- Any part of the body can be tattooed.Pixland/Pixland/Getty Images
California Penal Code Section 639-653.2653 states that "Every person who tattoos or offers to tattoo a person under the age of 18 years is guilty of a misdemeanor." A person is considered to tattoo another when an action is taken to: "insert pigment under the surface of the skin of a human being, by pricking with a needle or otherwise, so as to produce an indelible mark or figure visible through the skin." In California, there are no exceptions to this law. - A tattoo gun in use.Thinkstock Images/Comstock/Getty Images
Many states allow for a minor to be tattooed or pierced under specific stipulations, but 17 states make it completely illegal. In Hawaii, a minor may be tattooed with written consent from at least one parent or guardian, while in Idaho, a minor as young as 14 is legally allowed to receive a tattoo with written and in-person parental or guardian consent . - The punishment is determined by the judge.Jupiterimages/liquidlibrary/Getty Images
In California, a person charged with tattooing an underage minor will be charged with a misdemeanor, issued a citation and given a date to appear in court. Conviction can result in a fine, community service, a maximum of six months in jail, or a maximum of six months in jail and a fine. The judge determines the sentence on a case-by-case basis, often based on previous arrests and convictions. - The right tattoo in the right place can look nice on anyone.Stockbyte/Stockbyte/Getty Images
Although you must be at least 18 to be tattooed in California, there are non-permanent alternatives. Tattoos can be airbrushed onto the skin using a stencil. Henna can produce a temporary tattoo using dyes that stain the skin and can last up to a month. Many tattoo parlors perform stencil or henna tattoos, or you can buy a kit and apply the temporary tattoo yourself. Henna tattoos done by a professional typically range from $30 up to $100.
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