Will the Chinese Judge My Tattoos?

Even though we are living in an increasingly open society, many things are still hard for the public to accept. Something that was normal previously may not be when you are challenged with changing your environment.

Having "Tattoos" still bears lots of controversies worldwide, but younger generations are becoming increasingly into wearing tattoos. However, living in China as a foreigner, you may wonder "Will I encounter difficulties in China because I have tattoos?"



Will tattoos make it hard for me to find a job in China?


No company has said publicly that tattoos are forbidden for its employees.


Generally speaking, however, large corporations are going to be more demanding on the appearance of their employees than small companies. If you work in a big company, we recommend not showing off any particularly large tattoos.


Many foreigners may not know this, but tattoos cannot be shown on Chinese television programs:

Chinese singer Sitar Tan covered her tattoos with her clothes in a show.


The tattoos will be blurred on screen if not covered.


Does that mean Chinese society suppresses people's individuality? Well, that's not totally true.


One of the reasons is, in ancient China, tattoos were used to identify criminals. Despite becoming legally acceptable in modern times, some people's concept has not completely changed. So if you have an important client to work with, it's best to wear something that covers your tattoos.



Despite limitations such as these, you can always display your unique tattoos after work, without worrying about screwing up your business.



I have to attend a very formal event, but clothes can't cover my tattoos up. What should I do?


If your tattoos are on your hands, face or neck, then don't expect clothes will cover them up perfectly. However, there are still solutions!



Tattoo concealer is a quick and accessible way to temporarily hide tattoos.

Covering patches are also a good choice:

Both of these options can be purchased on Taobao.



One the one hand, I do want to get a tattoo, but on the other hand, I don't want it to affect my work or my interpersonal relationships. What should I do?


The good answer is choosing a small one in a place where it can be easily concealed.


Even though some people are still keen on the traditional large tattoo:

New generations nowadays are using other types of designs and styles to express themselves. This type of tattoo tends to be more characteristic and less conspicuous:








Can you recommend any good tattoo parlours in Shanghai?


If you want to get a tattoo in Shanghai, AnyHelper can recommend some well-received shops, some of which we have personal experience with. Some of them are operated by foreigners, and others still are locally owned but frequently visited by foreigners in Shanghai.


However, in light of the fact that tattoos are not a trivial matter, be careful getting tattoos of Chinese characters. In case your Chinese is not very good, we suggest you ask a Chinese friend to accompany you to ensure that there is no mistake. The same can be said for native Chinese looking to get English words tattooed-better safe than sorry.


Here are some of the tattoo shops we recommend, based on their comments and reviews. If you have any other good suggestions, feel free to add them in the comments section of this article!


1

Shanghai Tattoo

Address: 4F, Maoming Nan Road, Huangpu Dist

14

Phone: 13611814666




2

Address: Earl, Room A, No. 411 Ruijin Second Road, 1904

411A1904

Phone: 18516655889

Average Price: 1176

Rating: 



3

Boobies Tattoo & Art

Address: B201 East Jiashan Market, No. 25, Lane 550, South Shanxi Road

55025B201

Phone: 35305271

Average Price: 4514



4

TATTOOMAMA

Address: G07, Koreatown, Qinshui Flower Street, No. 2909 Hechuan Road, Minhang District

2909G07

Phone: 13052308883

Average Price: 783

Rating: 



5

In Time Tattoo

Address: No 123, University Road, Room 501

123501

Phone: 15618394693

Average Price: 1269

Rating: 



6

Address: Room 37, Lane 155, Jianguo Middle Road, Tianzifang

15537

Phone: 13636429555

Average Price: 960

Rating: 




AnyHelper can help the translation of your Chinese calligraphy tattoo.


From calligraphy to traditional Chinese symbols and historical individuals, Chinese tattoos have been one of the most popular styles of tattoos around the world. However, there has been sometimes that individuals get Chinese characters without knowing any actual mandarin:

Clockwise, starting at the top left; the literal English translation is: "this - is - tat - too" 


Here are some of the steps you might want to follow before getting under the needle:


  1. Research Chinese culture and calligraphy

  2. Never trust an online translator, an online translator will never be better than a native speaker translating

  3. Research about tattoo artists that specialize in your preferred style

  4. After researching the artist, make sure you take a look at his/her shop and work; past work tends to predict future tattoo art

  5. The shop needs to follow appropriate sanitary procedures

  6. If you have had the opportunity to meet a Chinese native speaker, ask him/her for advice or translation


AnyHelper is happy to help if you are not sure about the meaning of mandarin words or phrases! And keep this pain chart in mind before you get a tattoo!


Do you have further questions about daily life in China?

Ask AnyHelper!

(10 am - 6 pm)

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