Piercings in the Workplace
Piercings in the Workplace & Navigating Style Stereotypes
Once seen as a bold act of rebellion, piercings are now a widely accepted form of self-expression. From septum rings to stacked lobes and eyebrow studs, body jewelry has officially entered the mainstream. No more hiding your piercings! But in professional environments — especially corporate, customer facing, or conservative fields — visible piercings can still trigger bias, double takes, or even outdated policies.
So how do you stay true to your style while navigating the (sometimes unspoken) rules of workplace appearance? Do you hide your piercings!?
A Brief History of Piercing Perception
Hiding a nose piercing at work may not be in your future. Historically, visible piercings were associated with counter culture — punks, rebels, alternative communities, and non conformists. This association led to stereotypes about professionalism, reliability, and "appropriateness" in workplace environments.
While attitudes have evolved (thanks to Millennials and Gen Z entering the workforce), many industries are still catching up — especially when it comes to facial piercings, stretched lobes, and non-traditional placements.
What the Data Says
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70% of employers in the U.S. say they don’t mind tattoos or piercings! As long as employees are “well groomed.”!
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However, 20–25% still report negative biases toward facial piercings in customer-facing roles.
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Gen Z professionals are more likely to report feeling empowered by their piercings — and less likely to hide them.
The takeaway? Attitudes are shifting, but not everywhere — and not equally.
Your Rights vs. Company Policies
Overall, while there are few legal protections specifically for body mods, discrimination based on appearance can sometimes overlap with cultural or religious discrimination — especially for piercings tied to spiritual or ancestral practices.
However, unless tied to a protected class (religion, race, etc.), companies still have the right to set grooming and appearance standards — even if they’re outdated.
Tips for Navigating the Workplace With Style
1. Know the Culture
Evidently, you can start by reading the room — not just the handbook. Is the vibe creative and relaxed, or traditional and buttoned-up? Now, are your coworkers hiding their piercings?
2. Choose Low-Key Jewelry for Conservative Settings
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At this time, opt for flat-back studs or small hoops in titanium or 14k gold — materials that are safe and professional. (Avoid PVD colored body jewelry)
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Consider retainers (clear or skin-toned jewelry) for piercings you’re not ready to show off yet.
3. Use Jewelry as a Conversation Starter — Not a Statement
Additionally, if you’re in a role where individuality is encouraged (tech, arts, fashion, etc.), your piercings can actually be an asset — showing creativity, confidence, and cultural fluency. You may not even need to hide your nose piercing for work!
4. Keep It Clean and Intentional
Regardless of how many piercings you have, how you wear them matters. Avoid overly large, flashy, or distracting pieces in formal work places — unless your brand or industry embraces bold style.
Challenging the Stereotypes
Overall, body piercings are no longer just for rock stars and rebels. They're for lawyers, CEOs, nurses, engineers, and educators. And the more we normalize diverse styles in professional places, the faster the old school stigma will fade.
Finally, wearing your piercings to work isn’t just about style — it’s about showing up as your full self. And that’s always professional.
Need Discreet, High-Quality Jewelry for Work?
Check out our workplace friendly collection featuring implant grade titanium, 14k gold, and minimalist designs perfect for professional piercings.