Well, there are several reasons.

The first is that local ordinances specifically prohibit us from performing any service on any one under the age of 18

click here to read the Dekalb County Body Craft Ordinance in PDF format

click here to read the Dekalb County Body Craft FAQ in PDF format 

Oral, nipple and genital piercings raise more legal issues such as accusations of sexual assault.

U.S. laws do not allow us to be free of liability, no matter what kind of contract or release we have, with or without parental consent. We hope that you are willing to wait. The complications involved in liability, informed consent and legal guardianship have dissuaded us from the practice. Liability insurance does not yet exist to cover piercing a minor other than ears and noses, except a physician's malpractice policy. A doctor would be insured to protect their business and cover for medical expenses if you had a problem.

The other major issue with piercing minors is that the results are completely unpredictable. Even though many 16- to 17-year-olds appear to have stopped growing their bodies do, in fact, continue to change in ways very important to the success of a piercing. Most professionals will not provide piercing services to minors on the well founded basis that it is unlikely to turn out well.

Examples of migrated and rejected navel piercings.

The catch is this: you might get a fabulous looking placement, excellent jewelry, and initially heal very quickly. Evidence supports the fact the piercing will still change as you continue to grow, and will be likely to turn out ugly over the next year or two. If you get it now, it is likely that it will be shallow and misplaced after a few months to a year or so. We suggest that you get it done later, after age 18, so that it can last and look its best.

To help you get started in your research read through our information. It will help you understand why it will be worth the wait to do it right the first time.

We will look forward to making you shiny after you turn 18!