The Windy City and Ink: A Not-So-Secret Age Requirement
Ah, Chicago. City of broad shoulders, deep-dish pizza, and... apparently, a strict policy on when you can permanently decorate those very shoulders. That's right, folks, in the Windy City, there's an age limit on getting tattooed, and it's not exactly when you become a legal adult and can finally buy a celebratory six-pack (although, that's a pretty good reason to get some commemorative ink, am I right?).
So, How Old Do You Need to Be to Become a Marked Man (or Woman) in Chicago?
Drumroll please... you gotta be 18 years old to get tattooed in the great city of Chicago. Yes, you can enlist in the army, vote for your favorite politician (whoever that may be these days), and probably even wrestle a bear for a juicy steak (disclaimer: definitely don't wrestle bears), but a tiny little tattoo? Apparently, that's a bridge too far for your teenage self.
But Why? Don't They Trust Our Impulse Control at 17?
Well, according to some folks, 18 is the magic age when you suddenly transform into a responsible citizen with unwavering taste in body art. Maybe it's the responsibility of adulthood hitting you like a deep-dish in the face, or maybe it's just a law that hasn't quite caught up with the times (hey, stranger things have happened).
The upside? You have a whole extra year to ponder that inspirational butterfly design you saw on your friend's cousin's mailman. You know, the one with the questionable tribal flourishes and the misspelled inspirational quote? Trust me, future-you will thank your lucky stars for this enforced waiting period.
The Final Word: Patience is a Virtue (Especially When it Comes to Tattoos)
Look, tattoos are pretty permanent. They're not like that regrettable haircut you got in middle school (although, those can be pretty permanent too depending on the severity). So, take a deep breath, Chicago teens. Use this waiting period wisely. Flip through some tattoo magazines (or these days, probably Pinterest boards), brainstorm some truly epic designs, and most importantly, avoid any impulsive stick-and-poke sessions in your basement.
Remember, your body is a temple (or at least a really cool art gallery), and you only get one canvas. Make those decisions count, and when you hit 18, you'll be ready to rock some seriously awesome ink.
