R&B Singer Rihanna is in the headlines for getting her 16th tattoo. Her latest body art reveals a falcon on her ankle, whose wings are fashioned in an L, or gun, shape. This is just one of the many tattoos that she has across her body, some less revealed than others. Despite the number of body art that are seen sported by the various people around us, there is currently a growing number of unemployed Americans with tattoos rushing to laser clinics to have their body art removed.
A quarter of Americans between the age of 18 and 50 have body art, according to the Journal of American Academy of Dermatology, and whether it is to improve chances of getting hired in a cutthroat job market, to move up in a career, or simply a change of heart, there has been an increase of people getting their tattoo(s) removed for good.
According to the Patient's Guide, a website comprised of 25 niche publications dedicated to skin care, laser tattoo removal has increased 32% in the past year alone, with as many as 40% of clients citing employment as a main reason for the treatment.
Dr. Jen Mundt, of Delete Tattoo Removal in Phoenix, Arizona, told ABC News that she sees about 20 to 22 people a day looking to get rid of their body art for prospective jobs. In just the past year, laser tattoo removal has increased 32% and this includes people of all ages.
"The trend I've noticed the most is usually college students who have finished their education, and it's a mistake they made a few years ago, and they're looking for a job," she said, "and people who have lost their jobs and are trying to get back into the workforce and gain an edge."
Prices for tattoo removal vary based on size, but could reach up to $200 per session. The process is a painful one and can take as many as 10 one-hour sessions.
'The pain is like a really hot band snap with hot burning grease on the end of it,' Mundt said.
Mundt stated that although the price is high, especially for the unemployed, it should be viewed as an investment in one's future.
As much as those with tattoos want to argue discrimination, the bottom line is: All employers care about their company's image and how others view that company or brand.
So what does this mean for tattooed job seekers who don't want to go through with the painful tattoo-removal process?
Cover your tats up!
People are free to express themselves however they want on their bodies, but prospective employers have just as much right to turn down overly-inked applicants. Although there are some employers out there that may not mind some tattoos, DON'T take a chance--Be on the safe side and cover it/them up!
Microskin Tattoo Cover is an alternative tattoo "remover" process and 100% pain-free
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