So, you’re ready for a new piercing? How exciting! You may be tempted to drive to the nearest place and get it done, but it's important to do some research ahead of time to find a professional piercer to help you avoid complications and health risks. In this article, we'll discuss how to find a piercer and why it's important to choose one who follows the proper safety and jewelry standards.
Why choose a professional piercer?
Choosing a professional piercer is crucial for your health and safety, and the longevity of your new piercing. Piercing requires skill and knowledge of anatomy, sterilization, implant certified jewelry, environmental criteria, and aftercare. An inexperienced piercer, or one who doesn't follow proper safety procedures, can lead to complications such as infection, scarring, or even nerve damage. A professional piercer undergoes training and adheres to safety and hygiene standards set by the Association of Professional Piercers (APP).
What is the Association of Professional Piercers (APP)?
The APP is a non-profit organization that promotes safety and education in the piercing industry. It was founded in 1994 and sets safety and hygiene standards and provides education and training for piercers. Choosing a piercer who is a member of the APP helps ensure they follow proper safety and hygiene procedures and use safe jewelry materials.
To ensure a safe and satisfying piercing experience, it's important that you feel confident in your piercer's abilities. This means finding someone who can demonstrate their knowledge and competence to earn your trust.
Before committing to a piercing, a reputable piercer should be happy to provide you with a thorough consultation. This should involve careful inspection of your anatomy, discussing jewelry options, explaining the procedure, reviewing potential risks and complications, and providing guidance on the healing and aftercare process.
Steps to finding a professional piercer:
1. Research piercing studios in your area.
Start by researching piercing studios in your area. Look for studios that have a good reputation and a track record of safety and hygiene. You can check the APP's website to see if a piercer is a member in good standing. This can give you peace of mind that the piercer has undergone proper training and adheres to safety standards. You can also use our studio locator to find piercers near you who stock NeoMetal jewelry.
2. Check their jewelry selection.
It's essential for a piercing studio to offer a broad selection of body jewelry. A limited variety of styles or sizes will not accommodate the diverse range of human anatomy.
When it comes to body jewelry, it's crucial that the surfaces and ends are smooth, without any nicks, scratches, burrs, or polishing compounds. Additionally, metals should have a consistent mirror finish to ensure safety and comfort.
For initial piercings, it is important the studio uses either internally threaded or threadless jewelry made from safe materials like Titanium (ASTM F-136 ) and gold.
3. Do some (healthy) social media stalking.
Social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook can be a great way to see a piercer's portfolio. Does the portfolio display a wide range of piercings, showing the skillset of the piercer? Are piercings placed to accent the anatomy or do they look awkward and poorly matched to the individual? If the portfolio features unusual piercings, are there pictures of healed clients to show the viability of the placement? Viewing a piercer’s previous work can give you an idea of their style.
4. Visit the studio.
Before getting a piercing, you can always visit the studio in person. Be sure to give them a call, as many studios are appointment only. Look for a clean and sterile environment. The piercer should use new, sterile needles and equipment for each client. These items should be opened from a package in front of you during your piercing appointment. They should also follow proper safety procedures such as using gloves and masks.
5. Ask questions.
Don't be afraid to ask the piercer questions before and during your piercing procedure. A professional piercer will be happy to answer any questions you have and will want to make sure you feel comfortable and informed while getting a piercing.
Getting a new piercing can be a fun and exciting experience, but it's important to take the time to do some research and find a piercer who follows proper safety and hygiene procedures. Do your homework, check out their past work, pop by their studio for a visit, ask as many questions as you need, and listen to your gut. By doing so, you'll be on your way to rocking your new piercing in style and comfort!
