What tattoo parlors in Iowa will let you get a tattoo at 16?

Question

I want a tattoo, and my mom said it's okay. It's definitely not one I will regret. My friend just died and I want it in memory of him. What specific parlors in or around Iowa will let you get a tattoo at 16 with parental consent?

Answer 1

Sorry kiddo, you have to be 18 to get a tattoo in Iowa regardless of consent. Any place willing to tattoo you is breaking the law, and not a safe place to be tattooed at. Period. If they're willing to break the law to make a buck tattooing you, imagine what sterilization procedures they might be glazing over, or skipping all together in order to lower overhead costs.



It's just not worth it. Wouldn't it be horrible to get this tattoo for such an honorable reason, and then end up with Hepatitis or HIV? That's not what your friend would have wanted for you.



However, if your mom isn't opposed to a road trip, the neighboring states of Missouri, Nebraska, South Dakota, and Minnesota all legally allow minors to be tattooed with parental consent (in some of them, the parent must be present for the tattooing as well). But as a warning, this does not mean all shops in these states will tattoo you. Shops can and do set their own age limits, as long as it's withing the law. If you're going to visit a shop in one of these states, do a little research and call ahead to be sure that they will do it. You'll also probably have to book an appointment. Especially if it's a good/popular shop, you probably won't be able to walk in and get your tattoo.



Good luck. And if all else fails, remember, 18 is only two years away. That's not too long to wait for a good, safe tattoo.

Answer 2

Usually tattoo parlors won't do under-18 tats without parental involvement for legal reasons. So any parlors that would do it are obviously not concerned with the law. That means they probably aren't that concerned with the other laws governing legal tattooing either--like health codes or appropriate sexual conduct. I know I'm being a buzzkill, but you really are better off waiting until you are 18. I had to wait till then, but honestly, you get much nicer work done by reputable artists when you're of age. Everyone I know who managed to get one underage wound up having to have it redone anyway. It lasts forever, and you'll never forget someone you love. Two years won't change a thing that matters, believe me. And you'll have two years to create the perfect design.

Answer 3

There might be some that do. Don't go to a place that doesn't want parental consent, why would they care about sanitation if they don't care about the law?

Answer 4

Any parlour will let you get tattoed with parental consent. Ask people who are tattooed which is the safest parlour.