According to an Order from the Romanian Ministry of Health, children and teenagers are no longer allowed to request such procedures and must wait until they reach the age of majority.

Horea wanted a tattoo since high school, inspired by his classmates. In 12th grade, he informed his parents that he was getting one on his arm, and now he's on his second.

Young man: "The first one I got, I got it in Bucharest, I went away for the weekend. Theoretically, they knew, but at the same time, they didn't think I was serious about it".

However, specialists say that teenagers are tempted to resort to less safe methods.

Paula Baraian, tattoo artist: "If they set their minds to it, they find ways to get a tattoo without going to an official salon where hygiene standards are maintained. The recommendation would be for them to wait and come to a salon where everything is hygienic".

According to an order from the Ministry of Health that came into effect on May 10, those who are not of legal age can no longer request artistic or cosmetic tattoos. If they want an ear piercing, they must be over 16 and have parental consent.

"(1) It is prohibited to perform body piercing and dermal implant procedures on persons under 16 years of age, except for ear piercing, for which parental/guardian consent is required.

(2) It is prohibited to perform cosmetic and artistic tattooing procedures on persons under 18 years of age.

(3) It is prohibited to perform genital piercing on persons under the age of 18.

(4) It is prohibited to perform dermal implants on genital organs", according to Article 15, ORDER no. 1,648 of March 29, 2024, from the Ministry of Health".

Andrei Cătălin, tattoo artist: "For minors, it was necessary for them to come in the presence of their parents. Just the other day, a young man wrote to me wanting to get a tattoo. You can't say you're mature enough to make a commitment; tattoos are permanent".

Constantin Azoiței, Tattoo and Piercing Association of Romania: "Younger ones wanted tattoos prominently displayed in most cases, and then we tried to have convincing discussions with parents to reconsider. We had about 2-3 cases per week. Parents would come with minors and say they wanted a tattoo at 15-16".

On the other hand, young people also end up in dermatologists' offices realizing they want to remove their tattoos. The solution lies in laser procedures, albeit they may come with a price tag in the thousands of lei.

Luiza Bot, dermatologist: "They fail to consider the possibility that they may pursue careers that prohibit piercings, and even after removal, a noticeable mark remains. In professions like law enforcement and airline stewarding. We frequently encounter individuals seeking urgent solutions to address these tattoo-related issues".

The Minister of Health's order also establishes clear rules for the operation of tattoo salons.