I waited until I was 18 to get my first tattoo. I was almost 19 even. Now I have 13 and have plans of more. However when I was 17 I thought my first tattoo would be of a macaroni noodle on my ass cheek. Instead it was a matching tattoo of a flower on my ankle. My mom is heavily tattooed. If he wants that tattoo now, make him wait a few months to get it. Its a permanent decision.