Have piercing’s become socially acceptable?

Lee Horton

Teens and young adults enjoy getting tattoo’s, piercing’s, and doing “crazy” things. And quite often in today’s day, it’s a way for them to show who they are as a person. But could having these things as a teen, be a consequence for you when you’re an adult? In a study done, 60% of employers said they are less likely to hire someone who has tattoo’s or a piercing.

Lee Horton does piercing’s at Legacy Tattoo’s and Piercing’s, and he thinks that piercing’s are more socially acceptable in today’s age.

“As we move further away from generations that are solely stuck in the ‘you need to be the most proper version of yourself to be able to be successful in life’, I find piercing’s are a little more acceptable. There’s still obviously some striking one’s that are a little more out there.” He says. “I don’t know if it’s changing, it seems things are more acceptable. But, as the people who have piercing’s grow and turn into the employers, generally they’re going to not hold that against their employees.”

Horton adds that typically now, employers don’t mind a nose piercing, unless you’re working with food. But, that eyebrow and lip piercings seem to come off as aggressive in a workplace setting. He adds that with certain jobs you may not be able to get those piercing’s or tattoo’s you want.

“Just because they’re becoming more socially acceptable, doesn’t mean you should go out and tattoo your face… if you want to get into a job where you know you need to be properly dressed right and dressed up, don’t get hand tattoo’s.”

When getting a tattoo, you need to ensure that you’re going to the right people who know what they’re doing. Make sure before you go, that you following some important tips…

“Look for portfolios, call and ask questions, don’t shop around based on price.” Horton says. “You will always find it cheaper, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s going to be good. You have to look at piercing as something where we’re implanting a piece of metal into your body permanently. And that generally, should cost more than a couple of meals at McDonald’s.”