What Age Is It Legal To Get A Tattoo?

18 years old However, all 50 states and the District of Columbia have statutory laws requiring a person receiving a tattoo be at least 18 years old. This is partially based on the legal principle that a minor cannot enter into a legal contract or otherwise render informed consent for a procedure.

Can you get tattoos If you are 16?

Nationally, the minimum age requirement in the United States is 18. That means anyone who is 18 or older can be tattooed without parental consent. Getting tattooed as a minor, however, depends on the state you’re in.

Can I get a tattoo at 16 UK?

Age of consent in the UK – The UK prohibits anyone under the age of 18 to have a tattoo, and any artist found to do so will be prosecuted and fined, so, it’s imperative you always ask for proof of age and to include a copy in a consent form. Interestingly, the legal age for a tattoo does differ in other parts of Europe.

For example, there is no age restriction in Bulgaria, Czech Republic or Hungary, and in Spain, customers as young as 14 can get inked. France’s age requirement is 16, while Austria, Denmark and Germany are among the few who join the UK of the minimum age being 18.

The UK is actually one of the only E. countries not to allow tattooing of teenagers under 18 whatsoever, even with parental consent. In fact, within the UK, you are required to have a license for a broad range of permanent surgical procedures, including tattooing, semi-permanent skin colouring, cosmetic piercing, electrolysis and acupuncture. What Age Is It Legal To Get A Tattoo.

Can you get a tattoo at 15 in Oklahoma?

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Can you get a tattoo at 16 Poland?

European Cases: Tattoos in Minors –

  1. Spain : Spain is one of the countries who has more than a central Government. Therefore, depending on which independent province you go to you will be able to get a tattoo. In some provinces, you will be able to get a tattoo at 14 always with the signed adult consent, whereas in other you will have to be 17 or older.
  2. Croatia and Austria : 16 with written parental consent.
  3. Greece : sometimes under 16 with written consent and the presence of a tutor or parent in the room where the minor is being tattooed.
  4. Ireland : besides the lack of legislation, you can get a tattoo at 16 if with adult consent.
  5. UK : like many other countries, never, under no circumstance under 18
  6. Finland : only under 16 with written consent too.
  7. France, Slovakia, Sweden, Germany, Cyprus, Poland, Portugal : 16 years old no permission needed.

Should I let my 17 year old get a tattoo?

Talking about tattoos with your teen – Learn their reasons for wanting one: Ask your teens plenty of questions. How long have they been thinking about a tattoo, and what does it mean to them? Is the image they’re considering something particularly meaningful — or just trendy or seemingly impulsive? Why does it need to happen now? It’s important that the reasons are not short-lived (e.

, it’s a hot trend today), because that makes it less likely that they’ll still like it many years later. Discuss potential health risks: Roughly half of parents in the Mott poll said they were very concerned about negative health effects such as infection, scarring and transmission of diseases — such as hepatitis or HIV — via unsanitary needles.

MORE FROM MICHIGAN: Subscribe to our weekly newsletter While these negative health effects are not common, they are real risks, especially if tattoos are done in an amateur fashion and not in an established, reputable shop. Licensing for tattoo artists runs the gamut and varies by state.

  1. Talk about the impact on professional prospects: Half of surveyed parents were very concerned that employers might judge or stereotype a teen with a tattoo; 24 percent were very concerned that a tattoo would reflect badly on the parents;

Employers’ acceptance of tattoos has gone up over the past couple of decades. Fewer businesses now ban employee tattoos, but some still prohibit visible tattoos in the workplace. Still, there’s always a chance that a tattoo could turn off a potential employer.

The understandable teenage response is often “that’s not fair. ” That may be the case, but we know this happens and it’s something they should be prepared for. Propose alternative forms of expression: Two-thirds of parents (63 percent) in the Mott poll agreed that tattoos are a form of self-expression similar to dyeing hair or clothing choice.

There are few, if any, reasons for a parent to try to control a child’s hairstyle or wardrobe. But those decisions aren’t permanent. Unsurprisingly, the most common concern (among 68 percent of parents polled) was that as their children age and mature, they may regret getting a permanent tattoo.

  1. This is a valid issue;
  2. Tattoos are very difficult to get rid of;
  3. Teens should not go into this thinking it’s something they can later reverse — because doing so is painful, expensive and time-consuming;
  4. Ask them if they’re sure this is a tattoo they will want on their body for the rest of their life;

Don’t bow to pressure: A common theme when we talk to parents about adolescent choices is not to encourage anything you don’t want to see your teen doing. So if you don’t want your child to get a tattoo, don’t pay for it and don’t sign paperwork giving minors permission to get one, even if they beg or threaten to find a way to get one without your knowledge.

SEE ALSO: Make Sure Your Teen Has Had These 4 Lifesaving Vaccines Thirty-two percent of parents in the Mott poll had a tattoo themselves. Even if you’re one of those parents, you’re under no obligation to agree.

Bottom line: It’s not going to ruin a teenager’s life to wait until he or she is 18 to get a tattoo. Have respectful dialogue: Even when you disagree or say no, a loving approach is important. Openly discuss the pros and cons of tattoos and calmly ask your teens questions they may not have considered: How do they feel this would enhance their life? What potential consequences might it lead to? Would other, less permanent forms of expression suffice for now? Keeping the communication lines open and loving will increase the likelihood that your teen will turn to you when something bigger comes along.

If you do agree to the tattoo: While an overwhelming majority of parents — 78 percent — said they would “absolutely not consider” letting their teens get a tattoo, 1 in 10 thought a tattoo would be OK as a reward, to mark a special occasion or if the tattoo could be hidden.

If you’re among parents who would say yes to a tattoo, thoroughly research the tattoo parlor to ensure that it has been in business for a long time and that it employs a skilled artist in an established location. Interview artists about antiseptic processes and the equipment they use.

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How much is a tattoo?

Factors of Average Tattoo Prices – There is a lot that goes into figuring out the cost of your new tattoo. It isn’t a straight forward answer. Things like materials, size, location, and type of tattoo affect the price. On average you can expect to charge $50-100 for a small tattoo, up to $200 for a medium tattoo and over $250 for a large tattoo.

What can u do at 16 UK?

How much do tattoos cost UK?

The average cost of a tattoo in The UK is £130, and depends a lot on the size of the tattoo. A small tattoo, outline of a wave on your ankle or a paper plane on your wrist are usually priced in the £60 – £80 range. Go a bit larger, credit card sized tattoo, and you’re in the £100 – 150 range.

Are Tattoos Safe UK?

The European Chemicals Agency says the inks are potentially toxic and can also cause allergic reactions and painful itching that lasts years What Age Is It Legal To Get A Tattoo Cheryl’s rose tattoo is one of the more infamous celebrity inkings ( Image: WENN. com) Tattoo ink used to create designs for millions of Brits could increase the chances of getting cancer and should be banned according to research. The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has warned that tattoo inks are potentially toxic, according to a study which could see many of them banned.

According to the report the inks can cause skin problems, from allergic reactions and painful itching that can last for years to an increased risk of cancer. The Agency is about to publish a list of suspect chemicals widely used in tattoo inks, which is likely to lead to their being banned across the European Union with the UK likely to follow suit if this happens post Brexit.

Red tattoo inks were described as the most dangerous but blue, green and black were also implicated. David Beckham has helped popularise the tattoo ( Image: H&M) The agency said: “Many reports show concerns for public health stemming from the composition of inks used for tattooing.

  • “The most severe concerns are allergies caused by the substances in the inks and possible carcinogenic, mutagenic or reproductive toxic effects;
  • ” The warning comes as Britain’s enthusiasm for tattoos is at an all-time high with a fifth of Brits sporting a design and one in three young adults deciding to get inked;

The surge in popularity of tattoos is partly linked to their popularity among celebrities such as David Beckham who currently has 40 designs across his body and the late Amy Winehouse who had 14. Veteran actress Dame Judi Dench has even joined the trend revealing last month that she had the Latin phrase “Carpe diem” (seize the day) tattooed on her wrist for her 81st birthday.

The ECHA began looking into tatto ink because of reports of a number of health problems associated with the practice. There have been growing concerns about the status of tattoo inks, which, despite being injected into the body, are not subject to regulations applying to drugs or even food.

Amy Winehouse sported several impressive tattoos Rick Stevens, president of the Tattoo and Piercing Industry Union in the UK, who has five tattoo parlours in Kent, said the industry welcomed these findings. He said there had been a surge of cheap Chinese tattoo inks of dubious quality.

  1. Mr Stevens added: “There is no system for checking what is in these inks;
  2. ” Public Health England welcomed the ECHA’s research and said it would implement the findings here;
  3. A study by the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre found that Britain’s regulation of tattooists and the inks they use is among the laxest in Europe;

Listing gaps and potential hazards, the report highlights tattooists not being obliged to wear gloves and re-sterilisable tattoo needles are permitted. Reusable stainless needles must be cleaned with ultrasonic, then autoclaved, while chromium plate needles are single use only.

It added that in the UK “there are no nationally recognised training courses, standards for practice, or arrangements for monitoring competence”. Tattooists in the UK are required to register with health and local authorities, who can make bylaws and regulate who is eligible to register.

Read more.

Can a 12 year old get a nose piercing?

West Virginia –

  • Minors need the written consent of a parent or legal guardian to receive a tattoo.
  • No laws currently on age limits for body piercing.

Where are tattoos illegal?

What Should The Age Limit Be For Tattoos? | Tattoo Artists Answer

What happens if you get a tattoo at 15?

Posted on May 14, 2021 What Age Is It Legal To Get A Tattoo California law requires that a person be at least 18 years of age in order legally to get a tattoo. In fact, according to Penal Code 653 PC , it is a crime to “ink” or administer a tattoo to a minor under the age of 18. A violation of this code section is charged as a misdemeanor. The crime is punishable by:

  • custody in the county jail for not more than six months; and/or,
  • a maximum fine of $1,000.

Can I get a tattoo at 16 in Turkey?

You will come across many tattoo shops in Marmaris. Many of your friends and acquaintances who have visited Marmaris may have had a colorful and attractive tattoo on them and this might even prompt you to get one for yourself too! With a lot of tattoo shops, choosing a good tattoo in Marmaris is not always an easy task.

The best thing to do while choosing a better tattoo shop is too ask your friends for references. After choosing a good tattoo shop, you can go on to select a good design that suits your taste. Make sure that the tattoo shop you choose is fresh, clean and hygienic as well.

A good quality tattoo shop has a good collection of creative tattoo albums, a neat and tidy studio and qualified artists that ensure customer satisfaction. The tattoo artists need to be experienced enough to create tattoos of high standards along with a tinge of creativity.

  1. In Marmaris, you will come across not many good quality tattoo shops that have experts to offer you with good quality tattoos on various niches like writings and quotes, male tattoos, female tattoos, flowers, animals and religious tattoos as well;

Tattoo artists must not only be experts in their designs but also to choose perfect locations on you to inscribe a particular tattoo.

  • The legal age to have tattoos inscribed on your body in Turkey is 18 years and above. And for piercing, you need to be at least 16 years of age.
  • The tattoo shops suggest you to avoid alcohol; you shouldn’t be with an empty stomach and not tired while you come over to have tattoos.
  • If you need artistic tattoos in Marmaris, select any of the best and reputed art tattoo studios. Avoid getting your tattoos done at hair salon shops!

In Marmaris Turkey , you can get a tattoo on you only if you are aged 18 and above. Marmaris has over 150 tattoo shops and this is one of places where you will get tattoos at the cheapest rates in the whole of Europe! However, you must be choosy enough as “Quality Matters Most”. Don’t always go by the price; check with the designs, reputation of the shop, hygienic standards and make sure that the studio uses disposable needles as well.

Tattooing is an art and it remains with you for your lifetime. Hence, it becomes all the more necessary that you choose a good tattoo shop that will offer you a clean, clear and healthy environment to get a tattoo inscribed on you.

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Making an informed decision while choosing your tattoo shop in Marmaris is always beneficial to you in many ways!.

Can I get a tattoo at 16 in Germany?

Legal controls by European country [ edit ] –

Country Age Notes
  Austria 16 Parental consent can be written. [1]
  Belgium No legislation [2]
  Bulgaria 16
  Croatia 16 Parents must be present to give consent.
  Cyprus 18
  Czech Republic No legislation
  Denmark 18+ It is unlawful to tattoo someone on the head, neck and hands. [2] [3]
  Estonia No legislation
  Finland 18+ Permit required for anyone under 18.
  France 16
  Germany 16 [4]
  Greece 18+ Greek tattoo law only covers tattoos and not permanent make-up. Other key provisions, in a non-exhaustive summary: [2]

  • Only tattoo persons who are at least 18 years of age. Persons under the age of 18 may only be tattooed in the presence of a guardian who has given the required written consent.
  • Not advise on the customer’s state of physical health or offer any medical opinion.
  • Not effect any medical procedure, be it on the recommendation, under the guidance or with the help of any form of medical specialist.
  • Not proceed in any manner whatsoever to remove a tattoo.
  Guernsey 18+ As in the UK, a person under 18 may not be tattooed except for medical reasons, per the Tattooing, Piercing, Acupuncture and Electrolysis (Guernsey and Alderney) Law, 2000. In practise the law is rarely enforced. [5] [6]
  Hungary No legislation
  Republic of Ireland 16+ 16 is de facto with parent present all over Ireland but there is no legislation [7]
  Isle of Man 18+ As in the UK, a person under 18 may not be tattooed except for medical reasons, per the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1984. [8]
  Italy 18+
  Jersey 16+ Unlike in the UK, Isle of Man or Guernsey, a child aged 16–18 may be tattooed with written parental consent under the Piercing and Tattooing (Jersey) Law 2002. [9]
  Latvia 18+
  Lithuania 16+ In Lithuania you can get a tattoo from the age of 16, in the presence of a guardian or a parent who has given the required written consent.
  Luxembourg 18+
  Malta 18 [10]
  Netherlands 16 In the Netherlands, the age at which persons may decide for themselves to have a tattoo and piercing is 16 years. This age limit is suspended for earlobe piercing but pertains to all other areas. Informed consent forms, with information concerning health (including allergies) must be available and must be signed by the client. In the case of young adults under 16 years, a parent or guardian must sign. [11]
  Norway No legislation
  Poland 18
  Portugal 16
  Romania 18+
  Slovakia 16
  Slovenia No legislation
  Spain 14–17 Age varies by region.
  Sweden No legislation
  United Kingdom 18 Illegal to tattoo a person under the age of eighteen except when the tattoo is performed for medical reasons. [12]

.

What age can u get a tattoo UK?

1 Prohibition of tattooing of minors. E+W+S – It shall be an offence to tattoo a person under the age of eighteen except when the tattoo is performed for medical reasons by a duly qualified medical practitioner or by a person working under his direction, but it shall be a defence for a person charged to show that at the time the tattoo was performed he had reasonable cause to believe that the person tattooed was of or over the age of eighteen and did in fact so believe.

Can I get a tattoo at 17 in Maryland?

Tattoo facilities are regulated under Baltimore City Health Code Title 13. A tattoo facility must have a Use & Occupancy permit for their establishment. No person may maintain or operate a tattoo establishment in the City or otherwise conduct tattooing without a license to do so.

  • No person may tattoo any minor, under the age of 18, regardless of parental or guardian permission;
  • All tattooing must be done in conformance with the State regulations governing skin-penetrating body adornment procedures ( COMAR 10;

06. 01. 06H ). Mobile tattoo facilities and the practice of conducting “tattoo parties” are prohibited in the City of Baltimore. The Baltimore City Health Department periodically receives reports of unlicensed tattoo establishments and the tattooing of minors.

  1. We appreciate all of these reports and ask that you continue to call 311 or go to Baltimore CitiTrack Service Request System online to make a report;
  2. You may remain anonymous;
  3. Below is a list of currently licensed tattoo establishments that will be updated each month;

Please note that all licensed tattoo establishments must post their BCHD Tattoo License visibly on the premises.

Name Address Zip Code Phone License Expiration Date Inspection Date District  
 
10 Skyn 2509 N. Charles St 21218 410-292-7488 3/19/2022 1/15/2021 1  
Absolute Tattoo & Body Piercing 6614 Holabird Ave 21224 410-633-8334 4/30/2022 1  
Arcane Gallery and Tattoo Studio 2836 O’Donnell St 21224 410-650-2407 9/6/2022 2/17/2022 1  
Baltimore Tattoo Museum 1534 Eastern Ave 21231 410-522-5800 2/23/2023 2/17/2022 1  
Bianca Brow LLC (Suite 2) 6808 Eastern Ave 21224 44-779-6026 2/25/2023 2/17/2022 1  
Body More Inked 3061 Frederick Ave. , Ste B 21223 410-362-0001 7/9/2022 1  
Brightside Boutique And Art Studio 1130 Light St 21230 443-388-8931 9/28/2022 11  
Chapter House 5504 Harford Rd 21214 443-885-9788 2/25/2023 3  
Charm City Microblading 3602 Elm Ave 21211 410-366-7546 7/13/2022 2/17/2022 14  
Charm City Tattoo 300 S. Monroe St. , 1st fl 21223 410-566-7528 11/30/2022 9  
Dancing Fox Tattoo 1621 Sulgrave Ave 21209 1-949-542-2268 5/14/2022 5/14/2021 5  
Deville Ink Tattoo & Piercing Co. 5920B Eastern Ave 21224 410-400-9641 10/29/2022 2/17/2022 1  
Eastern Vintage Tattoo LLC 500 S. Collington Ave. 21231 443-552-1179 10/21/2022 9/17/2021 1  
Free Ink LLC 119 West Saratoga St 21201 443-712-3612 8/18/2022 11  
FTTS (Family Ties Tattoo Studio) 814 Guilford Ave 21202 443-414-7393 3/2/2023 11  
HFBL Tattoo LLC 820 W. 36th St 21211 410-235-5930 6/10/2022 2/17/2022 14  
Ink Elegantly 402 Grundy St 21224 410-878-7999 7/27/2022 1  
Ink Tattoo Suites 5926 York Rd 21212 410-274-3421 2/25/2023 7/30/2021 4  
Ink Tattoo Suites 4915 Belair Rd 21206 443-255-4072 2/24/2023 7/29/2021 4  
Island City Tattoo & Supplies 5456 Park Heights Ave 21215 410-466-0555 8/12/2022 8/6/2021 5  
Layer 3 Collective LLC 1724 Aliceanna St 21231 443-449-7872 12/26/2022 2/17/2022 1  
Mt Vernon Body Art, LLC 827 N. Charles St, B2 21201 443-388-9703 8/24/2022 5/10/2021 11  
New American Tattoo Co. LLC 6308 Eastern Ave 21224 410-633-5999 9/23/2022 1  
One Red Rose 1006 West 36th St. 21211 404-375-6108 3/2/2023 12/13/2021 7  
Read Street Tattoo Parlor 882 Park Ave 21201 410-523-4657 3/31/2022 4/1/2021 11  
Red Thorn Tattoo 1731 Maryland Ave 21201 443-682-8276 5/3/2022 5/3/2021 12  
Ripp’d Canvas Corporation 783 Washington Blvd 21230 1-667-309-3766 12/17/2022 12/13/2021 10  
Sage Cosmetic Tattoo 823 West 36th St 21211 443-475-0566 9/9/2022 8/13/2021 14  
Saints & Sinners, LLC 1610 Thames St 21231 410-276-1300 3/24/2022 1/4/2021 1  
Spellcraft Beauty 101 N. Haven St. 21224 443-552-1456 4/1/2022 3/26/2021 2  
Spellcraft Tattoo 2350 Boston St. , Suite B 21224 410-522-1086 12/1/2022 1/15/2021 1  
Stay Humble Tattoo 801 W 36th St 21211 410-235-1234 1/26/2023 2/17/2022 14  
Studio 7 Gallery 3218 Eastern Ave 21224 410-617-8052 1/10/2023 2/17/2022 1  
Tattoo Charlie’s Place 421 E. Baltimore St 21202 410-244-1160 12/23/2023 11  
The Pretty Scar Tattoo Social 3600 Falls Rd 21211 443-708-2112 7/21/2022 7/15/2021 7  
Waverly Tattoo Company 203 West 28th St. ,    Suite A 21211 410-493-3697 7/14/2022 7/7/2020 14  

​ Note:  Licenses must be renewed every year.

Will my tattoo stretch if I get it at 16?

Weight gain – Minor weight fluctuations throughout your lifetime are normal and not likely to stretch a tattoo to the point of altering its appearance. The chance of stretching a tattoo might increase if you gain a significant amount of weight quickly.

Can I get a tattoo at 16 in Massachusetts?

(A) No tattooing, piercing of genitalia, branding or scarification shall be performed on a person under the age of 18.

Can a 16 year old get a thigh tattoo?

Story highlights –

  • Willow Smith, daughter of movie star Will Smith, sported a fake tongue ring in a photo online
  • Social media was abuzz with complaints that Willow is too young for piercings
  • Age of consent for body modification such as piercings and tattoos varies by state
  • Psychologists say kids younger than 18 are often not emotionally mature enough for tattoos

Miss Kansas Theresa Vail, 22, openly displayed tattoos during the swimsuit round of the 2014 Miss America pageant in Atlantic City on Tuesday night, a reported first for the pageant. Vail had vowed in a blog post to show the artwork , explaining that her tattoos have deep meaning and she doesn’t regret them. A 2010 Pew survey found that 40% of millennials have tattoos. Last year, CNN Living asked, “How young is too young for a tattoo?” Read the article below. Why would her parents let her pierce her tongue?”

    tiffaneybabeyy : “At your age, Willow, I don’t think a piercing should be on you, especially there. ”

      mariajx91 : “Maybe you should stop rushing to grow up Willow. It looks trashy. You’re 11, and that doesn’t look good at any age to be honest. Hope it’s fake. ” Though she later revealed that it was in fact a fake, magnetic tongue ring, people were already whipping their opinions back and forth about whether young people are too vulnerable to make permanent (or potentially scarring) decisions about their bodies.

      (CNN) Will and Jada Pinkett Smith’s 11-year-old daughter, Willow, was recently given a tongue-lashing on social media after posting a picture of herself sporting a tongue piercing on Instagram. asapniceee : “She is too young for such a provocative piercing.

      The issue: What is classified as “too young”? While the battle over body modification typically occurs between parents and their children, state legislatures have entered the conversation as well.

        In June, Jerry Garrison, a Florida grandfather, lost custody of his 10-year-old grandson after allowing him to get a tattoo of his initials on his right leg. A “family tradition,” according to Garrison. Under Florida law, a person younger than 16 years old cannot be tattooed except “for medical or dental reasons,” and anyone age 16 to 18 can be tattooed only with the consent of a parent or guardian. That law was changed in January 2012; it had previously allowed tattooing under the age of 16 so long as the minor had parental consent.

        Most states allow tattoos and body piercings for children under the age of majority , which is 18 years old in most of the United States, with parental consent. Though, some have tightened restrictions. In Idaho, “No person shall knowingly tattoo, brand or perform body piercing on any minor under the age of fourteen (14) years.

        ” In South Carolina, anyone under the age of 21 is prohibited from being tattooed. If a person is 18, a parent can give consent, but anyone under 18 is prohibited from ink of any type. And in Minnesota, it is unlawful for anyone under age 18 to receive a tattoo without written parental consent.

        Child development experts contacted by CNN agree with this age of majority for permanent body modification in young adults, but also assert age is but a number; maturity level is a much better parameter to go by.

        Psychiatrist Daniel Bober, an assistant clinical professor in the Child Study Center at Yale University, says it helps to look at a child’s functioning in other areas of their life, such as school and peer relationships. “The brain of a young person is still developing and they are less risk averse, more impulsive, and more likely to engage in risky behaviors,” says Bober.

        “This is because the last part of the brain to develop is the part that tells them to ‘put the brakes on’ before they do something potentially harmful and dangerous. ” It’s also permanent, adds Victoria Pitts-Taylor, a professor of sociology at the City University of New York and author of “In the Flesh: the Cultural Politics of Body Modification.

        ” “Tattoos, for example, have some style credibility because they reflect a willingness to ‘trade in skin. ‘ They are thus a Catch-22 for young people,” says Pitts-Taylor. “The aesthetic commitment they require probably extends too far into a young person’s future — how will they know they will be the sort of person to like it when they are 30, 40 or 50? But that risk is exactly what makes them appealing.

        • ” Hillary Kevilus recognizes that aesthetic commitment now, but it was a different story when she got her first tattoo at the age of 15;
        • “I had just broken up with my boyfriend, ‘the love of my life,’ and it’s a heart with a dagger through it on my right calf;

        It’s huge and it’s a horrible reminder of a painful childhood and bad teenage decisions,” Kevilus shares on CNN’s Facebook page. John A. Haynes, however, says those reminders are exactly why he doesn’t regret his decision to get his first tattoo at age 17.

        “I don’t regret my tattoos. Each one reminds me of where I was at certain stages off my life, and my mindset. It’s like keeping a scrapbook, only on my body and not collecting dust on a shelf somewhere taking up space,” he says via Facebook.

        Piercing ears is socially acceptable in America, especially for girls, in contrast to earlobe stretching or tongue rings, like Smith’s, that are far less common. In some Spanish and Latino cultures, it’s customary to pierce a baby girl’s ears shortly after they’re born.

        • “Children’s bodies are especially susceptible to this kind of social policing;
        • We allow them to modify their bodies to some degree so long as they do not step outside the norm; we see it as our jobs to bring them up as social ideals,” she says;

        Pitts-Taylor says the double standard ultimately adds to the appeal for minors. “Children are very good at detecting this kind of hypocrisy. ” Dr. Timothy M. Jochen, of Contour Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery Center in Southern California, says he sees tattoo removal patients as early as their twenties now.

        1. The three main motivators are relationships, work and motherhood;
        2. Cassandra Martins got her first — and only — tattoo when she was 15 with her mother’s consent, and already began to regret it a few years later when she entered college;

        She has since undergone laser tattoo removal. “Nobody under 18 knows what he or she wants forever. I cringe when I hear young people talk about inking themselves. I don’t (think) the concept of ‘permanent’ or ‘forever’ resonates well with the young,” she says.

        “I don’t see laser tattoo removal as a body-changing procedure; I see it as restoring a person,” says Jochen. Unless it is a quality-of-life procedure like gastric bypass, he, like Bober and Pitts-Taylor, also thinks it’s best for young adults to wait to have any body-changing procedures until they’re of legal age.

        It’s ultimately not what the young people are doing, but why. “It is important for young people to develop what is on the inside and then what other people see will not matter as much,” says Bober. “At the end of the day, you have to feel good about who you are and often a cosmetic change will not fix what is underneath.

          Maria LaMagna contributed to this article..