Legal

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.

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.

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.

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.