Age Limits for Tattoos: What You Need to Know
Introduction to Tattoo Age Limits :
Hello Everyone! In today’s blog, we’re going to discuss the topic of age limits for getting a tattoo. In some countries, it’s 18 years old; in others, it’s 16. In some cases, you need permission from your legal guardian if you’re underage. Surprisingly, there are even countries without any restrictions. Spoiler alert—two of those countries are in Europe!
The 18-Year-Old Tattoo Rule: Most Common Worldwide :
At Vadelma Tattoo, we also follow this approach. It’s wise, ethical, and honestly, such a limit helps avoid the dumbest tattoo ideas. You know, those tattoos people regret getting later. If you’re 18, your puberty is typically over, and you’re starting to think for yourself. The teenage rebellion or youth fascination with Taylor Swift is likely in the past. You’re more resilient to bad ideas, especially those influenced by your peer circle at school. That’s why, even though in Amsterdam, where we work, there’s a possibility to get a tattoo from age 16 without parental consent, we don’t allow that in our studio.
Fun fact: In the Netherlands, for those aged 12 to 15, tattoos are allowed with parental or guardian consent, and a parent or guardian must be present during the procedure. However, tattoos are not permitted on the head, neck, wrists, or hands.
Why Budgeting Matters for Young Tattoo Enthusiasts :
Talking about money may seem like an unexpected turn from the topic, but budgeting for your tattoo is probably one of the most important factors in getting a tattoo you’ll be happy with. Typically, people at 16 are still studying or working part-time, and their spending priorities might be, let’s say, different. For that and many other reasons, there’s often less money available for tattoos.
In the tattoo industry, the relation between the price and quality of a tattoo is pretty straightforward. Young people, who often think short-term, might underestimate the importance of going to a professional tattoo artist, thinking a nice-looking promotion on social media will give them their dream tattoo. Unfortunately, too often, they face reality and disappointment.
It might be a good life lesson, but an unnecessary one if only tattooers were more ethical. Setting the age limit at 18 increases the chance that people will take getting a tattoo more seriously. I have a friend who runs a tattoo removal business, and many of the tattoos being removed were done at a very young age. Coincidence? I don’t think so.
Countries with Little to No Tattoo Regulations :
Did you expect one of the least regulated countries for tattoos to be in Europe? Even better—these countries are part of the EU! One of them is the home of ABBA and IKEA. Yes, Sweden has no official age limits for tattoos! This doesn’t mean studios don’t enforce their own rules, but officially, it’s a bit of a wild west.
Another country from Europe is Bulgaria, where age limits are also left to the artist. Most studios still stick to the 18-year-old rule. On the other hand, while tattoos are legal in Denmark, they have strict rules about where tattoos can be placed. It’s illegal to tattoo anyone under 18, and specifically prohibited to tattoo anyone’s face, neck, or hands, regardless of age.
Not surprisingly, the most regulated countries are outside Europe and America. Strong regulations are often linked to religion or political influence, which I believe will change over time. Thanks to the internet, the spread of information, and tourism, tattoos are becoming more accepted worldwide.
Conclusion: Patience, Focus, and the Power of Waiting
I hope you now understand better why we’ve chosen to set the age limit at 18 for tattoos at Vadelma. Having a long-term approach not only helps us have beautiful tattoos, but it also helps achieve greater results in life, relationships, and even health. The ability to wait is a powerful thing—and sadly, it’s a skill under great stress in today’s fast-paced social media world, where everything moves so quickly, killing our focus, patience, and messing with our dopamine systems.
Thank you,
Simon
“Tattoos that matter for people who care”
Introduction to Tattoo Age Limits :
Hello Everyone! In today’s blog, we’re going to discuss the topic of age limits for getting a tattoo. In some countries, it’s 18 years old; in others, it’s 16. In some cases, you need permission from your legal guardian if you’re underage. Surprisingly, there are even countries without any restrictions. Spoiler alert—two of those countries are in Europe!
The 18-Year-Old Tattoo Rule: Most Common Worldwide :
At Vadelma Tattoo, we also follow this approach. It’s wise, ethical, and honestly, such a limit helps avoid the dumbest tattoo ideas. You know, those tattoos people regret getting later. If you’re 18, your puberty is typically over, and you’re starting to think for yourself. The teenage rebellion or youth fascination with Taylor Swift is likely in the past. You’re more resilient to bad ideas, especially those influenced by your peer circle at school. That’s why, even though in Amsterdam, where we work, there’s a possibility to get a tattoo from age 16 without parental consent, we don’t allow that in our studio.
Fun fact: In the Netherlands, for those aged 12 to 15, tattoos are allowed with parental or guardian consent, and a parent or guardian must be present during the procedure. However, tattoos are not permitted on the head, neck, wrists, or hands.
Why Budgeting Matters for Young Tattoo Enthusiasts :
Talking about money may seem like an unexpected turn from the topic, but budgeting for your tattoo is probably one of the most important factors in getting a tattoo you’ll be happy with. Typically, people at 16 are still studying or working part-time, and their spending priorities might be, let’s say, different. For that and many other reasons, there’s often less money available for tattoos.
In the tattoo industry, the relation between the price and quality of a tattoo is pretty straightforward. Young people, who often think short-term, might underestimate the importance of going to a professional tattoo artist, thinking a nice-looking promotion on social media will give them their dream tattoo. Unfortunately, too often, they face reality and disappointment.
It might be a good life lesson, but an unnecessary one if only tattooers were more ethical. Setting the age limit at 18 increases the chance that people will take getting a tattoo more seriously. I have a friend who runs a tattoo removal business, and many of the tattoos being removed were done at a very young age. Coincidence? I don’t think so.
Countries with Little to No Tattoo Regulations :
Did you expect one of the least regulated countries for tattoos to be in Europe? Even better—these countries are part of the EU! One of them is the home of ABBA and IKEA. Yes, Sweden has no official age limits for tattoos! This doesn’t mean studios don’t enforce their own rules, but officially, it’s a bit of a wild west.
Another country from Europe is Bulgaria, where age limits are also left to the artist. Most studios still stick to the 18-year-old rule. On the other hand, while tattoos are legal in Denmark, they have strict rules about where tattoos can be placed. It’s illegal to tattoo anyone under 18, and specifically prohibited to tattoo anyone’s face, neck, or hands, regardless of age.
Not surprisingly, the most regulated countries are outside Europe and America. Strong regulations are often linked to religion or political influence, which I believe will change over time. Thanks to the internet, the spread of information, and tourism, tattoos are becoming more accepted worldwide.
Conclusion: Patience, Focus, and the Power of Waiting
I hope you now understand better why we’ve chosen to set the age limit at 18 for tattoos at Vadelma. Having a long-term approach not only helps us have beautiful tattoos, but it also helps achieve greater results in life, relationships, and even health. The ability to wait is a powerful thing—and sadly, it’s a skill under great stress in today’s fast-paced social media world, where everything moves so quickly, killing our focus, patience, and messing with our dopamine systems.
Thank you,
Simon
“Tattoos that matter for people who care”
