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Tattoos and Piercings

4 May 2026

Tattoos and piercings can be a way to express yourself and shape your identity, but they require careful judgment. A tattoo is a permanent design on the body made by inserting ink into the skin, and a piercing is making a hole in the body to wear jewelry.

Under Israeli law, tattooing minors under age 16 is prohibited. Ages 16–17 require written parental consent and the parent’s presence. Piercing is allowed from age 16 (except for intimate body parts, which are allowed from age 18).

Open conversations that matter

If your teen is interested in tattoos or piercings, it’s important to talk through key questions, such as:

  • Is the desire influenced by peer pressure?
  • Is the location on the body visible or hidden?

For tattoos, stress that this is a permanent change they may regret in the future.

Safety and hygiene

If the decision is made to get a tattoo or piercing, make sure to check a few key points:

  • Safety is critical: Choose a licensed studio or professional who uses proper sterilization equipment (autoclave), follows strict hygiene practices, uses single-use needles, single-use ink for each client, and maintains a clean environment.
  • Possible risks: bacterial and viral infections (swelling, discharge), allergic reactions, scarring, and potential physical damage.

Teens sometimes become interested in tattoos or piercings as a form of self-expression, body autonomy, identity formation during adolescence, or simply because they see them as a fashionable and attractive form of decoration. However, before making the decision to proceed, it is important to know a few key facts and consider whether this is the right time and the right choice for them.

What are tattoos and piercings?

  • Tattoo

    A drawing or design made on the body by inserting ink into the second layer of the skin (the dermis). A tattoo is permanent, although today there are removal methods, such as laser treatments, that can significantly fade a tattoo’s appearance. However, these methods are very expensive and may leave scars.

  • Piercing

    A cosmetic procedure in which the skin or cartilage is pierced in order to wear jewelry, and it can be performed on different parts of the body. Piercing is reversible — the jewelry can be removed, and although the hole may remain open for a short time, in most cases it will close over time (though a small scar or hole may remain, especially when cartilage is pierced).

Israeli law

According to Israeli law (Business Licensing Law, Amendment 19 from 2002), tattooing minors under the age of 16 is prohibited. Between the ages of 16 and 18, written parental consent and the presence of one parent are required. For piercings, they are allowed from age 16, but not in intimate body areas. From age 18, tattoos and piercings are allowed without restrictions.

Important questions to raise

Although teens at this stage are already more independent and capable of making their own decisions, it is still the parents’ role to help them think through choices in a thoughtful and responsible way.

Here are some questions you may want to raise with your son or daughter who is interested in a tattoo or piercing:

When deciding to get a tattoo, it’s important to consider the permanent nature of the decision, since a tattoo does not change and, over time, some people may feel regret. In addition, the appearance of a tattoo can change over the years, along with natural changes in the skin that occur as part of aging and development. In contrast, with a piercing, it can of course be removed if desired.

It’s important to explain to the teen that every choice can have future implications—from job opportunities to social relationships. Although tattoos and piercings are very common today, they may still encounter different opinions in adulthood, so it’s worth carefully considering the placement: whether it is an area usually covered by clothing or one that is visible. Another important factor to think about in the case of a tattoo is the size of the design. For piercings, the location of the jewelry should be carefully considered, as it may affect daily functioning—for example, a tongue piercing can interfere with speaking or eating.

It’s important to have an open conversation with the teen and try to understand the background, reasons, and motivation behind wanting a tattoo or piercing. Is it mainly due to peer pressure, or is it a form of personal expression? If the answer is not clear, it may be better to wait a little and reconsider. You can say, for example, “Let’s wait another year and talk about it again,” or try a temporary tattoo or non-piercing jewelry. These options can help give a sense of what the change might feel like and whether it is truly the right fit.

Every family has its own code of conduct, values, and boundaries. As parents, it is important to consider whether certain types of tattoos or piercings align with your family’s approach. The discussion should be open—not imposed—but a conversation in which the teen’s perspective is heard and respected, even if you ultimately decide it does not fit your family’s values.

Safety first

If the decision is ultimately made to get a tattoo or a piercing, it is important to carefully check several key details:

In both cases, make sure that:

  • The tattoo or piercing studio has a valid business license from the local authority (check whether a business license certificate is displayed on site, or contact the local municipality where the business operates to verify).
  • The tattoo artist or piercer has received proper training in safety and sterilization.
  • The work area is clean and sterile.
  • Sterilization equipment (autoclave) is used correctly and regularly.
  • The tattoo artist or piercer washes hands and changes surgical gloves between procedures.

For tattoos, also check:

  • Whether the artist uses sterile, single-use needles for each client.
  • Whether the ink is single-use and not shared between clients.

For piercings, also check:

Whether the piercer uses sterile needles or a piercing gun. It is important to know that a piercing gun cannot be sterilized in an autoclave, and it is difficult to clean thoroughly, especially its plastic parts, which may harbor bacteria.

Risks you should know about

After getting a tattoo or piercing, it is important to ensure you receive written aftercare instructions from the tattoo artist or piercer for the first few days and follow them exactly. This is not a minor or secondary detail—it is a matter of health responsibility.

In addition, there are several situations it is important to be aware of and watch for:

Infection

The greatest risk resulting from tattoos or piercings is bacterial and viral infections. If the area becomes red, swollen, painful, or produces discharge, it is important to seek medical evaluation immediately.

Allergic reactions

Some people are allergic to pigments or metals. For example, nickel can cause many allergic reactions, while titanium or 14-karat gold in jewelry are considered less allergenic.

Other complications

Excessive scarring (especially in people with darker skin), damage to teeth if the piercing is in the mouth area, or gum problems.

Important to know

Important to know

It is better not to get more than two piercings at one time. Caring for multiple piercings simultaneously is complex and challenging, and overall discomfort may be significant.

The emotional aspect

Adolescence is a period of significant emotional changes. If a teen is going through a difficult time or experiencing high levels of stress, it may be better to wait for a calmer period before making this decision. Getting a tattoo as a way to gain “control” in a chaotic life is a known phenomenon, but it can also lead to regret. At the same time, this can be part of a normal process of exploring identity, as long as the decision is made thoughtfully.

In conclusion, it is important to remember that the desire for self-expression through tattoos and piercings can be a natural part of growing up. The key is not to tell teens “don’t do it” or “I won’t allow it,” but rather to approach it with guidance and caution: “Let’s do this wisely and carefully.” If there are any questions about the procedure or possible side effects, it is advisable to consult a family doctor or relevant professionals.