Legal Age in Texas to Get a Tattoo
Some states have specific rules for the types of piercings. While ear piercing may be legal for a minor, tongue piercing may require parental consent. You said your 16-year-old got a tattoo. If the tattoo is something you consider obscene or contains offensive language or symbols, gang-related names, symbols, or marks, and as the person`s parent or guardian, you want the tattoo marks or language to be masked, you or the minor`s legal guardian can give a tattoo artist permission to tattoo on the offending tattoo in your presence. If you think your teen might be tempted to get body art or body modification, talk about it. Instead of just banning it, learn why your teen is interested in a particular tattoo or piercing. The content of this column is provided for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice or a substitute for legal advice. For advice on your specific facts and circumstances, consult a licensed lawyer. You can contact the Lawyer Referral Service of Central Texas, a nonprofit public service of the Austin Bar Association, at 512-472-8303 or www.austinlrs.com. Do tattoo and piercing studios need a license? Yes. Tattoo and piercing studios must meet certain requirements as a condition of their license to operate in Texas. For example, physical facilities must be located in permanent, uninhabited buildings or parts of buildings permitted by local zoning by-laws.
Studios must be adequately lit and kept hygienic. Work surfaces should be cleaned and disinfected with germicidal solution, and walls, ceilings and floors should be kept in good condition and made of smooth, non-porous surfaces. The consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited in the studio and the use of tobacco products is prohibited in the work areas. A studio must be equipped with handwashing facilities for its staff, and employees must wash their hands properly with antibacterial soap before performing a tattoo or piercing procedure and after any interruption of the procedure. Employees must wear clean outerwear and disposable gloves during the procedure. Before the procedure, the employee must properly clean the area of skin where the tattoo or piercing is to be applied with germicidal soap or antiseptic mouthwash. At this age, it could be difficult because not only will the state likely impose strict regulations, but artists will likely be wary of tattooing children too young to have permanent marks on their skin. You must prove that you are the parent or guardian and be present during the retattoo. The Drugs and Medical Devices Group is responsible for conducting on-site inspections of tattoo and piercing studios. During these inspections, we ensure that studios comply with national and local laws and regulations. Some Texas cities have local ordinances that are stricter or ban tattoos and piercings altogether. Some states do not allow a teenager to get a tattoo or piercing their tongue regardless of parental consent, while other states do not have rules.
This means that your teen may be able to enter a salon and get tattooed or pierced without your knowledge. Many states do not completely eliminate the possibility for a minor to get a tattoo. If you wish to file a complaint or report an infection related to a tattoo or piercing procedure, contact the tattoo and piercing unit at 512 834-6711. Correspondence may be addressed to: Tattoo and Body Piercing Unit- Environmental Operations Branch – MC 2835, P.O. Box 149347, Austin, TX, 78714-9347. You can also contact the program by email at ttbphelp@dshs.texas.gov. (B) The consent referred to in paragraph (a-1) takes effect if the minor`s parents or guardians (1) appear during the tattooing process, (2) make an affidavit confirming that they are the minor`s actual parent or guardian, (3) disclose the minor`s identity to the artist and (4) reveal their own identity as a parent or legitimate guardian. Yes. Persons under the age of 17 are prohibited from obtaining a tattoo unless the tattoo covers an existing tattoo that contains obscene, gang-related, drug-related or other offensive language or symbols that a parent or guardian deems in the best interests of the person. Persons under the age of 17 are prohibited from receiving a piercing unless their parents or guardians have previously consented to it.
In addition, the parent or guardian of a person under the age of 17 must be physically present at the time of the procedure and prove that they are the parent or guardian of the person receiving the tattoo or piercing. A person cannot get tattooed or pierced if they are under the influence of alcohol or drugs. A tattoo is the practice of creating an indelible mark or figure on the human body by inserting scars or pigment under the skin with needles, scalpels, or other related devices. The term covers the use of permanent cosmetics (permanent makeup). Tattoo and piercing studios are required to provide you with verbal and written instructions to take care of your tattoo or piercing. For at least two weeks after your tattoo, you should minimize your sun exposure and not swim. In addition, you need to properly clean the tattooed area, apply antibiotic ointment or cream and, if necessary, use sterile bandages or other sterile bandages. After your piercing procedure, you should properly clean the pierced area using an antibacterial or antimicrobial soap for the outer skin or an antiseptic mouthwash or carbamide peroxide for the oral cavity.
In addition, you should minimize your exposure to contaminants for at least the first six weeks and use sterile bandages or other sterile bandages if necessary. You should see a doctor at the first sign of infection or allergic reaction and report any diagnosed infection, allergic reaction, or side effect resulting from the tattoo or piercing procedure to the studio and the Texas Department of State Health Services at 888-839-6676. Yes. There are certain risks and dangers associated with obtaining a tattoo or piercing that the studio must inform you of verbally and in writing before the procedures. The risks and dangers associated with getting a tattoo include the possibility of discomfort or pain, the durability of the marks, the risk of infection, and the possibility of an allergic reaction to pigments or other tattoo materials. The risks and dangers associated with a piercing include the possibility of discomfort or pain, the risk of infection, the possibility of scarring and nerve damage, the possibility of bleeding and swelling, and the increased risk for adolescents at certain stages of development. Violations of Texas` tattoo and piercing law are a Class A offense, with each day of violation being considered a separate offense. [104] Are service animals allowed in tattoo and piercing studios? Unfortunately, not all tattoo artists or piercers respect the law.
Some of them may be willing to tattoo your teen or give them a nose ring without your consent. Anyone who breaks the law is likely to face a fine and may lose their license. Tattoo, under 18, minors, teens, Texas Health and Safety Code Section 146.012 If you`re not comfortable with your teen getting tattooed or pierced, you may want to opt for another option, such as a henna tattoo or an additional ear piercing.