At Severna Park High School, it’s getting easier to spot students with inked skin. In Maryland, a minor is permitted to get a tattoo if they have consent from their parents. Maryland legislation prevents anyone under the age of 16 to be tattooed, but 16-17 year olds will only need a parent to accompany them. If not, you’re going to have to wait until age 18; any shop willing to tattoo minors without parent permission are far from trustworthy, and you’ll have a hard time finding one in the area.

In Severna Park and surrounding areas, many tattoo shops elect to turn away minors. The recently opened Oxblood Ink only accepts clients over 18, with valid government ID. However, Lucky Bird Tattoo in Annapolis allows minors with parent consent, and is a favorite of students such as Laura Folts.

Sophomore Laura Folts went under the gun recently, sharing a commemorative tattoo with sister Lily for their mother. “My tattoo is on my right forearm, and [Lily’s] is on her right leg. I thought of using a quote from her, and my sister found some of her handwriting and decided it was the best font,” she said. “Getting this tattoo meant a lot to me and I was very excited to get it, so the nervousness and pain was a small price to pay. It actually didn’t hurt as much as I was expecting, but it was still a good idea to have my dad there distracting me through it.”