Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader Rookie Reveals How She Covers Her Hand Tattoo amid Team Rules

Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader Emily Awbrey, known as a “comeback girl,” is making waves on social media by sharing her methods for effectively covering a hand tattoo. Following her confirmation to join the team for the 2026-27 season on July 16, Awbrey took to Instagram to provide fans with an insightful step-by-step tutorial. This tutorial highlights the fundamental grooming practices required for cheerleaders amid the strict regulations governing their appearance.

Awbrey, who previously faced elimination, is now back in the spotlight as she embarks on another season with the prestigious Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders (DCC). Her fans will recognise her from the third season of “America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders,” where her hand tattoo became a topic of discussion. According to the DCC website, while prospective cheerleaders may audition with tattoos, they must ensure that none are visible during performances or rehearsals.

In her recent Instagram video, Awbrey addressed numerous inquiries regarding her tattoo coverage technique. “I’ve received a lot of questions asking how I do it, so I thought I’d do a little video and show you how I cover it,” she explained with enthusiasm. In the footage, she demonstrated her meticulous process, which began with applying Dermablend leg and body makeup, using an old makeup sponge specifically reserved for this task.

Awbrey noted that she avoided applying a heavy layer of makeup, opting instead for a technique that favours blending over covering. “Not a super heavy layer, because we’re going to double layer it,” she said, highlighting the importance of blending to achieve a seamless look. Notably, she took care to cover her entire hand to help with the overall integration of the makeup, even stating that she ensured to work it into the creases for a more natural appearance.

In a candid moment, Awbrey revealed a little secret: she doesn’t always cover her finger tattoo, as it’s often concealed by the pom-poms she uses while cheering. She acknowledged the challenges of keeping makeup on her hands, noting that constant movement makes it difficult for foundation to adhere properly. “It’s almost impossible because my hands are rubbing and when I put makeup there, it doesn’t stay,” she remarked.

After applying a second layer of foundation, Awbrey expressed her surprise that viewers were unaware of her tattoo until it was featured on the show. She continued to add more powder and a deeper shade of foundation that complemented her skin tone, emphasising the need for careful application to avoid disrupting the layers already in place. “You’ve got to be careful because the more you touch, the more you pick up the foundation,” she advised.

Although she acknowledged that the final result was not flawless, Awbrey remained optimistic about the efficiency of her method. “Is it perfect? No. But it will get the job done, I’d say,” she noted, playfully asserting her dedication to perfecting the technique. As she added bronzer to balance out her spray tan, she culminated her beauty routine with a vital setting spray, which she touted as “arguably the most important” step for maintaining the look.

While it is common for cheerleaders to navigate the demands of maintaining their appearance, the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders have long been noted for their stringent guidelines. Initially introduced in 1972, these rules have evolved under the leadership of former director Suzanne Mitchell, who enhanced the standards during her time, which lasted from 1976 to 1989. Currently, under the direction of Kelli Finglass, the sought-after cheerleader team maintains regulations that dictate everything from body shape to the acceptable types of makeup.

Finglass has openly defended the guidelines, stating, “I don’t make excuses for our standards. It is a highly visible organisation with very elite dancers, and the uniform is amazing and beautiful and custom-tailored to each individual figure.” Despite the ongoing debate surrounding such strict rules, Awbrey’s insightful tutorial has fostered a connection with fans, providing a glimpse into the effort that goes into the polished persona of a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader.

Through her social media platforms, Emily Awbrey not only showcases her skills but also shares the personal commitment required to uphold the elite standards of cheerleading within a highly competitive environment. As her journey continues, fans remain eager to engage with her behind-the-scenes experiences, making her an even more relatable figure in the cheerleading community.