why do u have to be 18 or older to get a tattoo?

Question

I wonted to get a tattoo, but i'm to yung. why do u have to be 18?

Answer 1

Because tatoos are permanent, and young teenagers are often idiots when it comes to picking a tattoo that they will feel comfortable with and have forever.


Also, before your 18th birthday, you are under the jurisdiction of your parents, and getting a tattoo is big. That is why they are involved in the decision-making process.

Infact, that's why they are involved is basically every decision-making process before you're 18.

Just wait. I bet your interests will change by the time you're 18. You might want a different design or no tattoo at all.

Answer 2

@ kebert: it's just the fish symbol, a 3 year old with a bottle of ink and a needle couldn't even mess that up. 20 bucks for an extremely simple tattoo like that sounds about right; wouldn't take more than 90 seconds to do. As for your first tattoo, good spot for a female would be right above your ankle, many girls get their first tattoo on their ankles or feet. If you're getting just the symbol, there's no reason to get any color ink. All black looks much better on small tattoos anyway, save bold colors for if you decide to get more and bigger work done later. Also, Galatians 6:17 (bearing the mark of Jesus) is a beautiful scripture that compliments the tattoo, BUT if your artist is charging you 20 bucks for both the symbol AND the scripture, that's a bit shady and trust me you don't want someone permanently writing words on your body if they aren't amazing at it. just my 2 cents, hope it helps

Answer 3

Because when you're 18, people are thought to be more "mature/adult-like" in their decision makings than when they were younger and consumed by fitting in with certain people and succumbing to peer pressure.

Tattoos especially are a BIG decision to make, because this is the kind of thing that's on you FOREVER. So people hope that by that age, you'll have grown up some, won't give into silly peer pressure like you would if you were allowed to get tattoos at age 13, and will make responsible decisions that will broaden your future horizon rather than shrink it due to the fact that you got yourself all "tatted-up" when you were twelve, and so no reasonably respectable place wants to hire you.

Answer 4

At 18 you're considered to be less childish. 18 is the year of girl to woman, wait until you're 18 and get a rose blossoming or something to sybalize your maturity and growth :)

I turned 18 last week so I'm getting my first tattoo next week. Still don't know what to get and have wanted one since I was about 16! It takes a lot of thought with things like this.

Answer 5

b/c in America you are considered an Adult at the age of 18. So, therefore you can make and do any you want. Plus, if something were to happen you would be a minor b/c you would have to represented by an adult. Which you can get a tattoo starting at age 16 if your parents sign the waiver and are physically present at the time.

Answer 6

Because it's a life-changing decision. And like most life-chaning decisions, you cannot make it until you are 18, because the average 17-or-younger person is not mature enough to do so.

That said, most states have parental consent laws for minors 16 and up. These exist for that occasional individual who IS mature enough at a young age. And obviously, no one can judge that better than the parents, so the parents are allowed to make the call.

The laws are there, mostly, to prevent tattoo artists from getting sued, and to prevent young people from making rash decisions.

Answer 7

you have to be 18 in order to get a tattoo because until your are 18 then you are still a minor and your parents are still in charge of you. so if you get a tattoo without your parents permission before 18 then your parents could sue the tattoo place...so tattoo places dont want that to happen, so they just say that you have to be 18 in order to get a tattoo. it does make sense, but i agree it is annoying whenever your younger than 18.

Answer 8

because you live in bad places... :P Comme an see countries like bulgaria or atliest somewhere on the bolcanies. You can drink, smoke and have a tat if you like... The only probleme here is you - how smart you are? Everything else is easy!

Answer 9

18 is the age that you are legal able to make your own decisions. Including the ones to scar your body for ever and ever. There are some places that will give you a tat with your parents consent.

Answer 10

18 is the legal age in most states that way if the artist gives you a tattoo your 'rents can not hold anything against the artist or try to sue them for marking their baby.