Tattoo mommy// what age is a good age???

Genevieve - posted on 07/07/2009

I remember my self at the age of 10years old and wanted a tattoo but for my self my parents thinks that tatooed poeple are stupid :OP. Lucky me now i'm 12 time stupid :O). the only problem is that when I got 18y I want crazy and add done 10 tatts in the same year. And for my children I definitly wait till they are 18y thats for sure. You can maybe also ask him what he wants for is first tatts if you think it's appropriated or not.

Amber - posted on 07/01/2009

I was 23 when i got my first tat, and my 16 year old wants one but she know that isn't going to happen till she moves out!

Kelly - posted on 06/25/2009

The thins that you think are cool at 14 are not so cool at 18 or even 27...I think that she should wait until she is 18 and old enough to make those decisions on her own. I got my first when i was 19 and I did it without really thinking...needless to say I regret it but as with most tats it's a part of your life story and you'll always remember that time in your life.

Charlie - posted on 06/21/2009

my son is on ly 7 months and i always say i wll get him one for his 18 birthday lol

Tanya - posted on 06/14/2009

I was 16 when i had my first, it was hidden as i didnt have permission, i still like it now and have 12 others, if you dont let your child will they go and get 1 done anyway? just out of curiosity how old were u when you had your first? your child looks up to you, so if you have them they will want them to.

Suzanne - posted on 05/13/2009

I got my first when I was 19... I think that 14 is too young. Let her think about it for a few years. I came up with my first tattoo idea when I was 16 and waited for 3 years before finally getting it.

Gracie - posted on 05/11/2009

Hi, I got my first at 16, which was the same as what my brothers had. I didn't get a second until i was 21 and now i have many, some of which where mistakes (a Black rose in the middle of my spine) which i have since had covered with more meaningful pieces (a full back piece). At 14 you change everyday one minute you like pink the next green. It is going to be hard to pick something to last you a lifetime. Think of that cute strawberry a 18 yearold has on her hip, which at 30 she regrets. Also she has to be prepared to deal with some of the issues surrounding it. Yes tattoos are more exceptable and mainly only us with larger more visible tattoos get the 'looks' but we all know how addictive it is. Once shes had one will she stop. Put her off till shes at least 18.

Gracie - posted on 05/11/2009

Hi, I got my first at 16, which was the same as what my brothers had. I didn't get a second until i was 21 and now i have many, some of which where mistakes (a Black rose in the middle of my spine) which i have since had covered with more meaningful pieces (a full back piece). At 14 you change everyday one minute you like pink the next green. It is going to be hard to pick something to last you a lifetime. Think of that cute strawberry a 18 yearold has on her hip, which at 30 she regrets. Also she has to be prepared to deal with some of the issues surrounding it. Yes tattoos are more exceptable and mainly only us with larger more visible tattoos get the 'looks' but we all know how addictive it is. Once shes had one will she stop. Put her off till shes at least 18.

Andrea - posted on 05/10/2009

I would tell them not until you can pay for it your self and you are legal and once then you will take them someplace you trust

Casandra - posted on 04/25/2009

yea its 18 here in NC... the parental signage doesnt count here either for that.

Jami - posted on 04/22/2009

My brother was a Tattoo artist in NC from 1993 until 2008 - when he passed, but when he passed he was a stickler noone under 18. In the mid - late 1990's he would do 16 and over but he had to have BOTH parents signed consent. If he only had one and the other parent did not agree they could come back and sue him. His shops are still open being ran by our parents (haha 68 & 70 and running a tattoo shop) But they love it. But now with that said



My oldest has been getting piercings since she was 13, I cant even begin to tell you how many piercings she has had - some still in and others are out and closed, But she started about a year ago and wanted one after her uncle passed and the answer was no. She turned 18 in Feb 2009 and she already has 3 tattoos. Her first one was unbelievable she drew it up it was an anchor with a rose on each side in memory of 2 loved ones that have died. I am very proud my biggest thing at the younger ages 18-24 you do not know what you are going to do for a career so make sure you get them where business suits can cover them. And she has done that so far. So I agree definately no younger than 18

Lori - posted on 04/21/2009

My husband and I both have multiple tattoos and I am sure will be getting more. We have already decided to lay down the law and not let our children get any untill they are 18. We just think that before then you are too immature and changing too quickly to get something as permanent as a tattoo. Piercings, fine. At least they are removable.

Stacey - posted on 04/20/2009

My 16 year old daughter has one that she had done right before her 16th birthday. The only reason I allowed it at this age is because its a tattoo in memory of her sister. You can get them done with parental permission in PA.

Winter - posted on 04/20/2009

i was 18 when i got my first one but wanted it about 14 too

Melissa R - posted on 04/14/2009

I was 25 when I got my first tat, My daughter is 15 and will be 16 in may, for her birthday she wants to get a mother daughter tat on our foot, She'll have it on one foot and I on the other!! So really it's up to the parents on what they want to do!!    

Alicia - posted on 04/09/2009

i was 14 when i got my first one now i am 19 and i have 11

Michelle - posted on 04/09/2009

I personally think it's kind of like getting a pet. A pet that will never leave you. Something that needs to be well thought out. If she has a pet, does SHE take care of it or do YOU? 1q4 is pretty young but she is your daughter and it is your choice.

Sally - posted on 03/31/2009

I'm pretty sure that in Iowa you HAVE to be 18 to get the tattoo.

In my opinion - you should be over 18 and have to pay for it yourself!!  My fiance's parents paid for his first one and it looks like crap and he doesn't like it very much.  They did the same thing with his younger brother.  His first tattoo is something stuipd and he now wishes he didn't put it where he did (back of neck).

I think that if you are going to fork our the money for the tattoo - you'll think more about what you're getting!  I had to save up to pay for my first tattoos (I got two at the same time) and I really thought about it and - seven years later - I still love them and where they are placed (wrist and foot).  I've added on more since, but I don't regret my firsts

Sally - posted on 03/31/2009

I'm pretty sure that in Iowa you HAVE to be 18 to get the tattoo.

In my opinion - you should be over 18 and have to pay for it yourself!!  My fiance's parents paid for his first one and it looks like crap and he doesn't like it very much.  They did the same thing with his younger brother.  His first tattoo is something stuipd and he now wishes he didn't put it where he did (back of neck).

I think that if you are going to fork our the money for the tattoo - you'll think more about what you're getting!  I had to save up to pay for my first tattoos (I got two at the same time) and I really thought about it and - seven years later - I still love them and where they are placed (wrist and foot).  I've added on more since, but I don't regret my firsts

Lauren - posted on 03/31/2009

In my state you can get them at any age with parental consent. I would say that if she absolutely wants to get one and you want to let her....she could get a small star on her foot or something. Its small enough to not be that bad if she ever wanted to get it removed, and the foot is painful so it would make her realize that they are not all fun and games and they should be well thought out.

Hope this helps at all.

Samantha - posted on 03/30/2009

Legally it is 18 in all 50 states, a few states will allow as young as 16 with a signed consent form and proof that you are the parent(birth certificate and your ID). As an artist my self I will give you the basic facts. There are about 100 reasons to wait until 18 but here are few of the most important.

1) what a child thinks they want on their body at 14 they will not want as a adult.

2) a 14 year old is not done growing, she will continue to get a little taller and as her body grows the tattoo will stretch and look terrible.

3) It is ILLEGAL in all states

4) And her school probably has rules against it.

5) Any True tattoo artist that is ANY good will not to do it (unless they are your best friend and they are making an exception for your child only)

Abby - posted on 03/11/2009

I got my first at 16. I did it with out my parents knowing. I had my brothers best friend do it. i went the next morning and showed my dad and he didn't care. I just picked it out of a book that night and decided I wanted it. I dont regret but the only reason I dont is cause my parents die before I was able to get anymore. So I will never cover it up or have it touched up cause a life long friend gave it to me and it's the only one my parents ever saw. It's on my shoulder blade so not many people see it anyways.



I say just try to drill in the kids head that its FOREVER! lol

Jan - posted on 03/06/2009

I have teens and they have friends with tats that we look at and say, "um...do you really think you'll be glad you did that when in college/have kids/try to get a job?" My dtr has changed what she wants so many times, I'm glad she wasn't able to get it w/o my consent! I've not regretted a single one of mine, but I was in my thirties before I even thought of having one. Everything is bigger than life at 14; if he/she still wants it at 18, then you'll know you didn't make a mistake.

Jane - posted on 03/06/2009

14 is too young!! (in my humble opinion) There is actually a reason why its 18 without parental consent! I even think 18 is too young! Tattoos are something that are going to be with you forever more!! So I would hate any kids of mine to goin in and get one just for the sake of 'getting a tattoo'...... although there are some awesome flash artists, I would strongly encourage NOT going for any tattoo flash, especially not as a first tattoo! Until she is old enough to say, "I have seen this awesome picture and I think I might have it tattooed on me", rather than "I want to have a tattoo... but I'm not sure what I want..." then you know shes too young!!!

Krista - posted on 03/03/2009

If I was allowed to get a tattoo when I was 14 I would be very, very sorry right now. My husband and I are both tattooed, he's a full time tattoo artist, and none of our children will get a tattoo before they are 18. My husband will NOT tattoo someone who is underage if a parent is present.

Jamie - posted on 03/02/2009

Where I live, as long as there is a parent present and the parent has given consent, they don't have to be 18. It all depends on the state and county you live in. 14 is a little young, my opinon, holding off is best.

Sarah - posted on 03/01/2009

Personally I think it is best to wait till they are at least 17 years old if not until 18.  The reason is that the child may end up with a tattoo that as they mature they can't stand.  That is just my personal opinion, you should do what you feel is right for your child.  Just keep the comunication about it open to prevent your child from going behind your back and getting one anyway.  You don't want them getting one from a kid that just bought a tattoo gun off the internet and wants to play around.

Annette - posted on 02/28/2009

i was stupid and decided i just couldnt wait to get my first few tats legally done.... i got my first one when i was 16 or 17.... and needless to say i got them all covered up cause they looked like hell- and i grew up a bit and realized how retarded i was for getting them that early. Im 22 now and have several tattoos that i love, wouldnt take em back! its always best to make your kids wait it out : ) besides that till their 18 , you are the law!

Sarah - posted on 02/28/2009

I always wanted tattoos and piercings and my mom made me wait until i was 18 and could go and get it myself. By making me wait I was able to really think about what i wanted and that i would still want it later. i had years to weed out my bad ideas for tats and ive gotten 2 that i absolutely love and cant see myself ever regretting

Kristin - posted on 02/01/2009

My parents told me to wait until I was 18, started asking when I was 14. To me that answer was satisfying, In knew I could, but just had to be patience.

Sandy - posted on 01/31/2009

I think that kids change their minds too often to get tattoo before 18. (which is the legal age in most states.) Their bodies are also still growing and changing. Plan now with your child, and let him/her know you would like to go with them and share in the experience. Most reputable shops will not tat "children". Here in SC we have to get parental consent until person is 21. (which is outrageous) But SC is alittle behind the times.

Jasmine - posted on 01/31/2009

The guy that does my work, won't tattoo before at least 16 with parental accompanyment. reason being not becasue they may pick something they will regret, but because the body is still growing and what you get inked @ 14 will not look the same at say 18 when the body is basically finished growing. This way the tattoo will maintain it's origional look and will have less of a chance of being distorted and or need to be covered up due to distortion. I got my first @ 14 not by my current Ink Man, and what used to be a gecko resting on my breast is now clinging on for dear life lol. I wouldn't have done it knowing what I know now. I have 11 tattoo's and of all of them I only regret the first.

Deirdre - posted on 01/29/2009

I don't know about the "laws" in other states, but I'm pretty sure that in Washington, where I live, you MUST be 18 to get one. I have 4 and got my first 3 before I was 20 and now wish I would have waited a bit longer to perfect them. Anyhow, regardess of what the law states, I would have them wait until 18 when they can sign for themself and make sure they are sure they want it on their body forever, which of course you know.

Andrea - posted on 01/27/2009

My daughter is 2 and asked Santa for a kitty cat tattoo! 2 years old!! I was in my mid-20's but I had been thinking about it for years. The only advice I am going to give my kids is to put it in a place where it can't be seen all the time. I have seen people not get jobs because they have ink showing. Certain professions ( airlines ) still frown on tattoos.

Megan - posted on 01/27/2009

I personally was 14 when I got my first tattoo and I still like it. I am 22 now. I had an idea of what I wanted before hand and thought about it for a long time. Neither of my parents have tattoos or anyone else in my family. My parents went with me when I got it done. I have 5 right now. And plan on getting many more.

That being said, if my daughter at 14 comes to me to wanting a tattoo I will tell her to think about whatshe wants. To sit on the idea for a while to be sure it is truly what she wants. At 16 I will be okay with her getting a tattoo. My fiancee, her dad, got his first at 17 so he wants her to wait like he did and I repect that.

Jessica - posted on 01/26/2009

Definitly after their 18th birthday!! I would never let my child get a tattoo before then. I got my first when I was nearly 19... but I spent months designing and thinking about it before I actually got it.

I would sit down with my child and tell them that they are permanent and you really need to put in time to think about and design what you want.

I have no problem with my daughter getting inked when she is old enough, but I would really REALLY push her to think about it for a while first.



I guess though, by the time my daughter is old enough, tattoos wont even be cool!! LOL

Janette - posted on 01/25/2009

I say this: "YOU are the mom, what you says goes!"  I know that legally it is supposed to be 18 UNLESS you get the consent of the parent, so you, as the parent should really talk to your child and make sure this is something they really want (for life) and then go with your mommy instinct:) That is our best tool!

Camilla - posted on 01/25/2009

I think that 14 is to young personaly, at least wait till they can drive. I got my first tattoo when I was just 18 and I HATE it now! I didn't pick it out of a book or off the wall at a tattoo shop, it was a drawing a freind did that I thought was pretty, but I still hate it!

Jennifer - posted on 01/23/2009

I got my first tattoo when I was 18 and I still love it.  But I had been thinking about what I would get and where since I was probably 14.  I agree with Nikki though.  If they still want it when they're 18, then they can do it.  Personally I wouldn't let me child get a tattoo before 18, but that's just me.

Nikki - posted on 01/23/2009

I was 18 when I got my first one and it's not my finest, lol. Since you are the parent then I guess it's up to you when your child gets his or her first one. If my oldest came up to me at 14 and wanted one I would tell him to start looking at different ones and if he still likes the same one by the time he's 18 then he can go for it. I know that if I would have gotten one at 14 I probably would have covered it up by now, lol. But it's your kid so go with what you feel is right.

Tara - posted on 01/22/2009

Well, legally the age is 18 isn't it....I personally didn't get my first until I was 35...and I tell anyone who is thinking of getting one, to be sure before they do it....don't get something on a whim and possibly regret it later...one of mine is a memorial to my son and the other contains the initial of each family member....but to each his own!!