At what age can you get a piercing? Rules and official regulations in Italy

One of the most frequently asked questions among teenagers and parents is: at what age can you get a piercing? Or, more specifically, at what age can you get a navel piercing? In this updated guide you will find all the answers on Italian regulations, age limits for minors and the rules for getting a piercing safely.

Short answer

In Italy, piercings are prohibited for children under 14 , except for earlobes. From 14 to 18, written parental consent is required. From 18 and up , any piercing can be done without restrictions.

At what age can you get a piercing? General rules and age limits

In Italy, there is no national law that uniformly regulates piercings for minors, but the Ministry of Health has established guidelines that each region can adopt with possible additions.

According to these guidelines:

• Piercings are prohibited for children under 14 years of age , with the sole exception of the auricle (ear lobes and ear cartilage).

• From the age of 14 , a minor may pierce other parts of the body, but only with the written and documented consent of at least one parent or legal guardian .

• From the age of 18 , an individual can have any type of piercing without needing authorization.

These rules were introduced to ensure the safety and health of young people, avoiding risky practices without adult supervision.

Belly button piercing: at what age can it be done and what are the rules?

Belly button piercing is one of the most requested among young people, but it cannot be performed on minors under the age of 14. From 14 to 18 , written parental consent is required, while from 18 years of age it is possible to do it without restrictions.

The navel piercing requires special care for healing, since it is located in an area subject to friction with clothing and possible infections. It is essential to rely on an expert piercer and scrupulously follow the instructions for care.

Why is it illegal to get a piercing under the age of 14?

The ban on piercing minors under 14 has very specific scientific and health bases:

• More delicate skin and tissues : The risk of hypertrophic scars and keloids is higher in children.

• More vulnerable immune system : Children under 14 have an immune system that is not fully developed, increasing the risk of infections.

• Increased allergic sensitivity : Younger skin is more sensitive to jewelry materials, increasing the risk of allergies and skin reactions.

• Slower and more complex healing : The skin metabolism in children is different and healing may take longer, increasing the risk of rejection and infections.

• Poor hygiene awareness : Children tend to often touch the piercing with dirty hands, increasing the risk of infections and irritation.

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The importance of informed consent

Informed consent is a fundamental step to ensure that the minor and parents are fully aware of the procedure. This document must include:

• Detailed description of the piercing (tools used, healing times, possible risks).

• Materials used : The best material for the first piercing is medical titanium , which is 100% biocompatible, hypoallergenic and nickel-free .

• Risks and precautions (infections, allergic reactions, rejection of the jewel).

• Post-piercing care (recommended products, what to avoid, signs of infection to monitor).

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Safe Piercing: How to Choose a Professional Piercer

• Certifications and licenses : Verify that the piercer has the necessary certifications.

• Hygiene and sterilization : The office must be clean, the instruments sterile and disposable.

• Using safe materials : A professional piercer will use medical titanium for your first piercing.

• Experience and Reputation : Check reviews and opinions of other customers.

• Compliance with regulations : A serious piercer will not pierce anyone under the age of 14.

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Piercing regulations in Campania

In Campania, the national guidelines apply with some specific regulations:

• Prohibited for children under 14 years of age , with the exception of earlobe piercings.

• From 14 to 18 years old , written parental consent required.

• Checks by local health authorities to ensure compliance with health and hygiene regulations.

🔥 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about piercings and minimum age

1️⃣ At what age can you get a nose piercing?

From 14 years old and up , with written parental consent. From 18 years old it is free.

2️⃣ What is the best material for a first piercing?

Medical titanium is the safest and recommended material for the first application.

3️⃣ Does a belly button piercing hurt?

It depends on your pain threshold, but generally the discomfort is bearable.

4️⃣ What piercings can be done before the age of 18?

From 14 years old with parental consent: nose, ears, navel and eyebrow.

5️⃣ Can a piercer do a piercing without parental consent?

No, under 18 years of age, written consent from at least one parent is required.

6️⃣ How long does a piercing take to heal?

It depends on the area, from 2 to 12 months .

7️⃣ What are the risks of a badly done piercing?

Infections, rejection, hypertrophic scars and allergies to poor quality materials.

8️⃣ Can I change the jewelry immediately after the piercing?

No, you need to wait until the wound is completely healed to avoid infections.

Conclusion

If you are wondering at what age you can get a piercing , the answer is clear: under 14 it is prohibited , from 14 to 18 written parental consent is required , while from 18 years of age onwards it is free .

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