From what age can you get a piercing?

Article published at: May 9, 2025
kind die oorbel uitzoekt.

Piercings by age: from what age can you get which piercing?

You've finally decided to get a piercing, exciting! But is that actually allowed at your age ? Or are you a parent wondering what piercings your child is allowed to get? In this blog we will explain in detail which rules apply to piercing minors. This way you know exactly what to expect, whether you are 13 or 17 or the parent of someone who is.

Legal rules for piercings on minors

In the Netherlands, clear rules have been drawn up for piercing young people under the age of 18. These rules are there to protect the health of young people and to ensure that they understand what a piercing entails. As a certified piercing studio, All Perfectly Pierced also strictly follows these rules.

All Perfectly Pierced: Earring for Child
All Perfectly Pierced: earlobe piercing in children

Piercing ages

Under 12 years:
Piercing is not legally permitted , with the exception of earlobes. These may be pierced, but only with the permission of a parent or guardian.


12 to 15 years:
In this age category, you are allowed to get certain piercings, but only with written permission and the presence of a parent or guardian . Nipple or genital piercings are always prohibited for minors.


16 and 17 years:
From the age of 16, you can get a piercing yourself, without parental permission. Here too, an exception applies: intimate piercings remain prohibited until you are 18.


Important: Every professional piercing shop will ask for your ID. So don't forget to bring your ID!

Which piercing can you get and when?

Below we clearly list which piercings you may or may not have at what age:

Age

Earlobe

Crack-
leg

Nose

Navel

Tongue

Nipple / Genital

<12

✔️
(with permission)

12-15

✔️
(of
parent)

✔️
(with parent)

✔️ (with parent)

✔️
(with parent)

✔️
(with parent)

16-17

✔️

✔️

✔️

✔️

✔️

18+

✔️

✔️

✔️

✔️

✔️

✔️

Please note: this table provides a general guideline according to Dutch law. A professional piercing studio such as All Perfectly Pierced adheres strictly to this.

Why are there age limits?

Piercing is not without risks. Think of infections, scars or long healing processes. Younger people are also still developing, both physically and mentally. That is why we think it is important that you understand what a piercing entails and that you can provide the right care during the healing process.

At All Perfectly Pierced we take the time to explain everything: from the pain and aftercare to the expected healing time. This way we make a conscious choice together.

Getting a piercing? This is what you need if you are a minor:

  • A valid ID
  • Your parent/guardian must come with you to the appointment
  • Written consent from a parent or guardian (if under 15 years of age)
  • A little bit of courage and a lot of enthusiasm for your new look 😉

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • From what age can you get a piercing?

In the Netherlands, you are allowed to get a piercing yourself from the age of 16, with the exception of genital and nipple piercings. Are you younger than 15? Then you need written permission and the presence of a parent or guardian.

  • Can you get a helix piercing at the age of 14?

Yes, that is allowed but only if your parent or guardian is present and has given written permission. The helix falls under cartilage piercings, and they may be done on 12 to 15 year olds under adult supervision.

  • Why do you need to bring ID to a piercing appointment?

A professional piercing company is legally required to check your age. Therefore, you must always bring a valid ID. Without ID, the studio is not allowed to perform a piercing.

  • Can I, as a parent, come to the piercing studio with my child?

Yes, please! If your child is younger than 15 years old, your presence is mandatory. At All Perfectly Pierced we take the time to explain everything calmly and clearly so that you both leave the studio with a good feeling.

Want to know more about piercings and care?

Are you curious about how to best care for your (new) piercing, which jewelry is most suitable or how we work at All Perfectly Pierced?
Then take a look at our other blogs and expand your knowledge about everything related to piercings:
👉 View all blogs from All Perfectly Pierced

Make an appointment

Ready for your first piercing? Simply book an appointment via our online agenda. Our specialists are ready to guide you to a beautiful and healthy piercing.

All Perfectly Pierced – Your piercing, perfectly placed.
📍 Located in Rhoon
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Raquel Huijgen van Weenen owner of All Perfectly Pierced

Raquel Huygen van Weenen


About the author:
Raquel Huijgen van Weenen is the owner of All Perfectly Pierced and a passionate piercing expert with years of experience in setting and styling piercings. With an eye for detail, safety and personal service, she helps clients every day to a piercing that not only looks good, but also suits them. Through her blogs, Raquel shares her knowledge about care, trends and everything you want to know before getting a piercing.

Follow her tips for a stylish, responsible and above all perfectly pierced look.

Article published at: May 9, 2025