2011 California Code
Health and Safety Code
DIVISION 104. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH [106500 - 119405]
CHAPTER 7. Tattooing, Body Piercing, and Permanent Cosmetics
Section 119300

For purposes of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply:

(a) Tattooing means to insert pigment under the surface of the skin of a human being, by pricking with a needle or otherwise, to produce an indelible mark or figure visible through the skin.

(b) Body piercing means the creation of an opening in the body of a human being for the purpose of inserting jewelry or other decoration. This includes, but is not limited to, piercing of an ear, lip, tongue, nose, or eyebrow. Body piercing does not, for the purpose of this chapter, include piercing an ear with a disposable, single-use stud or solid needle that is applied using a mechanical device to force the needle or stud through the ear.

(c) Permanent cosmetics means the application of pigments to or under the skin of a human being for the purpose of permanently changing the color or other appearance of the skin. This includes, but is not limited to, permanent eyeliner, eye shadow, or lip color.

(d) Department means the State Department of Health Services.

(Added by Stats. 1997, Ch. 742, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 1998. Repealed as of July 1, 2012, by Stats. 2011, Ch. 638. See same-numbered section in the later operative Chapter 7 added by Stats. 2011, Ch. 638.)