As society progresses, more and more companies and job fields are becoming more lenient with allowing unnatural hair colors, piercings, and tattoos in the workforce. Hair color, piercings, and tattoos are all ways people express who they are and their interests, yet they’re commonly looked down upon from a professional standpoint. Physical appearance can make or break whether someone gets a job, but as more people choose to do as they please with their bodies without caring about what their bosses have to say, our society is starting to see a shift in diversity in professional settings. Having blue hair, a septum piercing, or a neck tattoo doesn’t determine someone’s work ethic or intelligence, and this is becoming more apparent as people who have any of these are finally becoming more respected. However, there are still plenty of professions that are strict on physical appearances, so I thought I’d share some job fields that allow self-expression until it becomes the norm for all companies.
1. The Beauty Industry
Because the beauty field encourages self-expression rather than limiting it, makeup artists, hairstylists, estheticians, etc., can have piercings and tattoos while still being looked at as professionals.
2. The Marketing Industry
Some firms may not allow crazy hair colors, tattoos, and piercings, but for the most part, people in the marketing industry aren’t looked down upon for any of these.
3. Real Estate
As a real estate agent, you can basically look and dress however you want as long as you still have a sense of professionalism. You might need to alter your appearance every so often, though, depending on your clientele.
4. Professors
Professors with tattoos, piercings, and unnatural hair may not be abundant in academia, but they certainly exist and should not affect your job prospects if you’re qualified.
5. IT, CS, and Data Science
These industries are becoming more progressive, including being more lenient towards their employees’ choices with their bodies. Some larger companies may not be as accepting of this, though, so it’s good to do your research as to which companies allow them.