Q&A for How to Get a Tattoo Without Your Parents Knowing

It's one of the easiest places to hide a tattoo. When going outside, wear sneakers. You can also try wearing socks or using make-up concealer when wearing sandals.

Try heavy foundation or powder that matches your skin tone. Don't use bandaids to cover up the tattoo, though, because the doctor will think it's an abrasion and may want to take the bandaid off to check it out. You probably don't need to worry unless your parents are present for the examination, though. A doctor isn't likely to say, "Hey, did you know your daughter has a tattoo?"

You can get it removed either with a laser, or with a special cream. The cream is quite expensive, but the laser hurts more than getting the actual tattoo done.

Yes, as long as it isn't too tight fitting. Make sure it's cotton so your tattoo can breathe.

Wear a swimsuit that covers more of your back, such as a one piece or tankini.

Yes, you can. These places might be a bit more painful.

No. You cannot legally get a tattoo until you are at least 16 or 18, depending on where you live.

You can shower the day you get a tattoo. However, you should avoid very hot water, long showers, and submerging your tattoo for at least a month. (Make sure to clean the tattoo to avoid infection though.)

Many tattoo places will let you get a tattoo. However, you will need a parent or guardian's signature.

You could, but if they find out, there could, in theory, be impersonation or fraud charges. Do so at your own risk.

Not unless you're frequently naked in front of other people. The side boob is generally a good hiding place, but it's also a painful spot to get a tattoo so be advised.

Full-coverage foundation is the best option; go to the closest makeup store and ask what they recommend.

You don't. It is that simple. Doing it without permission will not only get you into trouble but will also get your parents and tattoo artist into trouble. Keep asking for permission until you wear them down with the realization that you are not going to stop asking as you really want a tattoo.

This is inadvisable. If you want a tattoo, go to a professional tattoo artist. The stick-and-poke tattoo can easily get infected, and it hurts more than if it is done by a real tattoo artist.

Yes, but you should cover the tattoo with a bandage before putting on your shirt.

What you did is not good. You should know that. But since you can't just undo it, you have to take care of the tattoo until it heals. Try to stay out of the sun, and keep the area clean and moisturized so it doesn't get infected. If you don't want your parents to see it, you'll just have to keep that part of your body covered when you're around them.

You will have to look at your local laws.

Do NOT do it. You are only 12, and you and your boyfriend have only been dating for three months. What if he breaks up with you next week? You absolutely will regret this. Don't do it.

Somewhere that can be easily covered by clothes: stomach, high on your thighs, ankles, or even shoulders.

You're 18; your parent's don't have to "allow" you to do anything. If you want a tattoo and are able to afford it, then get one. There's no reason to be sick and tired of something for which the solution is completely within your control; it's time to claim your independence, start acting like the adult that you now are and stop letting others control your life.

You can get one at 16 with parental permission (if you can find a studio willing to tattoo someone so young) and without anyone's permission when you turn 18.

No. They are both similar. Because they are both tattoo inks, the only difference is the color.

Try using a water-resistant, foundation or eyeshadow that matches your skin color. If it is small enough, that should cover it up. You could also just wear along sleeved shirt or sweatshirt.

Ideally, you should get a stick and poke in a properly registered tattoo parlour as these are required to adhere to effective sterile practices to reduce the risk of infection. If this is not an option, make sure that all equipment used is sterilised (often achieved by passing your needle through a flame and/or using strong alcohol), your/the person doing the stick-and-poke's hands are thoroughly cleaned, and that you use non-toxic ink (ideally proper tattoo ink). It's important to make sure that needles and ink are not shared, regardless of the sterilisation that you're doing, to reduce the risk of infection.

In Washington state you must be 18 to get a tattoo. It is a misdemeanour for anyone in Washington to tattoo a person under the age of 18 - with or without parental consent. (Wash. Code §26.28.085, Wash. Code § 18.300, Wash. Code § 246-145-001 to 060, Wash. Code §70.54).

Dependent on how long your hair is, the tattoo is either hardly noticeable or easily seen.

You're old enough to be able to get a tattoo, so you don't need to hide it from your parents. If they don't allow you though, let them know this.

Don't use the stick-and-poke method. It can cause serious infections. If you want a tattoo, either ask your mum or do it through an older sibling.