Piercing Ages & Consent
We want every piercing experience to feel safe, calm and fully understood. Our minimum ages are based on the placement, healing requirements and the client’s ability to comfortably participate in the complete needle-piercing process.
Age alone does not guarantee that a piercing can go ahead. All piercings are subject to informed consent, suitable anatomy, maturity and the professional judgement of the piercer.
Minimum Piercing Ages
All clients under 16 require a parent or legal guardian to attend the appointment.
Ages 8+
Single lobe piercing
Paired standard lobe piercings
The child must personally want the piercing, understand what will happen and be able to remain reasonably still throughout the appointment.
Ages 12+
Additional lobe piercings
Upper lobe piercings
Placement will depend on the client’s anatomy and the amount of space available around any existing piercings.
Ages 14+
Helix
Flat
Conch
Tragus
Nostril
These piercings require more involved aftercare and generally take longer to heal than standard lobe piercings.
Ages 16+
Industrial
Rook
Daith
Snug
Septum
Eyebrow
Lip and labret
Navel
These piercings may involve more complex anatomy, longer healing periods or an increased possibility of migration, rejection, scarring, or dental and gum damage.
Some services may not currently be offered by Alexandra Tattoo Co. Please check our piercing menu or contact the studio before booking.
Clients Under 16
A parent or legal guardian must:
Attend the complete appointment
Provide valid photo identification
Sign the consent form
Remain at the studio during the procedure
The young person must also give their own clear and willing consent.
Permission by phone, text message or written note is not accepted. An older sibling, family friend or other accompanying adult cannot provide consent unless they are the client’s legal guardian.
We may request documentation confirming the client’s age or the adult’s legal guardianship, particularly when surnames or addresses differ.
Clients Aged 16 or 17
Clients aged 16 or 17 may consent to the piercings listed for their age group but must provide valid identification confirming their age.
A parent or legal guardian may still be required for particular placements or circumstances at the piercer’s discretion.
Consent Belongs to the Person Being Pierced
A parent or guardian cannot consent on behalf of a young person who does not want the piercing.
We will not pierce a child or young person who:
Says no or asks us to stop
Appears frightened, distressed or uncertain
Cannot remain safely still
Does not understand the basic procedure or aftercare
Is being pressured, restrained or bribed into continuing
Consent may be withdrawn at any time, including after the area has been cleaned or marked. If the client changes their mind, the appointment will stop. There is no shame in deciding not to continue.
Needle Piercing and Younger Clients
All piercings are performed carefully using sterile, single-use piercing needles. Our piercing procedure uses a needle method rather than a piercing gun.
A needle-piercing appointment includes discussing the procedure, checking the anatomy, cleaning the area, carefully marking the placement, and completing the piercing and jewelry insertion.
This process can feel like a lot for younger clients. Please explain beforehand that the appointment involves more than one quick moment and that they will need to remain still while each step is completed.
We may recommend postponing the appointment if the client does not appear ready. This is not a big deal or a failure. Waiting until they feel confident usually creates a safer and more positive experience.
Healing and Aftercare
The piercing procedure is only the first step. Consistent aftercare is essential to support healthy healing and reduce the risk of irritation, infection and other complications.
Healing times vary depending on the placement, the individual and how well the piercing is cared for. Clients and parents or guardians must be prepared to follow the supplied aftercare instructions, avoid unnecessary touching or pressure, and contact the studio if they have any concerns.
For younger clients, a parent or guardian should be willing to help supervise aftercare throughout the healing period.
Anatomy and Placement
Not every body is suited to every piercing. Anatomy can affect:
Whether the piercing can be performed safely
The placement and angle
The style or size of jewelry required
The likelihood of successful healing
A piercing may be declined or an alternative placement suggested when the anatomy is unsuitable.
When We May Decline or Postpone a Piercing
Alexandra Tattoo Co reserves the right to decline or postpone a piercing when:
The client does not meet the minimum age
Suitable identification or consent is unavailable
The client appears unsure or unable to give informed consent
The client is unwell, intoxicated or under the influence of drugs
The area is irritated, damaged or showing signs of infection
The client cannot remain safely still
The anatomy is unsuitable
The requested jewelry or placement is not considered safe
The piercer believes continuing would not be in the client’s best interests
The final decision to perform a piercing remains with the piercer.
Before the Appointment
Please make sure the client:
Has eaten a proper meal
Is well hydrated
Is feeling healthy
Has their required identification
Understands the basic procedure
Is prepared to follow the supplied aftercare instructions
Please tell the piercer about any relevant allergies, medical conditions, medications, previous reactions, fainting history or healing concerns before the procedure begins.
Our Priority
Our age policies are minimum requirements rather than automatic approval.
Our priority is a safe piercing, suitable placement and a client who feels informed, respected and comfortable throughout the process.
We would always rather postpone or decline a piercing than create a bad experience or perform a piercing that is unlikely to heal well.