Over the past few years, self-expression through tattooing and facial piercings has become increasingly accepted and mainstream. Tattoo and piercing popularity is rising, and so it then begs the question: Are body mods still considered unprofessional in the workplace?

Throughout history, professionalism could be associated with clean-cut hair, sharp clothing and polite mannerisms. Many argue that customers expect a certain ‘look’ in work environments and colored hair, piercings, or tattoos could carry negative connotations. If company employees are negatively perceived by guests, their likelihood of returning or recommending the brand to others could be drastically lowered.

In my experience, these customer service concerns have never been an issue. I work at a retail store centered around alternative pop culture. We sell body jewelry, lava lamps, graphic tees and other similar products. Despite our target consumers being 18-24-year-olds, we get an immensely large variety of people coming into the store. 

I and all of my coworkers sport alternative clothing, dyed hair, facial piercings and visible tattoos. I’ve worked with the company for almost two years, and not once have I ever had any negative comments or interactions regarding any of my piercings, makeup, or tattoos. 

In reality, people of all ages and backgrounds, families, older people, young children and others compliment me and my coworkers, which opens the door for us to make more personal and fun connections with our guests. My coworkers and I’s uniqueness and expression, in my experience, actually improve guest interactions and make guests more curious and excited to interact with us. 

I couldn’t tell you how many times I ended up in lengthy conversations with guests asking for piercing care advice and tattoo shop recommendations. I truly value and appreciate my workplace for the opportunity to show people that alternative people are just as capable and interactive in the workplace as those without any body mods.

Other environments, however, argue that many piercings could serve as a safety concern, like in law enforcement, food service or the military. This point I do understand for those with facial piercings. Piercings easily snag on external materials and could serve as a safety concern in environments with strenuous activity. 

For those working in law enforcement or military service, it would be easy to imagine the additional dangers an employee could face if a person were to intentionally grab their piercings as an advantage in a physical altercation. To this argument, I agree there is substantial ground to restrict facial and ear piercings in similar environments.

Another argument I hear often is that allowing piercings or tattoos into more professional workspaces could be a ‘slippery slope,’ meaning that if we start to allow some piercings or just a ‘few’ tattoos, then eventually there will be no restrictions and dress codes will be abandoned. 

I can sympathize with this argument. I know that despite my look being a bit alternative, I have seen several body mods that I don’t feel are particularly professional or aesthetically pleasing. However, for many mainstream workplaces, I would ask to what degree tattoos and facial piercings prevent entry-level employees from completing their tasks.

At my place of work, I receive shipments, move stock up and down ladders, engage with guests, handle cash, manage other employees, and along with other tasks. Not once has a tattoo or piercing ever prevented me from getting my work done timely and efficiently.

In 2023, tattoos and body mods should not be taboo in the workplace. With a majority of young people currently having one or more tattoos, and nearly 20% having facial piercings, times are changing and moving towards a more accepting and accepting future. Although some companies still maintain that body mods are unprofessional, the acceptance and popularity of body mods seem to be increasing. 

Body mods do not negatively affect guest relations and do not reduce workplace productivity. Thus, body mods like tattoos and facial piercings should, and seemingly are, widely accepted in professional workplaces. Body mods are an excellent source of self-expression, and I hope to see more tolerance for them in the workplace in the upcoming years.