Hand and finger tattoos: All about the “Job Stoppers”. (2024)

FAQs

Are hand tattoos really job stoppers? ›

Traditionally, hand and finger tattoos have been labeled as “job stoppers” because they have rendered plenty of qualified people unhirable, simply because of a visible tattoo. As mentioned before, hand tattoos have grown to become more acceptable and a more common sight in the professional sphere in recent times.

Tattoos are generally accepted in the workplace as long as they're not offensive, unprofessional or distracting. In fact, nearly 3 out of 4 employers say they don't mind hiring tattooed workers. However, visible tattoos are not appropriate for every profession and may not match your company's vision.

The tissue on your face/hands/feet is so thin it takes skill and practice to "float" the pigment in the perfect spot. Too shallow and pigment will fall out when your skin naturally regenerates, too deep and your tattoo will appear blurred, blobby, or permanently bruised.

The texture of the skin changes about half way down the finger (from top to palm, not knuckle to nail). Because of this, the ink is guaranteed NOT to stay, well not in full anyway. It will be choppy at best, as seen in the photo above.

Most hospitals and clinics have strict guidelines on professional appearance, which can often block job candidates with tattoos from being hired.

Not only do these areas have lots of texture they are frequently exposed to water, soap, and friction. Every time you wash your hands, the tattoo on your fingers is rubbed and exposed to chemicals. As a result, the ink will become less prominent; lines will become fuzzy, and shading will be less defined.

Per Leviticus 19:28, “You shall not make gashes in your flesh for the dead, or incise any marks on yourselves.” Historically, scholars have often understood this as a warning against pagan practices of mourning.

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

That's where hand and face tattoos run into a bit of a wall, you can't hide those without gloves or make-up and many employers will turn you away purely over visible tattoos making job searching near impossible.

Why shouldn't you tattoo your hands? ›

Hand tattoos are listed by many to be among the more painful tattooing experiences. Hands have a very high number of nerve endings and are vital parts of your body's interaction with the world. Moreover, the ink doesn't fix in the skin as easily on the hands, so fading is a greater risk.

Finger tattoos may look cool, but they are not for everyone. Since they are always visible, they might not fit into a conservatively dressed office environment. These tattoos require more maintenance than others. When they start to fade, you will want to have them touched up for you.

While these tattoos offer a distinctive way to express one's personality and style, they also come with particular downsides that should be thoroughly weighed before making a decision. Hand tattoos represent not just a form of body art, but a commitment to a visible and often controversial form of expression.

I have a rather large tattoo on my hand and I've been in the same shoes as you are and the best thing that I did was wear an ace bandage that covers your hand. Like the wrist bandages. You can try makeup but it will wear off. If you pack the makeup with a translucent powder ,it may stay better and longer.

Most stick and poke tattoos will last forever but will fade over time. On average they will last between five and ten years. This depends where it is on the body and how well it's been cared for. Aftercare plays a really important part in how your tattoo will look in years to come.

The same goes for neck and hand tattoos: In the US and many other countries, ink on the hands, face, or neck is considered a sign of gang affiliation or prison time.