and a lot of artists wouldn't tattoo people in those areas.