To get into massage therapy, would it matter if I get a tattoo?

[Little Monster ?]

Okay, well I want a tattoo on my wrist. My dad reckons it will make getting any job harder. Is this true? I want to become a massage therapist. I wouldn't think it would matter of I had a tattoo or not.

 

[Sasparilla]

Well I've only worked in massage for 4 years. No, it does not matter because massage therapists are not considered true professionals. The owner of the clinic where I last worked had a whole sleeve.

 

[Bill]

of course it wont make a difference! it used to years back but times have changed, tats are cool these days and more accepted.

 

[Christina]

it does matter. when you enroll for school they're gonna tell you the same thing. your teacher may not care but what are you gonna do when looking for a job? sure you can wear a long sleeve but what about AFTER you get hired? some places don't allow you to have visible tattoos or piercings. you have to make sure your hair is done and looks nice, if you're a girl your face has to be well put together (especially if you're working at a spa), your clothes have to be clean and not wrinkled. personal hygiene is a big thing also. people always think that being a massage therapist is all about just touching people... it's not. I'm a MT student. trust me.

 

[Ms. Advice]

Not at all. I have tattoos on both my wrists and I work in a law office.

 

[dcslmt]

The beauty of massage therapy: it's where art meets science. MT's tend to rock their own distinct styles, anyway. Clients don't expect us to be wearing business casual, as long as your demeanor is professional and you're knowledgeable about what you do. One MT I know got the logo of a client's company tattooed on the back of his hand, because the client paid him $1000 to do it. Did it ruin his business? No.

Make sure it's not something obscene, which actually would be a problem for you, and you'll be fine.