While there is no set legal age requirement for most piercings, reputable piercing shops and professionals have guidelines they follow regarding minors. In general, anyone under the age of 18 will need a parent or legal guardian present to consent to getting a nose piercing. The guardian will also need to provide proof of identification for themselves and the minor to verify the relationship.
Parental Consent is Required for Minors
For a minor to get their nose pierced, a parent or legal guardian must accompany them to the piercing appointment. The parent will need to provide a copy of the minor’s birth certificate to prove age as well as a valid photo ID for themselves. They will also have to fill out paperwork at the shop to legally consent to the nose piercing procedure.
Minors
Anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent/legal guardian and must provide identification and proof of age and relationship to the guardian in order to be pierced or have jewelry inserted into a piercing. Acceptable identification and proof of age and relationship includes the following:
- Any of the forms of acceptable identification listed above from both parent and minor on which either last names or addresses match.
- If the parent has a different last name and address than the minor, then legal documentation (birth certificate, marriage certificate, divorce papers, adoption papers, etc.) must be provided to verify the relationship.
- If the legal guardian is not the parent, then legal documentation (adoption papers, power of attorney giving full guardianship without limitations, etc.) must be provided to verify the guardian’s legal right to sign for the minor.
- A school issued photo ID or yearbook picture accompanied by a birth certificate is acceptable identification for minors younger than driving age.
Ages Required for Specific Piercings
Age requirements are subject to change. Current age requirements are as follows:
- 18 years of age or older with proper identification: Microdermal (single point) piercings, Surface piercings, Nipple piercings, Genital piercings.
- 14 years of age or older with parental consent and proper identification: Earlobe piercings (no larger than 10 gauge), Ear cartilage piercings, Navel piercings, Facial piercings, Oral piercings
- Minors under 14 years of age with parental consent and proper identification: Earlobes (18, 16 or 14 gauge only) – Minors must be able to verbally consent to the piercings, as well as legibly write their name on the release form.
Some things parents should consider before allowing a minor to get a nose ring include:
- There are risks to any piercing, including infection, scarring, and bleeding. While rare, serious medical issues can also arise. Parents must determine if the minor is responsible and mature enough to properly care for a new piercing during healing.
- A nose piercing is a permanent body modification that the minor will likely have for life. Parents need to make sure the minor will not regret this decision in the future when their style or tastes may change.
Parental Consent is Required for Minors
For a minor to get their nose pierced, a parent or legal guardian must accompany them to the piercing appointment. The parent will need to provide a copy of the minor’s birth certificate to prove age as well as a valid photo ID for themselves. They will also have to fill out paperwork at the shop to legally consent to the nose piercing procedure.
Some things parents should consider before allowing a minor to get a nose ring include:
- There are risks to any piercing, including infection, scarring, and bleeding. While rare, serious medical issues can also arise. Parents must determine if the minor is responsible and mature enough to properly care for a new piercing during healing.
- A nose piercing is a permanent body modification that the minor will likely have for life. Parents need to make sure the minor will not regret this decision in the future when their style or tastes may change.
- Younger children, especially those under 10 years old, are usually not able to fully understand what is involved with aftercare and the permanence of a nose piercing. Piercing a young child can be seen as a violation of their consent and may be illegal in some areas.
- Healing time for a nose piercing typically takes 3 to 6 months. Parents must be willing to commit to supervising aftercare, cleaning the piercing, and watching for any complications during the initial healing period.
- School dress code policies may prohibit nose piercings or limit the type of jewelry allowed. This is something to consider based on the minor’s school rules.
- Cost and affordability of high-quality jewelry are factors. Quality nose rings and studs can range from $20 to $200 or more. Initial piercing fees at a reputable shop will also apply.
What to Expect at the Appointment
At the piercing appointment, the minor and guardian should expect to provide the necessary proof of consent documentation. The piercer will discuss where and how the nose piercing will be placed, what type of metal the jewelry will contain, and go over detailed aftercare instructions. The actual piercing process only takes a few seconds and most report it causes a quick sting and minimal discomfort. With the proper aftercare, a nose piercing can heal well with no complications. But parents must be diligent in following all instructions provided by the professional piercer.