The BEST/WORST Thing You Can Say To A Client Is…

NO!!!!    This will be the first post in a new series I am writing on piercing ethics. Not everyone is always suited to every piercing – and sometimes they are just not suited to the piercing they WANT. It is hard to say this to your client – but when you KNOW that if you do the piercing it just isn’t going to heal – then it is your responsibility NOT to do it. There is often a similar alternative that WILL WORK for your client’s anatomy/lifestyle etc. The scarring that can be left behind from a piercing gone … Continue reading

Piercees Bill of Rights

The most respected body-piercing organisation in the world is The Association of Professional Piercers (APP). They do a lot of ongoing work for the industry, and currently hold an annual conference in Las Vegas. They also have some great resources. Find them at http://www.safepiercing.org    They created this, these rights are the minimum standards YOUR clients are entitled to each and every time they are pierced.  

Universal Precautions

Bloodborne and sexually transmitted disease awareness is very important for Piercers. Some Piercers who don’t perform genital piercings may consider that this is not something they need to worry about – but you are wrong. Every Piercer breaks the skin – and as such – ALL of your clients should be aware of the risks when/if the body fluids from another person come into contact with ANY fresh piercing. Whilst as Piercers it is really important to practice Universal Precautions – Everyone has Everything – specific education to those clients with HIV or Hepatitis is important. To do that, you … Continue reading

Piercing Age of Consent

There are now laws (current as of January 2009 in Victoria Australia) that apply to all piercings and modifications. They are similar to what we have been doing for years – the main difference being that we now have a legal obligation to enforce them – and legal support. Any Piercer – or studio – who does not follow the new laws can be charged and fined – even if they are under the employ of a studio. In summary the law is as follows: No intimate (genital & nipple) piercing on anyone under the age of 18 years. No … Continue reading

Latex Allergies and Piercing

This is an allergy that can enter into the world of a body piercer: Piercer When starting out as a Piercer, dermatitis from frequent handwashing can result. This is often thought to be an allergy to latex – but often isn’t. With regular use of a hand moisturizer – sorbolene is good for fast absorption – it will usually settle down. Switching to powder-free gloves sometimes helps too. It can be an allergy to the powder in gloves and not the latex itself. If you actually do have a latex allergy then Nitrile gloves are a good alternative Side Note: … Continue reading

The Pros and Cons of Piercing Training

When it comes to learning how to pierce there are several ways you can start your journey. Ideally, an apprenticeship in a busy studio, under the supervision of a professional Piercer is the ideal way to learn. If you ever have the rare opportunity to learn this way from an experienced and reputable Piercer – take it! Unfortunately, due to the very limited number of these positions, many people compromise and “take what they can get”, only realizing when it’s too late that they may have entrusted their career to the wrong person. To help more people gather the essential … Continue reading