Debunking fashion myths: piercings, coloured hair, and tattoos are not unprofessional

It’s an age-old myth that those with more extreme body modifications are unprofessional,

intimidating, or unemployable. More often than not, the character description that comes with body modifications doesn’t match the person. So why do we still get told that unconventional looks make you unemployable? Particularly as, professionally, a person’s skill set and intellect are the driving force of their ability.

In their western origin, tattoos were exclusively showcased by prisoners. The stigma that tattoos are a prison memento has lingered for many generations despite it being both societally and historically untrue. Tattoos were originally used by tribes to demonstrate belonging and now, many people use tattoos as a way to express themselves. Having a tattoo doesn’t make somebody incapable of fulfilling their professional role or duties and yet a lot of companies still associate tattoos with prisoners.

Piercings are also a body modification that originates in tribes, often used as a ritual. However, now people use piercings to express themselves or simply to decorate their bodies. Many people outside of the piercing community view facial piercings as a demonstration of criminality and yet there is no link between having a piece of jewellery in your skin and being a criminal. In fact, maintaining a healthy piercing is a sign of responsibility – ask anyone with a cartilage piercing, it’s not easy to heal!

Another appearance choice that is often associated with unprofessionalism is having unnaturally coloured hair. Although hair colour is less permanent than any other modification on this list, it is arguably the most noticeable as it is difficult to cover up. 70% of women in Europe have dyed hair, however, opting for a colourful dye rather than a natural one is often used against people despite it having no correlation to their personality or abilities. If we held the same standard as brunettes who went blonde or vice versa, nobody would be able to find a job – which demonstrates the absurdity

of this stigma.

The myth that those with tattoos, piercings or colourful hair are unapproachable or

unemployable is cemented upon archaic opinions with no substantial evidence or foundation. As a society, we need to move away from these assumptions and encourage self-expression through body modifications.

Edited by Olivia Booth