Tattoos have long been a form of self-expression, but for some, they carry significant professional consequences. Ash Putnam, a 23-year-old social media influencer, experienced this firsthand when her visible face tattoos appeared to interfere with her job opportunities. Despite applying for a retail job, she received an automated rejection. Upon inquiry, she was told it was due to lack of experience, yet Putnam couldn’t shake the feeling that her tattoos were influencing hiring decisions.
In today’s world, the intersection of personal expression and professional standards remains a delicate balance. While body art, including tattoos, is more widely accepted than ever before, there is still a stigma attached to visible tattoos in many professional settings. Ash Putnam’s story brings attention to the broader issue of workplace discrimination based on appearance.
For Putnam, her tattoos aren’t just decorative; they are an integral part of her identity. Her facial tattoos and septum piercing have become defining features of her unique style, making her stand out in a world that often demands conformity, especially in professional environments. However, this expression of individuality comes at a cost when it comes to job applications. She expressed frustration in her TikTok videos, which have gone viral with over 9.7 million views, questioning why tattoos should be a hindrance in a person’s ability to perform well in the workplace.
Many commenters on her videos echoed similar sentiments, sharing their own experiences with discrimination because of tattoos or piercings. Some former employees and hiring managers from various retail chains, like TJ Maxx, admitted that visible facial tattoos and piercings could indeed affect hiring decisions. One user even confirmed that these visible modifications might be why individuals are not hired for certain customer-facing roles.
On the other hand, there are those who argue that employers have the right to set specific standards, especially for roles that involve direct customer interaction. Some argue that tattoos and body modifications might not align with the professional image a company is trying to maintain. This mindset, however, can lead to highly qualified candidates being passed over due to a mere visual characteristic.
Putnam’s case is a reflection of the tension between personal freedom and corporate expectations. Although tattoos are often deeply personal and meaningful for those who choose them, the corporate world sometimes views body art differently, especially in roles that require a specific image or standard.
Putnam herself has spoken openly about how her tattoos do not diminish her capability as a worker. “Just because I have tattoos doesn’t mean I’m not going to be a good worker,” she said in one of her social media posts. This sentiment resonates with many others who have felt similarly judged or overlooked because of their appearance.
Her story has sparked wider conversations about how society, particularly in the workforce, perceives body modifications like tattoos. As tattoos become increasingly mainstream, it begs the question of why certain industries or companies still cling to traditional standards of professionalism that may no longer reflect modern societal values.
The debate over appearance-based discrimination goes beyond tattoos, encompassing broader issues about what is considered “acceptable” in professional environments. Those who argue for more inclusivity believe that individuality and self-expression should not be barriers to employment. After all, being an effective employee is determined by skills, work ethic, and experience—not by body art.
As Putnam’s story gains more attention, it brings to light how policies around tattoos and body modifications may need to evolve to reflect the changing social landscape. Tattoos, once considered rebellious or unprofessional, are increasingly becoming a common form of self-expression. For individuals like Ash Putnam, their tattoos carry personal significance, and they challenge the outdated notions that visible body art somehow hinders their ability to perform professionally.
This issue is far from black and white, as societal attitudes towards body art continue to shift. The corporate world, particularly in customer-facing roles, may need to reassess how it approaches these personal expressions to create more inclusive and fair hiring practices.