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Ear piercings are a popular form of self-expression, but are they okay to wear to work? I found out the hard way when I was told to remove my nose stud before an office job interview. Even though it was subtle, they said it gave the wrong impression. I reluctantly took it out, but wondered — are piercings really that unprofessional in this day and age?
I decided to do some research on workplace attitudes about ear piercings. While times are changing, some fields are still more conservative than others. Here’s a helpful guide on what’s acceptable and how to express yourself while maintaining a professional look.
A Brief History of Piercings in the Workplace
Not too long ago, having a piercing anywhere other than a simple stud in your earlobe was seen as rebellious and edgy.
The Counterculture Stigma
In the 1960s and 70s, body piercings became associated with counterculture movements, punk rockers, and people resisting mainstream societal norms. They were seen as provocative and boundary pushing.
Of course, this meant they were frowned upon by conservative companies who wanted to maintain a clean-cut image. Having piercings was akin to rejecting authority and not playing by the rules.
Strict Dress Codes
Many organizations banned all piercings besides a single pair of plain ear studs for women. It was common for company dress codes to explicitly prohibit all facial and body piercings for both genders.
Men with earrings were rare and considered inappropriate in corporate environments. Showing up to an interview with piercings could immediately disqualify you as a candidate.
Piercings Become Mainstream
By the 1990s and 2000s, body modification became more common and socially acceptable. An entire generation grew up with piercings as a normal form of self-expression.
As younger employees entered the workforce, organizations have had to relax their dress codes to align with changing social norms. Multiple ear piercings are now broadly accepted across most industries.
However, some fields remain more conservative than others when it comes to piercings in the workplace.
Current Attitudes Towards Workplace Piercings
Societal attitudes towards piercings have relaxed over the past few decades. Still, some environments are more accepting than others.
Most Industries Accept Simple Ear Piercings
These days, a single stud or small hoop in each earlobe is generally allowed for both men and women, even in conservative fields.
Multiple piercings along the ear are also usually fine for women, as long as they are petite and professional looking. This includes a helix (upper cartilage), tragus, or double or triple lobe piercing.
However, facial piercings beyond a simple nose stud remain taboo in many companies. Septum piercings, lip rings, and brow rings are likely to raise eyebrows.
Exceptions: Law, Finance, and Corporate Jobs
More traditional white collar fields tend to keep stricter policies, especially client-facing roles. Law firms, investment banks, wealth management firms, and large corporate offices may prohibit all piercings for both genders.
If you have an interview in one of these environments, it’s safest to remove all piercings. Once you’re hired, discreet ear studs may be tolerated. Ask about the specific policies to avoid any issues down the line.
Gauge Piercings and Multiple Facial Piercings
Larger gauge ear piercings are considered less professional than delicate studs, regardless of industry. Facial piercings beyond a simple nose stud are also widely shunned in office environments.
If your personal style leans towards alternative subcultures, be prepared to conform to more conservative standards at work. It’s generally best to limit yourself to standard earlobe piercings for interviews and workplaces.
Arguments Against Workplace Piercings
Certain environments are slower to adapt to changing social views around piercings. Here are some arguments made for restricting them in professional settings:
They Can Be Distracting or Intimidating
Excessive piercings, especially on the face, can draw attention away from your skills and character. Even if they don’t bother you personally, they may make others perceive you differently.
First impressions tend to skew conservative. If your goal is to showcase your professional capabilities, limiting piercings helps keep the focus on that.
Safety Concerns In Some Jobs
In medical fields, industrial jobs, or those requiring protective equipment, metal jewelry can pose safety hazards. Piercings may need to be removed for these roles, even if they’re otherwise accepted.
Perceived Rebellion Against Cultural Norms
The stigma around piercings representing counterculture or rebellion persists in some demographics. Even a simple nose stud may undermine perceptions of conformity.
Personal expression is great, but companies naturally want employees who fit in with their culture. Pushing boundaries too much can call your judgement into question. Play it safe until you understand the norms.
Arguments Supporting Workplace Piercings
On the other hand, attitudes are progressively shifting to support greater freedom of personal expression at work. Here are some counterpoints in favor of piercings:
Personal Freedom of Expression
As long as piercings aren’t extreme or intentionally provocative, they can demonstrate personality within professional bounds. A delicate nose stud or ear piercing shows individual flair without crossing major lines.
Younger employees may see strict piercing policies as outdated and irrelevant. Companies risk alienating top talent by restricting personal freedoms.
Don’t Affect Job Performance
There is little evidence that simple studs or small hoops impact how well employees do their actual jobs. Banning them seems like change-averse overreach.
Much depends on the environment and field. Law firms require different standards than tech startups. Blanket policies should adapt to the times.
Mainstream Acceptance of Ear Piercings
Basic ear piercings for men and women are so commonplace now that prohibiting them seems antiquated. Even older generations generally accept them without judgment.
With changing social norms, companies should reconsider absolute bans. Modest ear jewelry is harmless in contexts where client impressions matter less.
Tips for Professional Workplace Piercings
If you want to express your personal flair with piercings while conforming to workplace norms, here are some tips:
Stick to Simple Earlobe Piercings
Play it safe with standard ear studs or hoops in the lobes. One per ear is universally accepted. Multiple is fine for women in many industries.
For men, limit yourself to one piercing per ear until you understand the culture. Avoid large gauges.
Refrain from Facial Piercings
Aside from a tiny nose stud, avoid all facial piercings for interviewing and workplaces. Septum, lip, eyebrow, etc. are likely prohibited. Even ears should look conservative.
Review Company Dress Code Policies
Know the exact rules before accepting an offer, if possible. Ask HR or talk to employees about how flexible things are in practice.
It’s easier to abide by policies than to challenge them as a new hire. Follow guidelines until you’ve proven yourself.
Be Willing to Remove Them
In client-facing roles especially, be prepared to take out piercings if asked. Choose glass or high-quality metal jewelry that’s easy to insert and remove.
Having retainers on hand helps for spontaneous meetings when asked to remove them quickly.
Conclusion: Express Yourself Within Professional Bounds
Attitudes about workplace piercings are gradually becoming more relaxed and inclusive. But some environments will remain conservative for the foreseeable future.
The safest approach is to stick to standard earlobe studs or hoops in one or two pairs, depending on gender and industry standards. Avoid facial piercings beyond a simple nose stud.
Know your workplace culture before expressing yourself. What flies in a startup could be prohibited in law or finance. When in doubt, take piercings out for client meetings and interviews.
At the end of the day, you want your professional capabilities to shine through over your personal style. Express your individuality in ways that conform to company values, and save edgier looks for your off hours.
With some prudent judgment, you can show off your unique flair while maintaining the polished image required for success in your field. Subtlety and modesty go a long way until you become established in your organization.
Over time, corporate policies will continue adapting to make personal expression more acceptable. But it takes time to overcome deeply ingrained notions of professionalism. Patience and understanding will help the transition.
Rather than rebelling against the system, lead through example. Moderation and open-mindedness on both sides allows us to balance professional standards with progressive social attitudes.
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