From ancient times, tattoos have been a way to show a distinction between people. Nowadays, they have become body art that people love to show off. Neck tattoos are such tattoos that are ready visibly for onlookers to see. However, most people and places, like your workplace, might not allow you to show off your tattoos. This could be a problem, specifically for neck tattoos.
So how to cover up a neck tattoo for work? One way to avoid getting into trouble with your boss or customers is to cover up your neck tattoo. There are many ways of doing this, either with clothes, bandages, or using makeup. If you are looking for effective ways of covering your neck tattoo, then you have come to the right place!
Key Takeaways
- Neck tattoos can be naturally covered up with accessories and clothing depending on the size and placement of the tattoo.
- If not clothes, makeup is a great way to cover up your tattoo. Just make sure to follow the steps so you don’t ruin your tattoo.
- It is advisable to ask the human resources department at your work before getting a neck tattoo.
Different Ways to Cover Up a Neck Tattoo
Neck tattoos may be a bold place to have a tattoo, but they can also be just as easily hidden. From using different types of clothing and accessories, here are some different ways to cover up a neck tattoo.
Button-down collar shirt
If you work in a formal environment, a button-down collar shirt might be the perfect way to cover up your neck tattoo! A button-down shirt is those that have buttons on the collars of the shirt. It doesn’t have to be a button-down shirt; you could just as well do it with a high-collar shirt as well! But with a button-down shirt, you can keep your collars tight-fitted so there is no way anyone can notice the tattoo underneath.
Turtle necks
A turtle neck is another great example of clothing that can help you cover your neck tattoo. It does well to cover up a majority of your neck while still looking in style. As the necks can be folded down, you can adjust how much of your neck you want to cover. That way, your clothing looks natural and helps cover your tattoos.
Scarves
A scarf is an option for using an extra piece of clothing or accessory to hide your neck tattoo. It can help cover your neck entirely, while still being loose enough so that it doesn’t restrict the tattoo underneath. Along with being an additional accessory to style your outfit, you get the added benefit of keeping your tattoo hidden.
Necklaces
If you have a small tattoo at the base of your neck around your collarbone, then you could just as easily hide it with a necklace instead. Match it with your outfit and no one will question if you are hiding a tattoo underneath!
Cover up with hair
With tattoos at the back of your neck, you can cover it with your hair instead! Clothing or accessories might uncomfortably sit on your neck so instead, if you have long hair you can hide your tattoo. Let it naturally hide your tattoo and no one will question it. The only problem with this is that you need to have long hair and it won’t be able to cover the front of your neck completely. While limited in options, it can still get the job done if you style your hair properly.
Skin color adhesive bandage
Many brands sell adhesive bandages that match the color of your skin. This will not only cover up your tattoo but also blend with your skin seamlessly. However, bandages are temporary. You can cover up by feigning a cut that you have covered up but it won’t be permanent as people will start to question why you have a bandage longer than required. It could be a good way to cover up a new tattoo with a breathable bandage to allow it to heal, and then you can use the other ways mentioned above.
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Covering Up Neck Tattoo with Makeup
Clothing can only go so far in covering your tattoo. A full-neck tattoo that goes up to the base of your jawline might be too difficult to cover up with shirts and scarves. That is why a better alternative to clothing will be using makeup to cover up your neck tattoo! The brand Derma Blend has great products that you can use to hide your makeup while also being tattoo-friendly.
And remember, only apply makeup on a tattoo that has healed (which is usually after a month of getting the tattoo). Do not cover your new tattoo with makeup as it will prevent it from healing and cause your tattoo to get ruined.
Step 1: Clean dirt and oil
The first step is to clean the tattooed skin on your neck. You can use normal tissues or wet cotton cloth to wipe away the dirt and oil from your neck. But I have found the best way to do so is to use unscented wet wipes to get rid of all the dirt and oil so your makeup sits nicely on the skin.
Step 2: Use a moisturizer
After cleaning your skin, next is to use a moisturizer on your neck. This is to ensure that your skin remains hydrated underneath the makeup. A dry tattoo will start to flake after being trapped underneath the makeup so it is important to have it moisturized so your skin stays fresh and your tattoo stays nice and hydrated.
Step 3: Apply a primer
A primer will help to apply the makeup easier with a smoother texture on your skin and tattoo and make the makeup last longer. So right after moisturizing your tattoo, add 1 to 2 drops of primer on your tattoo so that it covers tattoos and gives it a smooth finish.
Step 4: Corrector to match skin
Using a corrector can help match your tattoo color with your skin color. Use it to blend the lines and edges of the tattoo so that when you apply the makeup it helps blend the makeup and cover up the tattoo.
Step 5: Apply concealer
After applying the corrector, it is time to get a heavy-duty concealer to matte the edges of your neck tattoo and apply it all over the tattoo itself. Make sure to use a larger concealer brush to apply the concealer and completely cover your tattoo and a smaller brush to blend the edges with your skin color.
Step 6: Apply foundation
Finally, get an oil-free foundation that matches your skin color and apply it on top of the concealer. Then use a beauty blender to help smooth out the edges and you are done!
Why Cover Up Neck Tattoo for Work?
The problem with neck tattoos is that most people will consider it unprofessional to have them in a place where everyone can see them. More people have tattoos now than ever before but large tattoos and a heavily tattooed person are still not the norms. While someone with a full-sleeve tattoo can still be considered not a norm, it can still be easily covered. Neck tattoos are harder to cover because of their placements.
The negative stigma around neck tattoos will persist because it creates a negative impression on people. This is especially the case for someone in the retail business where they have to interact with customers who might view the store negatively if they see someone having a neck tattoo. This is due to their own prejudices about neck tattoos, but as a business, the store cannot have a negative image and so neck tattoos might not be acceptable for work.
In a more formal and business environment, neck tattoos can be seen as unprofessional and people can be quick to judge someone who has a neck tattoo. That is why most offices do not allow tattoos that are visible and will ask workers to cover up the tattoo.
As the years go by, more and more people will start accepting visible tattoos such as on the neck, but it is the choice of the employers if they will allow neck tattoos or not. Sometimes, your workplace might even ask you to get a laser removal of your neck tattoo. So it is best to ask your employers before getting one.
FAQs
Are neck tattoos hard to cover up?
Neck tattoos are difficult to cover up depending on the position of the tattoo. A smaller neck tattoo will be easier to cover up than a large neck tattoo that is all over your neck.
Can you still work with a neck tattoo?
Some workplaces will allow you to have a neck tattoo, but it is best to talk to human resources before getting a neck tattoo.
Does the army allow neck tattoos?
The US army allows a neck tattoo of up to 1 inch that is on the side of the neck and no larger than 2 inches at the back of the neck. However, they will not allow neck tattoos on the front of the neck.
Is using makeup on tattoos okay?
Yes, it is okay to use makeup on your tattoos. But make sure that your tattoo is healed before using makeup on it. Never apply makeup on a new tattoo under any circumstances.
Final Thoughts
Overall, neck tattoos are getting more and more popular despite having a negative outlook on society. If you are planning on getting a neck tattoo, talk to your employers and see if they will allow it. Some places are more liberal about neck tattoos than others, but it is not worth risking your job for a tattoo. You can hide your neck tattoo all you want but it will get difficult to always have it covered. A cover-up is a temporary solution so decide on getting a neck tattoo after careful consideration with your boss.
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