At Mania Tattoo Blackpool, we’re often asked whether parents can consent to tattoos for their children under 18. Let’s clear this up once and for all: it’s illegal in the UK to tattoo anyone under the age of 18, even with parental consent.

The law is straightforward - the Tattooing of Minors Act 1969 states that no person under 18 years old can be tattooed, regardless of their parents’ permission. This legislation is in place to protect young people and ensure they make decisions about permanent body art when they’re mature enough to consider all the long-term implications.

Why Tattooing Minors is a Bad Idea

While your 16-year-old might feel absolutely certain about that band logo, trendy phrase, or anime character today, what you love as a teenager doesn’t always age well. By the time they’re 21, it could feel like a cringe-worthy reminder of a passing phase. Tastes change, and a tattoo that felt “cool” at 16 could become a lifelong regret.

It’s also worth mentioning that tattoos evolve over time. Skin changes as we age, and a tattoo that starts out sharp and vibrant can look completely different in just a few years. For younger people whose bodies are still growing, tattoos can stretch, distort, and age even faster - resulting in artwork that looks much older than it actually is.

Even at 18, It’s Important to Think Carefully

Even being over the age of 18 doesn’t automatically mean you’ll make great choices when it comes to tattoos. The owner of Mania Tattoo has been in the tattoo industry since around the age of 13, giving him decades of experience - and countless stories of regret from people who rushed into tattoos as teenagers.

Despite being surrounded by incredible tattoo art from a young age, he didn’t get his first tattoo until he was 25. Why? Because he had witnessed so many people regret their impulsive decisions from their late teens and early twenties. A tattoo is permanent, so it’s worth waiting until you’re absolutely certain about the design, the placement, and how it fits into your future self.

Why We Follow the Law

At Mania Tattoo Blackpool, we take the law seriously. Not only do we want to protect young people from making impulsive decisions they might regret, but we also want to ensure every tattoo we create is something you’ll treasure for life.

If you’re a parent thinking of giving permission for your child to get a tattoo, we kindly ask you to wait. Let them reach 18, when they’ll be legally old enough to make this decision themselves—and with the wisdom of a little extra life experience under their belt.

What Makes 18 the Right Age?

At 18, you’re legally considered an adult in the UK, and that independence comes with the responsibility of making lasting decisions—like getting a tattoo. By this age, you’re more likely to have a sense of personal identity and understand the commitment that comes with permanent body art.

If you’re researching “tattoo studios near me” or exploring Blackpool’s best tattoo studios, we’re here to provide professional advice and stunning tattoos for clients who meet the legal age requirement.

Got more questions?
Don’t hesitate to reach out - we’re always happy to help!