Yes, a 13-year-old can get a nose piercing, but it depends heavily on local laws and the piercer's policies, usually requiring a parent/guardian present with ID and paperwork, though many reputable shops prefer waiting until 14-16 due to aftercare responsibility and developmental factors, as seen on this Reddit thread. Parental permission is key, but you must find a licensed, hygienic shop, as some locations or shops have higher age minimums for facial piercings, according to this Quora post.
The legal age is 18 years old, but a minor may get a piercing with a parent's permission. However, some shops have their own age limits, especially for certain types of piercings. For example, some shops won't do cartilage piercings (that includes a nose piercing) on someone who is under 16, even with parental consent.
How much does a nose piercing hurt? Piercings can hurt, depending on the area you're having pierced. Fortunately, the piercing is over quickly! Most of our clients tell us there is little, to no pain and or that it feels like a little pinch or flick.
You need to either be 18 or have written permission from a parent or legal guardian. They need to sign this form in the presence of the owner of the establishment or the piercer.
Many local authorities set an age limit of 16 years old as a condition of the licence. Most local councils keep registers of approved piercers who have passed hygiene and safety standards and who are regularly inspected by health and safety officers.
A nose piercing typically ranks around a 5-7 out of 10 on the pain scale, feeling like a sharp pinch or sting, but it varies greatly by placement (nostril vs. septum) and individual pain tolerance, with septum piercings often less painful if the "sweet spot" is found, while high nostril piercings can be more intense but heal differently.
You must be 12 and up to get any outer ear piercings, and some facial piercings. For navel or tongue you must be 14 and up.
We are insured to perform Earlobe, Helix (Cartilage), Tragus, Conch, Rook, Daith, Single Forward Helix, Eyebrow, Nostril and Navel piercings on minors that are 13 years of age or older. Minors must have a parent present.
The "3-2 piercing rule" is a popular guideline for creating a balanced ear piercing arrangement, suggesting three piercings on the lobe and two on the upper cartilage for a harmonious, curated look, or applying a 2:3 ratio of piercings to space for overall balance, often pairing small studs with statement pieces for a chic, "undone" style that avoids overcrowding and emphasizes personal anatomy.
If you are under 16: You can pierce any part of the ear or body (excluding nipple and genital) with a parent present on the day. Parent's & guardians must complete the piercing consent form. If you are over 16, but under 18: You can pierce your ear or body (excluding nipple and genital) without parental permission.
Dead Skin Cells and Discharge
The buildup of dead skin cells around your nose piercing can also contribute to unpleasant odors. Your skin continuously sheds cells, which can accumulate around the piercing. Additionally, this buildup may mix with natural oils and discharge, leading to a smelly combination.
While some nose piercings barely leave a trace after closing, it's possible for a scar to form due to factors such as genetics, poor aftercare, or infection. To help reduce the risk of scarring and prevent the need for your piercing to close, there are factors to keep in mind before, during, and after a nose piercing.
For this reason, Dr. Dauer says she would advise against facial piercings like nose or eyebrows in younger teens. These piercings can cause facial scarring and keloids, which children may be upset about later in life, she says.
How old do you need to be for piercings? A: You must be 16 with a valid ID. If you are over 12, you may come with a parent.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) says there's little risk at any age if the piercing is performed carefully and cared for thoroughly. But the AAP does recommend waiting until a child is old enough to take care of the piercing themselves.
The top five most painful piercings often cited include the Industrial, Rook, Snug, Industrial, and sometimes genital piercings or dermal piercings, with ear cartilage piercings (especially those through thick cartilage like the Snug or Rook) frequently ranking high due to nerve endings and thickness, while genital piercings are considered extremely painful by many. Pain is subjective, but cartilage piercings like the Rook, Industrial, and Snug are consistently ranked high, sometimes reaching a 9/10 on pain scales.
However, even if you're brave and want to do a whole bunch of piercings at once, it's recommended that you don't get more than three at a time so you don't overwhelm your body during the healing process.
The "earring rule" for guys typically refers to social norms or personal preferences regarding which ear to pierce. Traditionally, in some Western cultures, piercing the left ear was thought to signify heterosexuality, while the right ear was associated with homosexuality.
Cartilage (including nostril) and septum piercings are performed on qualified minors aged 13+. Navel, eyebrow, bridge, and industrial piercings are performed on qualified minors aged 16+. In order to pierce a minor we will need their ID, showing their photo and name, as well as that of the adult signing for them.
Places like Claire's do not have the same level of hygiene practices in place. This means that there are no protocols to ensure clean hands and clean equipment. Things like unsterilized equipment and unwashed hands can lead to a higher risk of infection and other complications.
Those risks include:
A "Cinderella piercing" isn't a standard piercing name, but it likely refers to a second lobe ear piercing, often done in South Asian cultures as a rite of passage after the first, creating an "earring stack" that adds elegance, similar to Cinderella's magical transformation, or could be a misunderstanding for other female genital piercings like the Christina or Isabella, but most commonly it means that classic, subtle second earlobe piercing.
7.1 Anyone under the age of 16 who wants their ear or nose pierced must be accompanied by a parent or guardian who must sign the appropriate consent forms. Any person wishing to receive a licensable treatment will need to provide proof of their age if they look under 25 .
Piercings for Minors