Thinking about having a tattoo or piercing?
Things to consider:
- It is illegal to tattoo someone under the age of 18 – so if you are under 18 - don’t ask. There are no age restrictions for piercings, but body piercers are expected to adopt similar procedures.
- Never tattoo yourself or ask a friend to do it – you are likely to be at risk of infection and loss of friendship!
- A tattoo that cost £5 to apply could cost over £1000 to remove, so think carefully before you decide to have a tattoo. Consider how you might feel in 10 or 20 years.
- There is a risk of infection, including blood borne viral infections such as HIV and hepatitis. Make sure you select a reputable tattooist or piercer, and one that is registered with the local authority.
- Ask about hygiene and cleanliness. A copy of Dartford Borough Council’s Code of Practice is available online, and can help you understand the procedures you can expect to be followed.
- Find out if the premises and the practitioner are registered with the Local Authority. A registration certificate should be clearly displayed. If you have any queries or concerns about practices and procedures, you can contact Environmental Health Services for further advice.
- The law on indecent assault states that a female under the age of 16 years cannot give consent for nipple or genital piercing, and a male under the age of 16 years cannot consent to genital piercing.
- Do not get a tattoo or piercing if you are under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- In the UK, you are not allowed to donate blood for 6 months after having a tattoo or piercing.
- Risk of infection following a piercing may be increased due to long healing times. Ear lobes can take up to 8 weeks to heal, nostrils up to 4 months, nipples up to 6 months and navals up to 12 months.
- Swelling is common after a tattoo or piercing, but piercing in tongues can result in swelling to twice the normal size and can cause respiratory distress.
- Nipple piercings can damage milk ducts and cause problems with breast feeding.
- If jewellery inserts are too thin or heavy the body may reject them.
- If the jewellery insert is too small it may constrict the local blood supply causing pain.
