Tattoo Removal Business Booming in Slow Job Market

That neck tattoo wasn't such a good idea was it? Tattoo removal businesses are booming these days according to ABC News. Even though tattoos are more accepted and much more common now, they can still cost you a job if visible. According to ABC News:

According to The Patient’s Guide, a website comprised of 25 niche publications dedicated to skin care, laser tattoo removal has increased 32 percent over the past year, with many citing employment as a main reason for the treatment.

Dr. Jen Mundt of Delete Tattoo Removal in Phoenix said she sees about 20 to 22 people a day looking to remove their tattoos for prospective jobs.

“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,” Mundt told ABC News.  “And, people who have lost their jobs and are trying to get back into the workforce and gain an edge.”

Mundt said her clients are primarily concerned with tattoos that are located on the wrist and neck.

“A lot of businesses have a policy that does not allow tattoos that are visible,” she said. “Sometimes you can’t have them at all.”

One of Mundt’s clients, Gregory Barkley, told ABC 15 that his former boss took issue with a neck tattoo he had.

“He didn’t like that too much,” Barkley said. “He didn’t like me to be recognized or the company to be recognized that way.”

Barkley says people used to refer to him as “the guy with the tattoo.”

“It was basically an eyesore,” he said. “It was not professional-looking at all.”

He quickly got the tattoo removed and said it was a learning experience.

Mundt uses laser treatment to get rid of tattoos and said it takes on average about 10 appointments to completely remove a tattoo, with appointments taking place every six weeks. The process can take up to an hour each time.

She said the pain is almost unbearable without the use of a numbing agent, which is injected into the skin prior to the laser zapping the ink.

Wait, you mean businesses don't really like neck tattoos? I'm shocked! With the national job market being so bad, why would you do anything that would prevent you from getting a job? I have to admit, I don't feel that bad for those who get neck tattoos or gauges in their ears. You know, the things that stretches someone's earlobe to the point where you could throw a ping pong ball through them? Yeah, I don't feel sorry for ya when you can't find a job.

Don't get me wrong. I have no problem with tattoos. Just be smart about them. Make sure you can cover them if your job requires it.