Can my employer ask me to cover tattoos?
John Castro
Published Jan 11, 2026
Like prohibiting employees from wearing t-shirts or requiring employees to wear a uniform, an appearance policy requiring employees to cover tattoos is legal unless it violates laws prohibiting discrimination, such as Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
Can an employer fire you over tattoos?
Not really. While there is no special protection for tattooed employees, employers may face liability if non-discriminatory employment policies are enforced in a discriminatory manner.Can employer prohibit tattoos?
While employers are free to create policies that prohibit visible tattoos and body piercings, those policies must be applied consistently without regard to race, age, sex, or any other protected classification.Do you have to cover up tattoos for work?
The most common way to cover a tattoo for work is by using foundation and concealer. You can also hide it with accessories, clothing and specialized skin-colored sleeves for arm and leg tattoos. If your ink is still healing, we advise that you don't use makeup.Can jobs say no to tattoos?
In the United States, there is currently no employment law against workplace or hiring discrimination based on visible tattoos. To put it simply, that means that employers in the United States can legally refuse to hire, or even fire previously hired individuals, for displaying visible tattoos.Tattoos in the Workplace
Is discrimination against tattoos illegal?
When prohibiting tattoos at work is discrimination. Under California law, an employer can create dress codes and grooming requirements for employees in order for the employees to comply with their company's culture and brand image.Do employers care about tattoos 2020?
Generally speaking, tattoos are acceptable at most places, even in the job positions that are mentioned above. Nevertheless, it's super-important for them to remain well-hidden so that they wouldn't affect or compromise the work ethics at that certain job position.How do I protect my new tattoo at work?
If you work in construction, hospitals, etc cover your new tattoo with a sterile non-stick bandage during the work day. When you simply can't rest at home, and your workplace needs you there, you'll have to do ensure your new tattoo doesn't come in contact with anything. For example, bacteria, dust and dirt, etc.Are sleeve tattoos unprofessional?
The Main Reason Tattoos Are Considered UnprofessionalIn most cases, tattoos are considered unprofessional because some people don't like them.
Are tattoos a protected class?
Body art and tattoos fall into the same category as shoes, shirts, or jewelry, and unlike in discrimination cases, tattooed individuals are not a protected class. Those who fall into protected classes can object if they can prove they were passed over for promotion.What jobs dont allow 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.
Why are tattoos unprofessional in the workplace?
Tattoos have a controversial reputation and are seen as inappropriate in the workplace largely because they have been associated with criminal activity. However, as more tattooed people enter the workforce, many employers don't think tattoos are as important.Can you be a doctor with tattoos?
A new study shows that physicians with tattoos are perceived to be equally as competent as their colleagues that are clean of body art. Your parents were wrong: people don't perceive your professional abilities differently if you have a tattoo, a new study shows.What jobs are okay with tattoos?
Career Options That Allow Tattoos
- Beauty Industry Careers. If you decided to enroll in the beauty and cosmetics industry, your tattoos can be a great plus for you. ...
- IT Jobs. ...
- Artistic Career Field. ...
- Marketing. ...
- The Entertainment Industry. ...
- Home and Industrial Construction. ...
- Food Service. ...
- Commercial Drivers.
What high paying jobs allow tattoos?
Let's discuss some specific jobs that may pay really well and are likely to allow tattoos.
...
Medical Jobs
- Doctors.
- Nurses.
- Surgeons.
- Anesthesiologists.
- Therapists.
- Veterinarians.
- Dentists.