Our Policies are governed by NSW State Laws in relation to Tattoo, Piercings or Body Modifications.

Tattoos

In New South Wales you need to be 18 to get a tattoo.

If you are under 18, you’ll need your parent’s permission.   It’s against the law for someone to tattoo you without your parent’s permission.

Body Piercings

You need to be 16 to get a piercing in New South Wales.

If you’re under 16 and want a normal piercing (not in a private place), you’ll need your parent’s permission.

Your parents can’t give permission for a piercing in a private place (your genitals or nipples). You have to wait until you’re 18 to do this.

Getting permission and proving your age

A parent can give permission in person or in writing. If it’s in writing, your parent’s note must explain the type of tattoo/mark/piercing and where it’s going to be on your body.

Also, even if you do get permission from a parent, some tattooists and body piercers will not give you a tattoo or a piercing if you’re under 18, and others may ask you to show proof of your age, or even sign a statutory declaration (a legal document).   You may want to call the tattooist or studio you are thinking of using and ask what their specific policy is.

At school and work: your school or workplace may have specific rules or policies about tattoos, piercings and body marks, so it’s a good idea to check these first.

Staying safe

When you get a tattoo or piercing, there is always a risk that you can get a disease like Hepatitis C or B, HIV or a bacterial infection. To prevent this, it’s a good idea to always go to a professional tattoo artist and make sure that the tattoo studio is safe and hygienic and that all tools are sterilised. Don’t get a ‘backyard’ or ‘tattoo party’ tattoo – the risk is just too great!   All tattoo studio in NSW have to be registered and publicly display their licence, so it’s a good idea to make sure the place has one before getting anything done.

Watch out for infections! Remember to protect yourself from diseases by going to a registered studio with someone who is trained and hygienic! You have definitely chosen the right place with Wicked Ink. Congratulations and we will see you soon.

If you have any questions about getting a tattoo, piercing or other body modification, please send us an email.