With tattoos getting more exposure now compared to decades ago, and so many people having them on hard to conceal places, the line between whether or not tattoos are accepted in the workplace is still undefined. The hair, beauty, and nail industry is no different. Some employers don't see it as a problem, and some would find it unacceptable and expect you to cover them up. The salon's image and targeted demographic would also play a role on an employer's decision of whether or not exposed tattoos are ok. If they are trying to achieve a pristine, professional image, than most likely they will look down on things like unnaturally coloured hair, facial piercings, and tattoos. Edgy, alternative salons might be more accepting considering they're trying to be unique.
My personal view, I'm quite judgemental about ink. I feel the type of ink a person has says a bit about them. I think I've seen enough infinity signs, stars, dream catchers, feathers, angel wings, and tribals, to say majority of people who think they're being unique really aren't, and they've wasted their skin and money getting a carbon copy of something thousands of people already had. It's just not very unique or special at that point. Don't get me wrong. I love tattoos. I have a few, and I've been planning to get a piece done for awhile now. But I personally feel that unless my career involved being around only an alternative crowd, I would only pick tasteful positions to place mine in case I have a gig where I have to look polished. I may not see a problem with it, but whoever's in charge might. It's just something to consider if you're not your own boss or are working within someone else's business.
