Can You Get a Piercing if You’re Under 16 in the UK

General Legal Framework

In the UK, there is no single national law that sets a minimum age for most body piercings. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, many types of piercings can legally be performed on minors under 16 because there is no specific statutory prohibition. The law is stricter for genital or nipple piercings, which are generally restricted to adults aged 18 and over.

Scotland is the one part of the UK with specific rules. There, anyone under 16 can only get a piercing with a parent or guardian present or providing formal consent.

However, even in areas without strict legal restrictions, studios are not obliged to pierce someone under 16. Many adopt their own age policies that go above the legal minimum, often requiring parental consent or refusing to pierce minors altogether.

Why Some Shops Refuse Under-16s

Studios often worry about consent and maturity. Even if someone under 16 signs a form, there are questions about whether they fully understand the risks, aftercare responsibilities and possible complications. For this reason, many studios require a parent or guardian to be present.

Local councils can also impose conditions as part of their licensing rules, setting minimum ages or requiring parental consent. On top of this, professional standards within the industry often encourage piercers to be cautious when working with younger clients.

The type and placement of piercing also matter. While some studios may be willing to pierce ear lobes or nostrils for those under 16, they almost never allow more complex, higher-risk or intimate piercings until the client is older.

What You Should Expect If You’re Under 16 and Want a Piercing

If you are under 16 and visit a professional piercing studio, you should be prepared to provide proof of age and, in many cases, have a parent or guardian with you. Studios may decline to carry out the procedure if it goes against their policies or local licensing conditions. Where they do accept younger clients, they may restrict the options to simpler piercings like ear lobes.

Aftercare is a major focus. Healing requires commitment and responsibility, so reputable piercers will make sure that the client and guardian fully understand what is involved. Trying to bypass age restrictions or going to an unlicensed piercer increases the risk of infection, poor placement and long-term scarring.

What Makes a Safe Choice

If you are under 16 and considering a piercing, always choose a licensed and well-regarded studio. Contact them in advance to ask about their policies for younger clients. Bring a parent or guardian with you, follow professional aftercare advice carefully, and avoid risky or complex piercings until you are older. The safest choice is always one that puts your health and long-term wellbeing first.

Summary

Yes, you can legally get some piercings if you are under 16 in parts of the UK, but it depends on where you live, the type of piercing, and the studio’s own policies. England, Wales and Northern Ireland do not set a blanket legal minimum age for most piercings, although intimate piercings are restricted to over-18s. In Scotland, under-16s need parental presence or consent. Ultimately, most professional studios apply stricter rules than the law requires, to ensure safety, responsibility and proper aftercare.