How Old Do You Have To Be To Get A Nose Piercing?

Nose piercings are a popular fashion statement but also a big commitment. You’ll need to clean the pierced area every day so that it heals properly.

As a result, there are state laws on the appropriate age for minors to get body piercings. In this post, you’ll find out how old you have to be to get a nose piercing and the requirements.

How Old Do You Have To Be To Get A Nose Piercing?

Teenagers aged between 14 and 18 years old can get nose piercings in 41 states as long as they have written or notarized parental consent. Some states also require the presence of a parent. A minority of states specify that the piercing of minors is illegal and not allowed.

Check with a legitimate piercing studio to find out the specific guidelines for your state, or check “Piercing Laws by State” below.

Do You Need An ID To Get A Piercing?

You need a government-issued ID such as a driver’s license, state-issued ID, or passport to get a body piercing. Some states require a parent’s or legal guardian’s presence or consent, while others prohibit minors from getting body piercings.

Body Piercing Laws By State

The age limit for piercings is 14 in many states. A few states do not allow kids to get body piercings. The main reason for this is that many kids are not mature enough to handle aspects of body piercings, such as following the aftercare advice needed for them to heal completely.

Unfortunately, not all body piercers follow the law and might give you a nose ring without parental consent. You’ll probably find many shady places where they don’t care about the law, but do your best to avoid those.

Find a reputable establishment that explains the risks and cleaning procedure and follows the law in your state.

Below are the piercing requirements by state:

Alabama

• No minimum age is specified.
• Minors under 18 require written consent from a parent or legal guardian for body piercing.

Alaska

• No minimum age is specified.
• Minors under 18 require written consent from a parent or legal guardian for body piercing.
• PLUS a parent or legal guardian must be present during the procedure.

Arizona

• No minimum age is specified.
• Minors under 18 require a parent or legal guardian to be present for body piercing.

Arkansas

• The minimum specified age is 18.
• Minors under 18 require written consent from a parent or legal guardian for body piercing.
• PLUS a parent or legal guardian must be present during the procedure.

California

• No minimum age is specified.
• Minors under 18 require written & notarized consent from a parent or legal guardian for body piercing.
• A parent or legal guardian must be present during the procedure.

Colorado

• The minimum specified age is 18.
• Minors under 18 require written consent from a parent or legal guardian for body piercing.

Connecticut

• No minimum age is specified.
• Minors under 18 require written consent from a parent or legal guardian for body piercing.

Delaware

• The minimum specified age is 18.
• Minors under 18 require written & notarized consent from a parent or legal guardian for body piercing.

District of Colombia

• No minimum age is specified for ear piercings.
• Ear piercings require written consent from a parent or legal guardian.

Florida

• The minimum specified age is 16.
• Minors under 16 require written & notarized consent from a parent or legal guardian for body piercing.
• PLUS a parent or legal guardian must be present during the procedure.

Georgia

• The minimum specified age is 18.
• Minors under 18 require written & notarized consent from a parent or legal guardian for body piercing.
• Minors may have their ears pierced without parental consent.

Hawaii

• No minimum age is specified.
• Minors under 18 require written consent from a parent or legal guardian for body piercing.

Idaho

• No body piercing for minors under 14.
• Minors aged 14-18 require written consent from a parent or legal guardian for body piercing.
• PLUS a parent or legal guardian must be present during the procedure.

Illinois

• No minimum age is specified.
• A parent or legal guardian must be present with minors when in a piercing shop at all times.
• Minors may have their ears pierced without parental consent.

Indiana

• No minimum age is specified.
• Minors under 18 require written consent from a parent or legal guardian for body piercing.
• PLUS a parent or legal guardian must be present during the procedure.

Iowa

• No known laws for body piercing in Iowa state.
• Body piercing may be regulated by county or city laws.
• Piercing establishments set their own rules regarding the piercing of minors.

Kansas

• The minimum specified age is 16.
• Written & notarized consent from a parent or legal guardian for body piercing.
• PLUS a parent or legal guardian must be present during the procedure.
• Minors may have their ears pierced without parental consent.

Kentucky

• No minimum age is specified.
• Written & notarized consent from a parent or legal guardian for body piercing.

Louisiana

• The minimum specified age is 16.
• Written consent from a parent or legal guardian for body piercing.
• A parent or legal guardian must be present for body piercing.

Maine

• The minimum specified age is 18.
• Minors under 18 require written consent from a parent or legal guardian for body piercing.
• Minors may have their ears pierced without parental consent.

Maryland

• No minimum age is specified.
• Minors under 18 require written consent from a parent or legal guardian for body piercing.
• Does not apply to ear lobe piercings.

Massachusetts

• No minimum age is specified (excluding genitalia).
• Minors under 18 require written consent from a parent or legal guardian for body piercing.

Michigan

• No minimum age is specified.
• Written & notarized consent from a parent or legal guardian for body piercing.
• PLUS must give consent in the presence of the piercer.

Minnesota

• No minimum age is specified.
• Written & notarized consent from a parent or legal guardian for body piercing.
• PLUS must give consent in the presence of the piercer.
• No genital or nipple piercings, branding, scarification, suspension, subdermal implantation, microdermal, or tongue bifurcation is allowed for minors.

Mississippi

• The minimum specified age is 18.
• No piercing is allowed for minors except for the ear’s outer perimeter or ear lobe.

Missouri

• No minimum age is specified.
• Written & notarized consent from a parent or legal guardian for body piercing.
• PLUS must give consent in the presence of the piercer.

Montana

• No minimum age is specified.
• Written & notarized consent from a parent or legal guardian for body piercing.
• PLUS must give consent in the presence of the piercer.
• A parent or legal guardian must be present for body piercing.

Nebraska

• No minimum age is specified.
• Written & notarized consent from a parent or legal guardian for body piercing.
• A parent or legal guardian must be present for body piercing.

Nevada

• No known laws for body piercing.
• The state does not regulate piercing shops.

New Hampshire

• No minimum age is specified.
• Written & notarized consent from a parent or legal guardian for body piercing.
• A parent or legal guardian must be present for body piercing.

New Jersey

• The minimum specified age is 16.
• Written consent from a parent or legal guardian for body piercing.

New Mexico

• No minimum age is specified.
• Written consent from a parent or legal guardian for body piercing.
• A parent or legal guardian must be present for body piercing.

New York

• No minimum age is specified.
• Written consent from a parent or legal guardian for body piercing.
• PLUS must give consent in the presence of the piercer.

North Carolina

• No minimum age is specified.
• Parent or legal guardian must be present to give consent for body piercing.

North Dakota

• No minimum age is specified.
• Written consent from a parent or legal guardian for body piercing.
• A parent or legal guardian must be present for body piercing.

Ohio

• No minimum age is specified.
• Written consent from a parent or legal guardian for body piercing.
• A parent or legal guardian must be present for body piercing.

Oklahoma

• No minimum age is specified.
• Written consent from a parent or legal guardian for body piercing.
• A parent or legal guardian must be present for body piercing.

Oregon

• No minimum age is specified.
• Written consent from a parent or legal guardian for body piercing.
• The parent or legal guardian must present proof of identity to the piercer.

Pennsylvania

• No minimum age is specified.
• Written consent from a parent or legal guardian for body piercing.
• A parent or legal guardian must be present for body piercing.

Rhode Island

• No minimum age is specified.
• Written consent from a parent or legal guardian for body piercing.
• A parent or legal guardian must be present for body piercing.

South Carolina

• No minimum age is specified.
• Written & notarized consent from a parent or legal guardian for body piercing.
• A parent or legal guardian must be present for body piercing.

South Dakota

• No minimum age is specified.
• A parent or legal guardian must sign a consent form for body piercing.

Tennessee

• No minimum age is specified.
• Written consent from a parent or legal guardian for body piercing.
• A parent or legal guardian must be present for body piercing.

Texas

• No minimum age is specified.
• Written consent from a parent or legal guardian for body piercing.
• A parent or legal guardian must be present for body piercing.

Utah

• No minimum age is specified.
• Written consent from a parent or legal guardian for body piercing.
• The parent or legal guardian must present proof of identity to the piercer.
• A parent or legal guardian must be present for body piercing.

Vermont

• Written consent from a parent or legal guardian for body piercing.

Virginia

• No minimum age is specified.
• Written consent from a parent or legal guardian for body piercing.
• A parent or legal guardian must be present for body piercing.
• Minors may have their ears pierced without parental consent.

Washington

• No minimum age is specified.
• No known laws for body piercing.

West Virginia

• The minimum specified age is 16.
• No known laws for body piercing.
• Written consent from a parent or legal guardian for body piercing.

Wisconsin

• The minimum specified age is 18.
• Written consent from a parent or legal guardian for body piercing.
• PLUS must give consent in the presence of the piercer.

Wyoming

• No minimum age is specified.
• Verbal consent from a parent or legal guardian for body piercing.
• PLUS must give consent in the presence of the piercer.
• A parent or legal guardian must be present for body piercing.

How Much Does It Cost To Get Your Nose Pierced?

On average, nose piercings usually cost around $30 – $90 in most piercing shops. The cost of getting a nose piercing normally depends on the jewelry used and the piercing facility. You can visit various facilities to see the prices before making a final decision.

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What Is An Appropriate Age For Nose Piercing?

In most states that allow nose piercings for minors, 14 is the minimum age. Remember that 14 may be too young for your teen to get a body piercing. 16 and over is usually a good age to consider if your teen can handle a nose piercing. Teens aged 16 and older are generally responsible enough to attend to the piercing wound and follow medical advice and care instructions.

What Age Can You Get A Septum Piercing?

In most states, you can legally get a septum piercing once you are 14 or over with the permission of a parent or legal guardian. In states that allow minors to get piercings, you must provide a valid state-issued ID and written consent from a parent or legal guardian. Some states prohibit septum piercings for minors, so you’ll have to wait until you’re 18. Check with your state laws and talk to a parent or legal guardian if you are thinking about getting a septum piercing.

Remember that getting a piercing as a minor is not advisable as most schools do not allow it. Also, if you tend to forget to wear your nose ring after school, the hole can close, so you will need to get a fresh piercing. This means enduring the healing process again for months. To avoid this, you can wait till you are 18 to get your septum piercing.

Virtually anyone can get a septum piercing. The hole is made through the columella, a thin strip of flesh in front of the cartilage. Contrary to what most people who have never had a septum piercing think, it’s not a painful process. You will only feel mild pain for a second when the piercer makes the puncture. A septum piercing typically takes about two to three weeks to heal, but it might take six to eight months for some people.

Some factors that influence the healing duration include infections and whether you follow the care instructions. Visit a healthcare professional if you experience the following symptoms after a piercing:

• Yellow or thick green discharge
• Itching
• Skin bumps
• Fever or chills

And if you don’t like the piercing, you can always remove the jewelry, and the hole will close completely in a couple of months.

How Much Does It Cost To Get Your Septum Pierced?

A septum piercing usually costs between around $40 and $90. The final cost depends on the type of nose jewelry you will use. Other factors that influence the price of a septum piercing include the location, the piercing facility (facilities usually have different prices), and a piercer’s experience. More experienced piercers tend to charge more. The tip for the body piercer and the aftercare products you will need to purchase are other things to consider when estimating the price of a septum piercing.

Septum piercings cost more than other nose piercings because fewer people get them (most people go for nostril piercings). The piercer can do the procedure using various methods. The first is freehand, where only a needle is used. The second technique is the use of a hollow receiving tube that acts as tissue support on one side and receives the needle as it pierces through the flesh. The last technique is where the piercer uses a sterile needle and forceps (for holding your nostrils open).

When choosing a septum piercing facility, ensure that the practitioners adhere to the appropriate safety procedures like:

• Disinfecting the insides of your nostrils
• The piercer getting equipment such as forceps and needles from sterile packing/containers
• The piercer using surgical gloves while performing the procedure

What Does A Septum Piercing Say About You?

Sporting a septum piercing is a great way to showcase your boldness and assertiveness. Septum piercings aren’t as popular as other types, such as nostril and earlobe piercings. Therefore, if you have this type of piercing, it shows that you are not afraid to be unique in a world where most people choose to conform.

Gone are the days when people with septum jewelry were seen as unruly. Septum piercings have gained popularity over the past few years mainly because celebrities wear them as a fashion statement. More teens across the country are following the trend, and some kids as young as 10 or 12 show interest in getting one.

Septum piercings make you look classy and elegant. You can change the type of septum jewelry and its coloration to fit your style or the outfit you are wearing. So, it can complement various fashion styles. Remember, septum piercings have been around for centuries in certain cultures in Asia and Africa. So, if you are planning to get one, do not worry about what people will say if they see you with one. Today, more people are liberal and will see your septum piercing as a symbol of confidence and a good sense of fashion.

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What Piercings Can You Get At 16 Without Parental Consent?

A 16-year-old can get the following piercings without parental permission:

• Eyebrow piercings
• Septum and nostril piercings
• Earlobes and ear cartilage piercings
• Lip and tongue piercings, including beauty marks & philtrum piercings
• Navel piercings

Remember, different piercing shops have different guidelines on the type of piercings that minors can receive. They will decline to give a nipple piercing as it is inappropriate for minors.

Age 16 is the ideal age for minors to get piercings. At this age, most kids are more mature than those in their early teens. They can make sound decisions and take care of the piercings until they heal completely. Although teenagers younger than 16 may be allowed to get piercings, it is not recommended.

If your teen is going to get a piercing, you must consider the following risks:

• Bloodborne diseases – when a piercer uses unsterilized needles, you risk getting infected with bloodborne diseases such as Tetanus, HIV, and hepatitis B & C.
• Risk of infection – An opening in the skin usually leads to infection and causes pain, swelling, redness, and discharge. That’s why it’s important for the piercer to use sterile needles and follow the appropriate safety standards.
• Scars – Although not visible to other people, scar tissue may form after getting a septum piercing.
• Allergic reactions – Most piercing jewelry with metals like nickel can trigger allergic reactions in some teens. If your teen has any allergies, it is vital that they let the piercer know before undergoing body piercing procedures.

As you can see, teens need to be responsible before they can get a septum or any other piercing on their bodies.

What Piercings Can You Get At 14?

14-year-olds can get ear cartilage piercings, navel piercings, earlobe piercings, oral piercings, and facial piercings. Teens who are 14 need to be in the company of a parent or legal guardian when undergoing the procedure. The parent or legal guardian and the teen must provide the piercing facility with proof of age. This can be a driver’s license, state-issued ID, or passport. Note that school IDs are not accepted at piercing facilities. Also, if the parent’s and minor’s surnames do not match, then further legal documentation will be required. In the case of a legal guardian, the minor’s birth certificate and guardianship documents will be needed.

What Piercings Can You Get At 13?

Kids aged 13 can get common piercings like upper ear cartilage piercings (helix), navel (belly button) piercings, and earlobe piercings. In many states, the minimum age for kids to get piercings is 14. A parent or legal guardian must provide valid identification at the piercing shop. Before getting a piercing, a 13-year-old should be able to write their name on the release form legibly and provide verbal consent to the piercings.

However, the fact that a 13-year-old can request to get a piercing does not mean you should grant it anytime they ask. Talk to your teen to find out why they want to have the piercing and inform them of the risks involved. One of the main reasons not to get a piercing at this age is that the body is still growing, and after four or five years, the piercing may not be in the position they want it to be.

Secondly, administrators in most schools do not allow students to have piercings. So if your teen has one, she will probably be asked to remove it while in school. Your teen will have to put on the piercing every time they get home from school to prevent the hole from closing. If she doesn’t do this, the piercing will close, and she will have to undergo the procedure again in the future.

In addition, a 13-year-old may not be in a position to follow the medical advice needed for a piercing to heal fully. So, it is advisable to let them get a piercing when they are a bit older as they will be more mature and responsible.

Related Questions

How Long Does A Nose Piercing Take To Heal?

A nose piercing takes approximately 2 to 4 months to heal. The time it takes to heal depends on jewelry material (high-quality stainless steel, 18- or 24-karat gold, nickel, titanium, etc.), location of the piercing (septum, nostril, etc.), and how you handle the piercing site after the piercing procedure.

Always make sure to follow the aftercare program provided.

How Long Does It Take A Septum Piercing To Heal?

A septum piercing typically takes around 3 to 4 months for most of it to heal. In some people, complete healing takes about 6 to 8 months. Factors that affect the healing time period include how much you touch the piercing site, your overall health, aftercare routine, and if there was an infection.

Always make sure to follow the aftercare instructions provided.

Does A Nose Piercing Hurt?

In most cases, you will only feel mild pain when your nose is pierced — as the piercer punctures the skin for a second or so. The amount of pain caused by a nose piercing depends on the location to be pierced. You will feel a little more pain in areas where the cartilage is pierced, such as the sides of the nostrils.

Does Walmart do nose piercings?

Walmart does not do nose piercings. The reason is that they use piercing guns which are not great for piercing the nose. For nose piercings, find a reputable and experienced professional piercer that uses a solid needle to make nose piercings. You will feel much less pain and discomfort after the procedure.

Does Claire’s do nose piercings?

Claire’s uses a piercing gun to do nose piercings. A piercing gun stud does not puncture the skin properly, and it could increase the risk of infections in the piercing area. A nose piercing is best done at a studio with experienced practitioners who use sterilized needles to do the piercing.