Why We’re Updating Our Age Policy for Piercings
We’ve updated our age policy to better reflect how body piercing culture continues to evolve. Starting this month, we’re lowering the age requirement for select piercings from 14 to 13 (with a parent or legal guardian present and proper ID).
The short version: piercings are more common, more accepted, and people are getting them younger. Our goal is to make sure those experiences happen in a safe, clean, and professional environment—not at home or in places with lower standards.
Current Age & ID Policy
18 years or older with proper photo ID
Microdermal (single-point) piercings
Surface piercings
Nipple piercings
Genital piercings
13 years or older with parental consent and proper photo ID for both
Earlobe piercings (no larger than 10 gauge)
Ear cartilage piercings
Navel piercings
Facial piercings
Oral piercings
Under 13 with parental consent and proper photo ID
Earlobes (18, 16, or 14 gauge only)
The minor must be able to verbally consent and understand care instructions. We will also ask them to “sign” their name on the release form.
We do not perform nipple or genital piercings on anyone under 18.
Q&A
What’s changing—and why now?
We’ve moved the middle age bracket from 14 to 13. Over time, we’ve seen more people in this age range wanting piercings—and if they can’t find a safe place to go, they often take matters into their own hands or visit less cautious studios. Offering these piercings safely and professionally at 13 helps prevent avoidable problems like infections, improper jewelry, or poor placement.
Is it safe?
Yes—when done professionally. Our team follows the same sterilization, jewelry, and procedural standards for minors as we do for adults. What really matters is readiness: understanding what’s involved, following aftercare, and communicating clearly if something doesn’t feel right. Some 13-year-olds are more prepared than adults; some aren’t ready yet. We decide together, case by case.
Why are some piercings still 18+?
Certain piercings—like nipple or genital—are reserved for adults. That’s not just a legal boundary; it’s an ethical and developmental one recognized by the Association of Professional Piercers (APP).
Why did studios used to wait until 16?
Good question. When Evolution first opened, our insurance company didn’t cover any piercings other than earlobes under age 16. The reasoning was tied to higher rates of cartilage infections ending up in hospitals, especially when procedures weren’t performed in safe environments with sterile tools.
It’s true that cartilage piercings carry a higher risk than earlobes: cartilage has less blood flow, so infections can become serious if not treated properly. Over the years, as piercing techniques, jewelry quality, and aftercare education have improved, those risks have decreased—especially in professional studios that use implant-grade materials and aseptic technique.
The APP has also noted that piercings on bodies still growing can shift or migrate, so anatomy assessment is always part of the decision.
How do you decide if someone is ready?
We look at readiness, not just age. That includes:
The ability to verbally consent and ask informed questions
Understanding healing time and aftercare
Staying still during the procedure
Having realistic expectations about activities (sleeping, sports, instrument playing, etc.)
If something doesn’t seem like a good fit—whether due to anatomy, timing, or maturity—we’ll talk about other options or wait until later.
What do I need to bring?
For all minors:
Parent or guardian: government-issued photo ID
Minor: school ID or government-issued photo ID
For younger minors getting only earlobe piercings, a birth certificate without a photo is acceptable
Proof of guardianship if last names or addresses differ
This ensures consent is clear and properly documented—something required by New Mexico regulations and part of our own safety and ethics standards. For more details, visit our Age and ID Requirements page.
What does aftercare look like?
We’ll go over a detailed plan for each piercing, but the basics stay the same:
Keep the area clean with sterile wound-wash saline spray
Avoid touching or twisting
Don’t remove the jewelry while the piercing is healing
Watch for any unusual swelling or redness and reach out if something feels off
Healing times vary, and our piercers are always here to answer questions or check on healing progress. For full care instructions, visit our Aftercare page.
A Little History
When Evolution opened, we were limited by insurance restrictions that allowed only earlobe piercings for younger minors. Over time, as body piercing became more mainstream and the standards within the industry rose, those limits loosened. We moved from 16, to 15, then 14—and now 13.
This change isn’t about chasing trends. It’s about harm reduction and access to safety. People are getting pierced younger, and we’d rather help them do it safely—with aseptic technique, high-quality jewelry, and proper aftercare—than see them struggle with an avoidable problem.
A Few Last Words
Piercing can be a meaningful form of self-expression and contribute to a positive self-image at any age. Lowering our age requirement allows more people to have that experience safely, with care, and in an environment built on respect and education.
We’ll continue to review and adapt our policies as the industry, culture, and our understanding of safety evolve—just as we’ve always done.
Questions? You can always contact us before booking, and we’ll help guide you through the process and answer any concerns.