How Old Do You Need to Be for Piercings?

An Introduction from Your Piercer

As your friendly neighborhood body piercer with over 10 years experience in the industry, I’m here to help guide you on your piercing journey. While piercings can be a fun way to express yourself, it’s important to consider your age and health factors before getting work done.

In this post, I’ll break down common piercing questions based on different age groups to help you determine when and where it’s appropriate to get pierced.

Piercings and Minors: Understanding Age Restrictions

One of the most common questions I get is how old do you have to be to get a piercing? The legal age varies depending on your location, but most reputable piercing studios require minors to have parental consent. Here are some general guidelines:

• Under 12: Very few reputable piercers will pierce anyone under 12 due to health risks. Cartilage and facial piercings especially should wait until the body is more developed.
• 12-13: Earlobe piercings are generally fine at this age with parental consent. However, I would still advise waiting a couple more years for the body to mature.
• 14-15: Most states allow minors 14-15 to get piercings like earlobes, eyebrows or nose studs with signed parental permission. However, I always do a consultation to ensure they understand aftercare.
• 16+: At 16, you can get basic piercings like those mentioned above in most areas without parental consent. However, places may have rules about certain piercings like genital or dermal anchors until 18.

Always check local health codes and talk to your piercer. Reputable studios will consider your maturity level over just ages. For concerned parents, look for APP-certified piercers who follow the highest health standards.

What Piercings Can You Get at 16?

At 16, you may be wondering what piercings can you get with or without parental consent. Here are some common options to consider at this age:

• Earlobe piercings: A classic that most reputable studios will pierce at 16 without question. Make sure to use quality jewelry for fast and comfortable healing.
• Nose studs: A nostril piercing is generally fine at 16 provided you understand long-term jewelry changes. Avoid hoops or rings that can get caught until fully healed 6-12 months later.
• Eyebrow piercings: While doable at 16, I’d advise waiting until 17-18 as eyebrows take longer to heal and may cause issues if not fully matured.
• Navel piercings: Belly button piercings are a personal choice, but I find most clients wait until their late teens for this visible piercing once they’ve filled out.
• Tragus or cartilage piercings: While doable at 16, these take even longer (9-12 months) to heal than lobes or nostrils. Consider other options first before attempting cartilage.

Always discuss your piercing plans with a trusted piercer. More visible or sensitive areas are best left until a couple years older when the body is fully developed for easiest healing.

Can Minors Get Nipple or Genital Piercings?

One of the most common questions I get is how old do you have to be to get nipple piercings? Due to health risks, liability issues and maturity concerns, most reputable piercers will not perform nipple or genital piercings on anyone under 18 without parental consent. Here’s a breakdown:

• Under 16: Nipple and genital piercings should absolutely wait until legal age of majority (18 in most places). These sensitive areas take even longer to heal and require advanced understanding of aftercare.
• 16-17: While laws may allow it, virtually no experienced piercer will perform nipple or genital piercings on minors due to risks. These areas are best left until legal adulthood.
• 18+: At the age of majority, you can freely choose nipple or genital piercings if you’ve researched the process and understand long-term implications. However, I still advise waiting until later teens or early 20s for easiest healing.

The body is constantly changing well into the late teens and early 20s. More sensitive areas like nipples or genitals are best left until then unless medically necessary. Your health and comfort should always come before fashion trends.

Common Piercing Questions for 17 Year Olds

For clients at 17, some additional common piercing questions include:

• Can I get my ears pierced at 17? – Yes, multiple lobe piercings are generally fine by age 17 without issue. Just be sure to select high-quality jewelry for long-term wear and easier healing.
• What about a septum piercing? – A well-placed septum piercing is usually okay at 17, though some piercers may suggest waiting until 18+ just to be safe. Make sure the jewelry is not too large or heavy for your nose shape.
• How about a navel piercing? – Belly button piercings are a personal choice, but most clients find their late teens a good time for this visible piercing once their bodies have filled out. Just be prepared for a slower 6-9 month healing process.
• What about an industrial or rook piercing? – While doable at 17, cartilage piercings like industrials or rooks take 9-12 months to fully heal. I usually suggest waiting until 18+ to give your ears the best chance at an easy recovery process.

As always, discuss your specific plans with a trusted professional piercer. They can help determine if your anatomy and lifestyle are suitable for different piercing options based on your individual situation.

Frequently Asked Questions about Piercing Ages

Here are some additional common questions clients have about age requirements:

How old do you have to be to get piercings? – Ages vary by location but most reputable studios require parental consent under 16 and allow basic piercings like lobes at 16+ without. More sensitive areas are 18+.

Can minors get piercings? – With signed parental permission, basic piercings may be allowed from ages 12-15 depending on local health codes. Always get piercings done by a licensed professional.

What piercings can you get at 16 with parental consent? – Common options include earlobes, nostrils, and eyebrows. More visible areas like navels are best left until a couple years older.

Can you get a piercing at 16? – In most areas at age 16, you can freely choose basic, easily healed piercings like earlobes or nostrils without parental involvement. More sensitive spots may require being 18+.

How old to get nipple piercing us? – Due to health risks, virtually no professional piercer will perform nipple piercings on anyone under 18 without parental consent. These sensitive areas are best left until early adulthood.

What piercings can you get at 14? – At 14, only basic earlobe piercings are generally recommended, and only with signed parental permission. More visible areas are best saved until a couple years older.

I hope this guide has helped answer your common piercing questions based on different ages! Feel free to reach out if you have any other concerns before your appointment. Proper jewelry, aftercare, and patience will help ensure a successful piercing experience.

Summary

In summary, the legal age to get piercings varies depending on location but most reputable studios have similar guidelines.

Earlobe piercings are generally fine from ages 12-13 with parental consent, while basic piercings like nostrils or eyebrows may be allowed at 14-15 with permission.

At 16, you can freely choose earlobe or basic nostril/eyebrow piercings without involvement from guardians.

More visible or sensitive areas like navels or nipples are best left until 17-18+ when the body has fully developed for easiest healing.

Always discuss your specific plans with an experienced professional piercer to determine the best options based on your individual situation.

Proper jewelry, sterile techniques and careful aftercare will help ensure your piercings heal successfully.