We could go on for a full day on why Ohio is such an appealing state to live and travel in.
Firstly, there is the natural beauty of the state. So if you love being outdoors, Ohio is definitely the place for you.
Secondly, the state is home to a number of major cities, each with its own unique character and attractions.
And last but not least, Ohio is known to be a hotspot for tattoo culture, with lots of affordable tattoo parlors and madly talented artists. So if you’re looking to get inked, this is definitely the place to be!
However, before you head to your nearest tattoo shop, it’s important to be aware of the state’s tattoo laws. While Ohio is relatively lenient when it comes to tattoos, not everyone can get inked or start tattooing others.
Stay with us as we look into the current tattoo laws in Ohio.
Ohio Tattoo Laws & Regulations
The vast majority of states in the US have the body art industry regulated one way or another – and so does Ohio.
The Buckeye State, as it’s often referred to, has rules in place both for clients and artists alike.
Let’s quickly go through them now.
Laws for Clients
Whatever the state, the rules for clients focus mostly on the minimum age requirement.
When it comes to Ohio, the law states clearly that anyone wishing to get a tattoo must be at least 18 years of age.
But what if you’re still a minor and super determined to get your first ink work done. Are there any exceptions to the rule?
Well, yes.
Ohio is one of quite a few states that allow minors to get tattoos with parental consent.
However, the law requires that both the parent and the child must be present at the tattoo studio during the procedure. The parent will also have to sign a notarized statement giving their permission for their child to be tattooed.
In terms of the placement of tattoos, there are no specific laws in Ohio. However, some tattoo shops may have their own policies in place, so it’s always best to check with the studio beforehand.
As is always the case with tattoos, it’s important to think carefully and do your research before making any rash decisions.
Laws for Artists
It’s only fair to begin this section by stating that in case the minimum age law is breached and an artist performs a tattoo without the parental form as well as the presence of the parent, the artist will be held accountable, not the client.
With that out of the way, let’s see what the current Ohio tattoo laws are for artists.
First and foremost, it’s important to note that in order to start tattooing in Ohio, you must have a license. This is obtained by passing an exam. The test covers topics such as sanitation, sterilization, and safety procedures.
Secondly, it’s strictly prohibited to perform the procedure of tattooing from any other location than a licensed tattoo studio. All studios must also be registered with the state and follow specific sanitary guidelines, such as:
- There must be running water and a properly functioning sink in the tattoo area
- All instruments must be sterilized before each use
- Single-use needles must be used for each client
Tattoo artists working in the state of Ohio are allowed to decline a tattoo request for any reason – let it be an inappropriate placement, offensive design, or intoxication of the client.
References
Now that we’ve looked into the latest tattoo laws in Ohio, it’s time to get inked – or start your dream job as an artist.
Just remember to be safe and always do your research before making any decisions. And most importantly – have fun!
Today’s article is based on information from official sources:
