Department of Public Health

WHY REGULATE BODY ART?
1st Tattoos and body piercings are everywhere, and have been
increasing in popularity and acceptance.

Find a Professional, Licensed Facility

At the direction of Wayne County Executive Robert Ficano, the county Department of Public Health continues to crack down on unregulated tattoo artists and body piercers who target mostly teens and young adults.

In Wayne County, consumers may only get Body Art --tattoos and body piercings-- in licensed facilities. Such facilities are inspected annually to minimize the risks of infections and diseases. There are more than 30 licensed facilities in the county (see listing).

Artists who practice at parties, in homes or sites other than a licensed facility are in violation of the county law. Teens must be at least 18 years old to get a tattoo/piercing or receive permission from a parent or guardian who must be present for the procedure.

A Body Art Task Force created by Executive Ficano will soon recommend ways to strengthen the county law. Ficano said the goal is to approve a law that could be a statewide model in protecting consumers from the dangers of Body Art.

To report problems or Body Art procedures being done at unlicensed locations, call the Wayne County Department of Public Health hotline at 734-727-7436 anytime.

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