Making the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders squad takes far more than dance talent. Every detail matters, including appearance. Just days after earning a coveted spot on the 2026-27 roster, rookie Emily Awbrey pulled back the curtain on one of the beauty routines fans had been curious about for months, showing exactly how she hides her hand tattoo to meet the team’s long-standing appearance standards.
Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader Emily Awbrey explains how she covers her hand tattoo
Emily Awbrey’s journey to the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders has already become one of the most inspiring stories of the season. After falling short during last year’s auditions, she returned determined to earn a place on the iconic squad and successfully secured a spot as one of the team’s “comeback girls.”Following the announcement, fans who watched America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders began asking the same question. How does she cover the hand tattoo that appeared during the Netflix series?Awbrey answered that curiosity herself in a detailed Instagram video, taking followers through every step of the process.“I’ve gotten 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 said.She admitted the process starts with an imperfect canvas because of a recent spray tan.“I take this most disgusting, dusty, gross beauty blender that I only use for this,” she joked before applying Dermablend leg and body makeup.Rather than piling on a thick coat immediately, Awbrey prefers building coverage gradually.“Not a super heavy layer, because we’re going to double layer it,” she explained, noting that blending makeup across the entire hand creates a more natural finish. She also works product into every crease by moving her fingers before locking everything in with loose setting powder.The rookie also shared one surprising confession.She told fans “a little secret,” revealing that she does not always cover the tattoo on one finger because it is usually hidden by the team’s pom-poms.Still, she admitted that concealing tattoos on hands is one of the hardest beauty challenges.“It’s almost impossible” because her hands constantly move and rub together, making makeup difficult to keep in place.
Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders appearance rules remain unchanged
Awbrey’s tutorial also highlighted the strict grooming standards that continue to define the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders.According to the team’s official guidelines, hopefuls may audition with tattoos, but no tattoo, regardless of size, can be visible while wearing the uniform or rehearsal attire. That rule has remained in place for decades alongside other appearance expectations covering hair, makeup and overall presentation.To improve the coverage, Awbrey applied another layer of foundation, additional powder and a darker shade that better matched her arm.“I don’t think anyone knew I had a hand tattoo until the show came out,” she said while demonstrating the final steps.She also warned that patience is essential during the routine.“You’ve got to be careful because the more you touch, the more you pick up the foundation, because there’s just a lot of layer there … you can’t blend it too much, you kind of just have to let it low-key sit.”After adding bronzer to balance the color from her spray tan, she finished everything with two setting sprays, calling the final step the key to keeping the makeup in place throughout practices and performances.Even then, Awbrey acknowledged the process is not flawless.“Is it perfect? No. But it will get the job done, I’d say,” she said.Her candid tutorial gave fans a rare behind the scenes look at the preparation required to meet one of professional cheerleading’s most recognizable standards, proving that making the squad involves plenty of dedication long before stepping onto the field.
