Tattoos & piercing
Think before you ink!
A tattoo is a permanent addition to your body so you should think carefully about getting one. Having a tattoo removed at a later date by laser treatment is very costly and can leave scars. Read the below advice:
- Watch the video above for tips and advice if you're thinking about getting your first tattoo, titled 'Tattoo Advice Part 1: First Tattoo'.
Remember: It's illegal for a person to be given a tattoo if they are under 18.
For further advice go to The Mix website
An alternative would be to look into getting a henna tattoo. These are not permanent, and there is no age limit to when you can get one done. The henna will fade within a few months.
Getting a piecing
Piercings are less permanent that tattoos but can still leave scars and carry a risk of infection.
If you are going to have a piercing, make sure you use a professional body piercer. All piercings require extreme care and some can take up to six months to heal properly.
If you're worried something doesn't look right:
- Get advice from your GP.
- Speak to a school nurse for support and advice. You can send a text to ChatHealth School nursing team on 07507 333356. To find out more go to our ChatHealth page.
Useful tips:
- Sterile surgical, single-use, disposable piercing needles must be used for body piercings.
- The artist must clean the area to be pierced with a skin antiseptic such as alcohol.
- They will also provide you with written aftercare instructions.
- If the pierced area becomes red, swollen or tender or if pus develops, you should see your doctor immediately.
