What Is The Youngest Age You Can Get A Tattoo?
Julia
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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.
Contents
Can you get a tattoo at 11 years old?
Technically speaking, there is no limit on how young a person can be to get a tattoo. Thirty-eight states have laws that allow tattooing on minors with informed parental consent, or for the parent to be present.
Can I get a tattoo at 15 in Utah?
58 (3) A person may not knowingly perform a tattoo on a minor under the age of 14 years. 63 tattooing, or in the presence of an employee or agent of the person performing the tattooing.
Can I get a tattoo if I’m 16?
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.
- The three main motivators are relationships, work and motherhood;
- 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..
Can I get a tattoo at 15 in Mexico?
What Should The Age Limit Be For Tattoos? | Tattoo Artists Answer
I am 17 years old. I got a tattoo in Mexico, where all you need is a parent or guardian present under 18, but they don’t sign anything. (this i didn’t know while getting the tattoo) but my step mom was present, so legal in mexico. HOWEVER, is it illegal to even show in Texas since i am a minor? is it legal to HAVE a legally done tattoo even though in Texas is illegal to do so?.
Is it OK to get a tattoo at 12?
Piercing of the earlobes and piercing for medical purposes are exempted from this legislation. Does not include emancipated minors. Violators are guilty of a misdemeanor and will be fined a maximum of $500.
Subsequent violations within one year of the initial violation will be subject to a fine of between $500 and $1,000.
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What happens if u get a tattoo at 12?
Posted on May 14, 2021 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 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.
What does the tattoo 13 mean?
By C1 Staff Jail staff can stay safer by knowing as much as they can about inmates. And sometimes, inmates make it easy to know exactly what they’ve been up to through the use of tattoos. Here are 15 tattoos and their secret meanings. Know a different meaning for the tattoos displayed here? Share it in the comments. 1488 (Photo freetattoodesigns. org) This number can be found on white supremacist/Nazi inmates. The numbers 14 or 88 on their own can also be used, which sometimes creates confusion. Fourteen represents fourteen words, which are a quote by Nazi leader David Lane: “We must secure the existence of our people and a future for White Children.
- Be sure to check out more of our coverage on prison tattoos, including 15 more prison tattoos and their meanings , 12 Russian prison tattoos and their meanings , and a collection of inmate takes on prison ink;
” The 88 is shorthand for the 8 th letter of the alphabet twice, HH, which represents Heil Hitler. Typically, these tattoos can be found anywhere on the body. The Cobweb (Photo Timeless Tattoos Glasglow) Cobwebs typically represent a lengthy term in prison. The symbolism is associated with spiders trapping prey; or criminals trapped behind bars. This tattoo is commonly found on the elbow, signifying sitting around so long with your elbows on the table that a spider made a web on your elbow, though it can also be located on the neck.
Teardrop (Photo trendfashion2013) One of the most widely recognized prison tattoos, the teardrop’s meaning varies geographically. In some places, the tattoo can mean a lengthy prison sentence, while in others it signifies that the wearer has committed murder. If the teardrop is just an outline, it can symbolize an attempted murder. It can also mean that one of the inmate’s friends was murdered and that they are seeking revenge.
If you see a multi-colored web, it’s probably not a prison tattoo; tattoo ‘artists’ in jail rarely have access to colored ink. The teardrop has been popularized recently by rappers and other celebrities, but still remains a staple in prisons.
Those who are newbies behind bars with a teardrop tattoo will make a lot of enemies, fast. Five-point crown (Photo Gwan Soon Lee Tattoo) This is the symbol of the Latin Kings gang, which is one of the biggest Hispanic gangs in the U. based out of Chicago. The crown will often be accompanied by the letters ALKN, which stands for Almighty Latin Kings Nation. The five points are due to the Latin Kings being an affiliate of the People Nation gang, which is represented by the number five. Latin Kings have a huge presence both in and out of prison, and their roots go back to the 1940s.
Three dots (Photo Whiserkino) The three dots tattoo is a common prison tattoo that represents “mi vida loca,” or “my crazy life. ” It’s not associated with any particular gang, but with the gang lifestyle itself. This tattoo is typically found on the hands or around the eyes. It can also carry some religious significance, such as representing Christianity’s holy trinity. The three dot tattoo is often created using a stick-and-poke method, requiring very rudimentary tools.
Five dots (Photo My Sarisari Store) These dots differ greatly from the previous tattoo – five dots represents time done in prison. Also known as the quincunx, the four dots on the outside represent four walls, with the fifth on the inside representing the prisoner. This tattoo can be found internationally, among both American and European inmates. The dots are typically found on an inmate’s hand, between the thumb and forefinger.
The clock with no hands (Photo Tattoo Me Pink) This tattoo is, fairly obviously, representative of ‘doing time’ and doing a lot of it. Those serving a longer sentence might get this tattoo done on their wrist, with watch straps and all, much like a real watch. The clock face itself can come in a few forms, such as the face of a wall clock or a grandfather clock. Not all clock tattoos are tied to prison; generally just the ones lacking hands.
Aryan Brotherhood (Photo Media Lib) This prison gang has a variety of tattoos to look out for, ranging from ‘AB’ to Nazi symbols like a swastika or SS bolts. The Brotherhood makes up 1 percent of the inmate population, but are responsible for 20 percent of murders inside of U. prisons, so identifying these tattoos are extremely beneficial. The tattoos can also be referred to as Alice Baker, the One-Two, or The Brand.
Norte ñ o (Photo Know Gangs) Norteño tattoos represent the Nuestra Familia gang, which is associated with Hispanic gangs in Northern California. Their tattoos include the word Norteño, Nuestra Familia, a sombrero symbol, the letter N or the number 14, symbolizing the 14 th letter of the alphabet (yup – the letter N). The Norteños are rivals of the Suerños, Hispanic gangs based out of Southern California.
- Other details of the crown, such as the colors of the jewels in the points, can have a whole other level of hidden meanings;
- Five dots on other parts of the body can have different meanings, such as an association with the People Nation gang;
The unofficial dividing line between the two is in Delano, California. The Norteños identify themselves with red bandanas and mainly get their income from smuggling and distributing cocaine, heroin and meth. La Eme (Photo Police Mag) ‘La Eme,’ or The M, is the symbol of the Mexican Mafia. They are one of the largest and most ruthless prison gangs in the U. They’re allied with the Aryan Brotherhood, and have a common enemy in the Nuestra Familia. La Eme was started not in Mexico, but in Mexican-Americans who were incarcerated in American prisons.
MS 13 (Photo Wikimedia) The MS 13, also sometimes seen just as MS or 13, is a symbol of the Mara Salvatrucha gang from El Salvador. Typically these tattoos can be found anywhere on the body, but are most often found in highly visible places like the face, hands or neck. LA Mara Salvatrucha was started in the Los Angeles area by El Salvadoran immigrants. There are now MS-13 chapters all over the U.
Playing cards (Photo Tattos Time) Playing cards, or suits of the deck in general, usually indicate an inmate who likes to gamble. This applies to gambling games both within prison and without; it can also represent a person who generally views life as a gamble. This tattoo is very popular in Russian prisons, where each deck has its own meaning. A spade represents a thief; clubs symbolize criminals in general.
- La Eme is a Sureño gang, belonging to a large affiliation of Hispanic gangs in Southern California;
- and even in Canada;
- Their industries range from dealing drugs to child prostitution;
- Diamonds are reserved for stoolpigeons and informants – if the cards have this deck, then it was likely applied with force;
Hearts imply that someone is looking for a romantic partner in the prison, which may also be forcibly applied. EWMN (Photo Turner) These letters stand for ‘Evil, Wicked, Mean, Nasty. ‘ Having no particular affiliation with any gang, they simply represent the general disposition of some prison inmates. Typically found on the knuckles, these types of tattoos were popularized in 1955 by Robert Mitchum in ‘The Night of the Hunter. ‘ His sociopathic preacher character had the words ‘love’ and ‘hate’ tattooed on the knuckles of each hand, which has brought about other variants such as ‘Rock/Roll’ and ‘Stay/Down. ‘
Cross on the chest (Photo Adimaz) Particularly found in Russian prisons, chest tattoos symbolize a ‘Prince of Thieves. ‘ This is the highest rank a Russian convict can achieve, and are generally worn by higher-ups in the mob. Russian prisons have a unique and intricate history of prison tattoos, each with their own unique meaning. Another example are bells, symbolizing freedom, or a tiger on the chest is symbolic of aggression toward the police.
A. (Photo SAS) This acronym is commonly found on the bodies of British prisoners and stands for “All Cops Are Bastards. ” Some claim that A. also stands for “Always Carry A Bible,” but these are widely believed to be people who regret their tattoo decision.
Do tattoos hurt?
We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process. Tattoos are among the most common body decorations globally. According to a 2010 study , a whopping 38 percent of people 18 to 29 years old have been inked at least once in their lives.
- A natural question to ask is, “Does getting a tattoo hurt?” While most people will say yes, in reality this is a complex question to answer;
- Tattooing involves repeatedly piercing your skin’s top layer with a sharp needle covered with pigment;
So getting a tattoo is generally always painful, though people may experience different levels of pain. People who are biologically male tend to experience and cope with pain differently from those who are biologically female. In addition, the various parts of the body experience different levels of pain when tattooed.
While there is no scientific evidence that says which areas of the body will feel the most and least pain when getting inked, we gathered anecdotal information from sites run by people in the tattoo industry.
Here’s the general consensus: The least painful places to get tattooed are those with the most fat, fewest nerve endings, and thickest skin. The most painful places to get tattooed are those with the least fat, most nerve endings, and thinnest skin. Bony areas usually hurt a lot.
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.
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.
- This is a valid issue;
- Tattoos are very difficult to get rid of;
- Teens should not go into this thinking it’s something they can later reverse — because doing so is painful, expensive and time-consuming;
- 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.
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.
Can kids get tattoos?
How old do you have to be to get a tattoo in the UK? – It is illegal for people under the age of 18 to get a tattoo. This legislation was brought in under the Tattooing Of Minors Act 1969. This is the case even if the minor is accompanied by their parents.
Where are tattoos illegal?
What age can you get a tattoo in Japan?
Dear visitor, if you know the answer to this question, please post it. Thank you! Note that this thread has not been updated in a long time, and its content might not be up-to-date anymore.
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Google doesn’t seem to be much help, some say 18, some say 20. Thanks! | ||
by throwaway1234 |
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There is no such age. But it’s illegal for a non-medical doctor to give a tattoo in Japan. | ||
by. (guest) | rate this post as useful |
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What kind of nonsense are you talking about? In Japan it is prohibit for a minor (below age of 20) to have a tattoo in Japan. If you are 20 years or over you can get in contact with tattoo artists. Keep in mind that tattoo in public places like bath etc are not allow or need to be covered. | ||
by justmyday | rate this post as useful |
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. and whether a tattoo artist needs a medical training or not is subject to interpretation of existing law, which is being debated in the court of Osaka. That should not concern somebody getting a tattoo. | ||
by sumi (guest) | rate this post as useful |
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The age depends on the by-law of the prefecture (N琬). Also, some studios ask for an ID as they don’t accept high school students. | ||
by Uco | rate this post as useful |
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@sumi. and whether a tattoo artist needs a medical training or not is subject to interpretation of existing law, which is being debated in the court of Osaka. Osaka court already gave a decision that giving tattoo is considered to be a medical practice in 2017. | ||
by. (guest) | rate this post as useful |
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I got a couple small tattoos done by this great guy in Ikebukuro. He definitely wasnft a medical doctor but was very careful to show his certification license number hanging on the wall and was very careful to show that all needles were new and opened them in front of me. But you need to be at least 20. They take down all your info and make copies of your ID. | ||
by Yeah (guest) | rate this post as useful |
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You donft need to be a medical doctor to be a legal tattoo artist in Japan but you do need to get certified and take some kind of medical training course. The problem is that a lot of tattoo artists in Japan operate in a grey area and donft have the certification | ||
by SomeGuy. (guest) | rate this post as useful |
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I think there is no specific legal age for a tattoo, but the parents may allow their children do it when they’re 20 (the age of becoming an adult in some Asia countries like Korea, Japan,. ) | ||
by DidierAubin87 | rate this post as useful |
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Like I mentioned previously, there is indeed a specific legal age for a tattoo, and it is stated in by-laws. For example, in our prefecture of Kanagawa, it is stated on Articles 7 and 30 as follows: http://www. pref. kanagawa. jp/cnt/f4151/p385175. html Then, of course, every tattoo artist has the right to decline even older customers, depending on the artist’s policy. | ||
by Uco | rate this post as useful |
reply to this thread.
Can kids get tattoos?
How old do you have to be to get a tattoo in the UK? – It is illegal for people under the age of 18 to get a tattoo. This legislation was brought in under the Tattooing Of Minors Act 1969. This is the case even if the minor is accompanied by their parents.
Are tattoos cheap in Costa Rica?
Amunet Tattoo Studio – Image by StockSnap from Pixabay The last one on our tattoo shop search is Amunet Tattoo. A professional tattoo shop that prides itself on unique and personalized designs. It is located inside the Santa Ana shopping center. The prices for a tattoo with an artist here start at ¢40,000 which is approximately US $55. This may not be the cheapest you can find in Costa Rica, but you should focus on quality rather than price.
- They’ll design intricate blackwork, lettering, caricatures, and even 3D designs;
- Whatever you like;
- Whatever style you prefer;
- Previous clients love the high standard of work and the brilliant customer service;
They love the fact that time is taken to make sure you get exactly what you are hoping for. This is what Amunet prides itself on – quality and uniqueness. By the way, you may even get coffee and cookies if you ask nicely. Check out their Instagram @amunettattoostudio.
Do tattoos hurt?
We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process. Tattoos are among the most common body decorations globally. According to a 2010 study , a whopping 38 percent of people 18 to 29 years old have been inked at least once in their lives.
A natural question to ask is, “Does getting a tattoo hurt?” While most people will say yes, in reality this is a complex question to answer. Tattooing involves repeatedly piercing your skin’s top layer with a sharp needle covered with pigment.
So getting a tattoo is generally always painful, though people may experience different levels of pain. People who are biologically male tend to experience and cope with pain differently from those who are biologically female. In addition, the various parts of the body experience different levels of pain when tattooed.
- While there is no scientific evidence that says which areas of the body will feel the most and least pain when getting inked, we gathered anecdotal information from sites run by people in the tattoo industry;
Here’s the general consensus: The least painful places to get tattooed are those with the most fat, fewest nerve endings, and thickest skin. The most painful places to get tattooed are those with the least fat, most nerve endings, and thinnest skin. Bony areas usually hurt a lot.
Should I let my daughter 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.
- 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.
- This is a valid issue;
- Tattoos are very difficult to get rid of;
- Teens should not go into this thinking it’s something they can later reverse — because doing so is painful, expensive and time-consuming;
- 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.