Ever admired a tattoo but hesitated, wondering if it might cost you your job? You’re not alone—visible tattoos are still seen by many as a career risk. In fact, a 2022 poll revealed that 63% of people consider face and neck tattoos unprofessional.
Whether you’re thinking about getting a tattoo but fear workplace consequences, or you’re worried about changing career paths because of your visible ink, don’t stress—it’s now easier than ever to cover tattoos for long periods using cosmetics, clothing, and more.
Here are some effective ways to keep your tattoos hidden and make your life easier.
1. Full Coverage Makeup to Hide Tattoos
One of the most obvious and effective ways to cover up tattoos is with the use of makeup, such as heavy-duty foundations and concealers. Companies like KVD Beauty and Dermablend make full coverage products that are designed specifically for the use of covering tattoos; their products are water-resistant and intended to be worn for long periods of time, so you will be worry-free during a long workday.
Following are some makeup products that can help you hide tattoos perfectly for the workplace:
- Orange color-correcting crayons that can hide the dark shade of the tattoo.
- Primers that are close to your skin shade.
- Full coverage, waterproof concealer that covers the tattoo in just one stroke.
- Full coverage foundation as a base.
Skin Tone and Skin Type Considerations
Keep in mind that you will need different foundations, primers, and concealers according to your skin type and color tone.
For instance:
- For Fair Skin: Peach or orange color correctors are the best.
- For Dark Skin: Red or deep orange color correctors with high-coverage foundation.
- For Oily Skin: You will need a matte-finish foundation for better oil control.
- For Sensitive Skin: Use fragrance-free products. Avoid using bandages to cover the tattoos as they can cause skin rash or irritation.
- For Normal Skin: Use any foundation and color corrector comfortably.
- For Dry Skin: Use creamy foundation to prevent flaking and to keep the coverage smooth over the tattoo.
Weather condition is another major factor that determines how well the makeup will stay intact. Like, in hot weather, sweat may break down the foundation, while in colder or drier climates, makeup can crack or flake.
2. Use Tegaderm
Although Tegaderm is used to secure skin wounds, cuts, and blisters, you can use it to cover small tattoos.
- Trim Tegaderm so it fully covers the tattoo with at least a 1-inch border.
- Cover the tattoo with a foundation layer to hide it.
- Place it on the tattoo carefully.
- Press down gently to ensure all edges stick well without air bubbles.
3. Get Professional Airbrush Makeup
Professional airbrush makeup can hide even the dark ink as well. They are lightweight, smudge-proof, and give full coverage.
The makeup is sprayed in thin, even layers to blend with your skin tone perfectly. The professionals may use multiple layers for full opacity without looking cakey.
4. Long Sleeves to Cover Tattooed Arms and Hands
It is the most common way to solve the visibility issue of the tattoo. Since many people get tattoos in remembrance of someone close to their heart, they want a solution that can be reverted easily.
How to cover hand tattoos for work? It’s easy! You can get special tattoo cover-up sleeves from companies like Tat2X that are made of cooling fabric and grip the skin with an elastic band, keeping them in place for hours at a time. These are a great idea for those who would prefer to conceal their tattoos with clothing as opposed to a cosmetic product but want a little extra coverage or protection. These sleeves come in a variety of colors and sizes, so they can be customized to your skin tone and the size of the area you’d like to cover, and are safe for sensitive skin.
5. Use Cloth or Grow Hair Long to Cover Neck Tattoos
The quick answer to your question “How to cover neck tattoos for work?” is: Use any kind of fabric to hide it. It can be a turtle neck or silk scarf in cold temperatures. If you do not like these dressing options, you can also utilize makeup or bandanas to conceal neck tattoos. It will help you maintain a proper dress code in the office, and your tattoos will not be visible as well.
6. Cover Small Tattoos With Jewelry
If you love trendy fashion jewelry, it might also help draw people’s attention away from your tattoos. You can wear bracelets, chokers, necklaces, rings, cuffs, and watches to hide the tattoos. However, you must take care of the dress code at your workplace. For example, rings with big gemstones and fancy bracelets might not be appreciated at work. So you can wear broad and minimal wristbands.
7. Wear Long Boots and Socks
Tattoos on ankles and legs might be the easiest to hide. You can wear long boots, socks, shoes, and covered sandals to work, and no one will see the tattoos. Ankle boots and dress shoes are the best options to choose from. They not only look professional but effectively conceal the tattoos but also enhance your personality.
Another easy way is to wear long pants in the first place. Then, you will not have to wear additional accessories.
8. Blank Skin Sheets
These revolutionary products available from retailers like Amazon can be customized to match your skin tone and adhere to the skin like a bandaid. With a skin-like appearance, these sheets are used by tattoo artists to practice tattooing blank skin, but can also be used to conceal existing tattoos, especially in areas that will be partially covered by clothing as well. These sheets grip tightly to your skin, so they will last well during a long day of wear – just be warned that they might hurt a little coming off, similar to the feeling of ripping off a bandaid.
9. Try Tattoo Removal Creams
Since the permanent ink of tattoos reaches the middle layer of your skin, these tattoo removal creams bleach the upper layer of skin to blur the tattoo.
These creams stay just on the top layer of the skin. They do not invade the skin. Hence, there are only some side effects. However, if the tattoo ink is darker, it might not remove it.
It can damage the skin tissues and cause serious concerns in some cases. Skin burns, redness, rashes, discoloration, and inflammation are some problems that you might face.
The correct method is to ask the professional before using any technique to remove tattoos. Different skin types are prone to different products.
10. Laser Tattoo Removal
The laser technique is more precise, with minimum side effects and long-term benefits. If you want to get rid of tattoos permanently and your skin is not sensitive, laser is the best option for you.
In this technique, the focused beam heats the inked area and breaks the ink into pieces. It is then cleared away by the body’s immune system and the tattoo fades over time. They direct the laser beam on just the inked area and leave the other parts of the skin.
The process can be a little painful. But it only takes a few minutes. However, if you feel extreme pain, inform the doctor.
Many people prefer permanent removal because they do not have to hide the tattoos from other items and feel more confident in themselves.
11. Coflex Tape
Coflex tape is a stretchy, breathable, and lightweight tape that sticks to itself but not to your skin. It’s usually used in medical settings, but if you’ve got a tattoo and need to cover it quickly and discreetly, Coflex tape can do that as well. It is best suited for arms and wrists.
Just wrap the tape around the area where your tattoo is. Ensure that it is not too tight or loose to blend it perfectly. The best part? There’s no sticky residue to deal with. When the day’s done, you just peel it off like a simple tape.
12. Use Bandages or Band-Aids
Bandages that match your skin color are a genius idea for hiding the inked areas.
- Grab a skin-toned, self-adhesive bandage.
- Make sure your skin is clean, dry, and ready to go. Stick that bandage on nice and flat so it doesn’t wrinkle up.
- If your tattoo’s in a spot that gets sweaty (like your wrist or neck), you might wanna change that bandage halfway through the day.
13. Wear Tattoo Gloves
If you have a desk job, stickers and band-aids would work, but if you do labor work, you might need tattoo gloves to cover your hands. You can use fingerless ones because they look cool and don’t cause issues while you work.
For a more seamless look, choose skin-colored gloves that blend on your hand. You should invest in good-quality gloves that won’t rip or lose elasticity over time.
14. Apply Tattoo Cover-Up Sprays
You must have seen tattoo cover-up sprays online. They are efficient and quick in hiding your tattoos for work. The following are quick steps to use them correctly:
- Wash the skin to remove any dirt or oil.
- Shake the spray first.
- Hold the spray about 6-8 inches away from your skin and spray lightly and evenly.
- Use a makeup sponge or your fingers to gently blend the edges into your skin.
Conclusion
There are tons of ways to hide tattoos for work, like using makeup, jewelry, accessories, and clothing designs. It is completely up to your own styling choices and preferences to pick the ones that suit your requirements best.
