The art of tattooing isn’t just about making images on a person’s skin. It also requires you to have complete knowledge of all the required safety measures to perform this task. Before someone gets a tattoo, they have to fill up a consent or tattoo waiver form to cover everything required from them. This ensures that the person agrees with the idea of getting a tattoo and that they can’t refute this in the future. The consent also outlines all of the important safety and health-related issues that they should know about.
Tattoo Consent Forms
What is a tattoo consent form?
Having a client sign a tattoo consent form or a parent sign a tattoo consent form for minors gives you freedom from any possible financial or legal issues should an unforeseen event occur. You can also use the consent form for minors who want to get a tattoo in compliance with the laws of your state. If their parents allow them, you need to have them sign the form first. In some states, you need to have this document notarized first. The different types of consent forms for getting tattoos are:
Adult consent form
For adults to give consent to you to get a tattoo.
Minor consent form
For adults to give consent to you to allow a minor to get a tattoo.
Tattoo Waiver Forms
Why do you need a tattoo consent form?
The body art industry has grown significantly in the past decades. Though it was once a subversive part of society, it is now a popular form of expression. If you want to offer tattoo services, you should do this in a safe environment. You also need to have some form of protection if any accidents should happen.
Make sure your clients understand the possible risks involved when they get a tattoo. Before you open a tattoo shop, you should know the most important things about the business. One of these is the legal forms and documents that you will use for your business. Aside from your business license, registration forms, and budget forms, you also need to create a tattoo release form for your clients.
Legally speaking, getting a tattoo requires some paperwork. You must let your clients fill up a consent form before you start any procedure. You should make sure that your clients read the form before they fill it out. The main purpose of the form is to inform your clients about the potential risks associated with getting a tattoo.
The form could also contain tips on how your clients can care for their tattoos at home. After your clients fill-up the form, it means they agree to all of the information stipulated on it. This is a good way to protect your professional reputation and your business.
Tattoo Consent Forms For Minors
Examples of tattoo release forms
The consent tattoo form is a document by tattoo artists for clients. Having this signed will ensure that clients have granted you full permission to proceed with their tattooing request. The most common benefit that you can get from this document is that it will help protect you from getting held responsible or liable should there be any future claims that clients might file.
These claims might have something to do with tattoo-related concerns or medical issues after they get their tattoo. There are different types of forms that vary depending on the type of clients and tattoo services the document will address. Here are some examples of the types of tattoo forms you can use:
Tattoo Procedure Consent Form
This is the simplest type of form. The first part contains the personal information of the client, which usually includes their occupation and contact details. Following this is a list of terms and conditions that the client should follow before, during, and after the tattoo session. When the client has understood and acknowledged the conditions, both you and the client must affix your signatures on the form.
Eyebrow Tattoo Consent Form
The cosmetology industry has gone a long way in the past few decades with the introduction of new techniques, procedures, and products that cater to various audiences.
One of the newer procedures is eyebrow tattooing and embroidery. In this procedure, you will tattoo the brow area of the clients with pigments of ink to make it look like they have more defined and fuller eyebrows.
This is a challenging task because the eye area is very delicate. Therefore, it’s essential to make sure that your client has signed the consent form before you start their tattooing session. Most if not all of these forms contain an information section where you could include general statements regarding the tattoo procedure. These will inform the clients what they will get into.
Laser Tattoo Removal Form
You would use this form for clients who instead of wanting tattoos would want them removed from their bodies. Here, the client will undergo a laser removal procedure which you can perform if you’re a licensed and certified laser technician or physician who specializes in tattoo removal.
You must let your clients fill in this form before you allow them to undergo the procedure of removing their tattoos. This form consists of text that lists the regulations, rules, precautions, and the that they must understand. Included in the first section of the form are the name of the client and the date of their appointment. Then you would include a statement that focuses on the client granting you consent along with an authorization for you to perform the procedure on them.
Notarized Minor Consent Form or Tattoo Parental Consent
The younger generation of today is in the forefront when it comes to wanting body art to express themselves. The various tattoo trends have become very popular with teenagers who want tattoos on their bodies. As much as they want to avail of tattoo services, minors must first secure a signed consent form from their guardians or parents.
To keep your business safe, you may also require your clients to have the signed document notarized to ensure that you have covered all legal angles. This form should include the identities of all the parties involved – the parent or guardian and the minor – and their address. It should also include the birth date of the minor, their age, and a description of the tattoo that the parent permitted them to have.
After that, the parent should have the form notarized. You can also use this form to inform them about any limitations in terms of injecting pigments or inks into the body of a minor.
Permanent Tattoo Consent Form
Compared to the other types of forms, this one has a more formal format. It contains columns and tables for the answers of the client and other relevant data. The first part of this form will contain information like:
- The name and address where they will have their tattoo session.
- Your name and contact number as the tattoo artist.
- The personal information of the client including their name, date of birth, age, and what document they will provide to prove that they are of legal age to get a tattoo.
The next part of this form would be the possible risks that the client might face like blood poisoning, swelling, scarring, and more. Then you would include a consent statement that the client should sign and date. You should do the same as the tattoo artist. The client should also indicate if they received any aftercare advice to ensure that they will receive the proper guidance on how to take care of their tattoo after getting it.
Tattoo Release Forms
How to write a tattoo consent form?
Most tattoo waivers usually consist of a number of clauses that outline the risks involved when a person gets a tattoo. When a client affixes their signature to the waiver, they will acknowledge that they understand and accept the risks. They’re also waiving their right to sue over any issues that might arise, especially if those issues were already discussed before the procedure. Here are some guidelines to consider when creating a consent form.
Although it is still recommended to consult with an attorney when drawing up this document. Remember that the laws regarding consent forms vary between states, provinces, and even countries. You might need to consult with a legal expert to make sure that the clauses you include in your waiver are all enforceable.
- Acknowledgment of pre-existing medications, allergies, and conditions
This clause will include any pre-existing medications, allergies, and conditions along with an acknowledgment that the client has discussed with you if they have any of them. Some examples of these are:
- Diabetes
- HIV
- Epilepsy
- Heart Conditions
- Skin Conditions
You can create a different list for allergies in a separate section. Examples of these are allergies to latex, soap, metals, and more. You should also have the client acknowledge that there is a risk of reaction to the inks, pigments, and other materials involved in the procedure.
- Acknowledgment of the possibility of infection and an agreement to follow the aftercare routine
The clause outlines the potential risks of infection during the process of receiving a tattoo. The client should acknowledge that they understand that by following the provided aftercare routine strictly, they will minimize the risk of these issues.
- Acknowledgment of the tattoo’s permanence
While it’s obvious how clients feel about getting a permanent tattoo, it is still very important to have this clause. It will state that the client understands that the tattoo is permanent. The clause will also outline an acknowledgment that the only way to get rid of the tattoo is through laser or surgery. However, these procedures won’t restore the client’s skin back to its appearance before they got the tattoo.
- Acknowledgment of the variation of the tattoos design and color
This clause will state that the design and colors of the tattoo may vary a bit. Also, the tattoo may naturally and gradually fade as time goes by.
- Acknowledgment of the client’s age and of being of sound mind
This clause will contain the client’s acknowledgment that they are of legal age to receive the tattoo and they aren’t under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Agreement for tattoo photography
This clause isn’t a requirement, especially if you don’t plan to take photos of your clients’ tattoos and post them on social media. This part of the form will state that the client will agree to allow you to take pictures of their tattoo and use those photos for promotional purposes. This clause could also include a line that states that the client has the right not to agree with photography. They have to discuss this before the tattoo session with you. Having this clause will help protect your copyrights.
- Exculpatory agreement
Many consider this as the most crucial clause of the consent form since it definitively states that the client and their entire family waive you from all liabilities in case of consequential damages or injury. In essence, this clause waives the right of the client to sue you to the full extent permitted by the law.
When to use the tattoo form?
You can get relief when your clients willingly sign a consent form. The purpose of this document is to hold you and your business free of illegalities with regard to the body artistry that you will make on the bodies of your clients. The art of tattooing is a worthwhile and inventive action that will involve an individual placing their skin in your grasp. Being a specialist, you have the obligation to give your clients incredible body craftsmanship and a great experience.
Unfortunately, there are people out there who continually search for ways to make a fast buck. You can find many of these in the tattoo business. Remember that clients can sue you and make you accountable for passionate or individual injuries.
To avoid these situations and to remain safe, make sure your clients fill out and complete the consent form for tattoos. Make sure the has all of its fields filled up. You must also inspect it meticulously before you affix your signature. Also, remember that no minor may get a tattoo without a signed document from their parent or guardian.