From a young age, tattoos become a part of our life. We get temporary tattoos everywhere—birthday parties, schools, doctor’s offices, and even those 25-cent machines in restaurants and grocery stores. Children are always wondering: What Age Can You Get a Tattoo?
What Age Can You Get a Tattoo
We grow up with differing opinions on the ones that do not rub off in the shower. That’s why in many places, the minimum age to get a tattoo is 18 years old. Tattoo parlors will ask for ID to confirm your age before they agree to provide a tattoo.
However, no federal law prohibits you from having tattoos in the US. Some areas or tattoo artists may allow individuals aged 16 or 17 to get tattoos with the permission of your parents.
These restrictions exist to protect young individuals from making impulsive decisions they might regret.
Getting Tattooed Can Hurt
It’s the needle thing—they go under your skin to do their job. How much it hurts can be different for everyone, but let’s just say, it’s usually not what you’d call “fun”.
Health Risks Associated with Getting a Tattoo
Tattooing involves breaking the skin barrier, leading to risks like infections and allergic reactions. The bodies of younger individuals might still be developing, potentially heightening these risks.
You should get tattoo from reputable shops that use sterile needles and safe inks. Unfortunately, there are many unskilled and inexperienced tattoo artists. You might not be able to distinguish between a good and bad professional since you are not aware of the industry standards.
In addition, tattoos can interfere with some medical procedures, such as MRIs.
A Tattoo Can Dramatically Change the Way You Are Perceived
Most people viewed tattoos as a very unprofessional thing. Furthermore, some people believed that tattooed workers seem less intelligent and less honest than those who don’t have a tattoo. You should still be ready for negative feedback before you ink. If you are a very sensitive person and have unstable self-esteem, think twice.
Tattoos Are a Permanent Modification to The Body
Tattoos stick around forever! Under-18s may not have the maturity or life experience to make such irreversible decisions about their bodies, possibly leading to regret later in life. Once you get a tattoo, it is very difficult to remove. So, you have to be100% sure you want one before you ink.
Are Tattoos Allowed in High School?
Policies regarding tattoos in high schools can vary widely depending on the school district, the school itself, and sometimes even individual administrators or teachers. While some high schools may allow tattoos, many will have restrictions or guidelines in place, whether through formal rules or social norms.
These policies are usually implemented to maintain a particular dress code and professionalism.
Getting Tattooed in College?
In general, colleges tend to be fairly lenient when it comes to tattoos. As long as they are not offensive or disruptive, most schools will allow students to express themselves through body art.
However, each college has its own policy on tattoos. For example, some schools have limits on the size and placement of tattoos. Be sure to check with your school before getting inked.
Some Professions Do Not Allow Tattoos
Unfortunately, even today, negative biases still affect most business sectors. Having visible tattoos makes it harder to get hired. You’ll decrease your chances to become a part of a prestigious company. Try to view things from a broad perspective and choose what is best for you in the long run.
Final Advice
Before getting a tattoo, weigh its pros and cons carefully. Don’t act impulsive and consider a big picture. If you decide to get a tattoo, be sure to do your research and choose a design you will be happy with for years to come.
Good news is, we have temporary tattoos these days! Lasting from 1 day to 3 weeks, temporary tattoos are non-permanent images on the skin that resemble real tattoos. They offer a way to experiment with body art without making a lifelong commitment.
