Information for Parents About our Policies
Click on any of the following questions for an answer. Email us or call if you have a question that isn't listed.
What should I know about body modification safety before allowing my child to get pierced?
What should I have if I'm bringing my child in to get pierced?
Can my child come in and get pierced without me?
How old does my child have to be to get pierced?
How old does my child have to be to get tattooed?
What should I have if I'm bringing my child in to get pierced?
You need to bring your photo ID (driver's license, passport, or similar) and some sort of ID for your child with their date of birth and a photograph. This can be done with a combination of IDs, for example a photo School ID accompanying a birth certificate. A Learner's Permit, Sheriff's ID, birth certificate, medical card with their name on it, etc. are all acceptable forms of ID as long as there is a photo and birthdate. You also need to be able to prove you are their parent, which can be done by showing same last names and addresses on ID cards, a medical card with both of your names on it, a birth certificate, etc. If instead of a parent, you are a legal guardian, you must bring a copy of those guardianship papers. Please call us if you have questions about what can be used.
Can my child come in and get pierced without me?
We strongly prefer that you accompany your child if they are going to get pierced. This allows you to learn about our sterilization procedures, see the shop and meet us, and learn about the aftercare and jewelry. If you are not able to come along, your child must bring your driver's license or ID card (to copy onto our form), a note from you giving permission for a specific piercing, and a phone number where we can reach you. We will call you before piercing your child to make sure you are allowing it and do not have any questions for us.
How old does my child have to be to get pierced?
We will not pierce anyone under the age of 18 without parental consent. For minors we prefer they be at least 16 years of age, but as long as both the parent and child understand the possible risks and complications and understand the healing times and processes, we will pierce as young as 14. We do pierce only earlobes for children under 14; please call us to discuss a specific situation. We will not pierce the nipples or genitals of any minor, even with parental consent.
How old does my child have to be to get tattooed?
It is illegal to tattoo anyone under the age of 18 in New York State, even with parental consent. Unlawfully dealing with a child in the second degree is a class B misdemeanor. An exerpt from the New York State Penal Law, Title O, §260.21: “A person is guilty of unlawfully dealing with a child in the second degree when... he marks the body of a child less than eighteen years old with indelible ink or pigments by means of tattooing...” In accordance with the penal law of the State of New York, we at Stiehl’s will neither tattoo nor endorse the tattooing of a child or minor (defined as a person less than eighteen years of age) in this state. Class B misdemeanors are punishable by fines as well as a term of imprisonment up to 3 months. This is a risk no professional tattoo artist would take; therefore keep this in mind when choosing to get tattooed by someone willingly breaking the law. If their lack of professionalism starts there, where does it end?