Lots of people walk into a piercing or tattoo shop and instantly feel like they’re in over their head. Even people who have had multiple tattoos/piercings can still feel uneasy with a new artist. Before I worked in a shop, I had no idea what I should be asking before I got a new body modification. I figured “how much is it going to cost” and “how much is it going to hurt” were the things I should be mostly concerned with. Knowing what I know now, that couldn’t be more wrong. That’s why I wrote this post! To help you know exactly what to ask about and look for on your next piercing adventure!
Things to keep in mind before you start asking these questions: Try not to ask the questions as if you know more than the piercer. Odds are, you don’t. Being abrasive will probably either piss them off or make them really nervous. Any piercer worth their salt should be willing to have a lengthy conversation with you if it’s pleasant, and be happy to answer any questions or concerns you have. Honestly, the professionals love their job and are more than willing to share their knowledge!
If they refuse to answer your questions, make an excuse, or get aggressive: get out of there. If they aren’t concerned with making you feel comfortable, they aren’t worth your time and hard earned money… and they aren’t worth the risk.
So, here’s a list of questions and answers you should be looking for from your next piercer:
Question: Do you use a single use needle?
Answer: Yes. We dispose of our needles after one use into a sharps container. We do not use guns, and we do not sterilize and reuse our needles.
Question: Are all of your tools disposable?
Answer: Yes, we dispose of all of our tools, and they are in sterile single use packaging. (Ask to see their forceps, tapers, and receiving tubes) They won’t be metal. They will be made of some kind of plastic or clear material.
Answer: No. While everything we use that is disposable is single use and disposed of in a waste bin, we also use stainless steel gear that is sterilized after each use in an autoclave. (This is more common than disposable tools)
Question: How do you clean your gear?
Answer: We soak, rinse, scrub, and air dry each tool. Afterwards, they are packaged and sterilized in an autoclave.
(There are other steps that are optional, such as an ultrasonic. It is not usually required by the health board. However, the more steps they take to ensure proper cleaning, the better. Also, make sure the metal tools are actually coming out of packages before use.)
Question: Can I see your sterilization area?
Answer: Yes, of course. It is very important that you do not touch anything in the area, however, as it is a potential bio-hazard.
Question: What kind of jewelry do you use?
Answer: We use 316LVM surgical stainless steel. It has a low nickel content, which makes it less likely to cause a reaction while it is in your skin. (Titanium is also acceptable, and is often used in surface piercings and dermal implants because it is not magnetic.)
Question: Do you wear gloves?
Answer: Yes.
Question: Can you explain the process to me, step by step?
Answer: Yes, of course! (It varies from piercing to piercing, but they should be willing to walk you through the process if you have any concerns.)
Things to keep in mind before you start asking these questions: Try not to ask the questions as if you know more than the piercer. Odds are, you don’t. Being abrasive will probably either piss them off or make them really nervous. Any piercer worth their salt should be willing to have a lengthy conversation with you if it’s pleasant, and be happy to answer any questions or concerns you have. Honestly, the professionals love their job and are more than willing to share their knowledge!
If they refuse to answer your questions, make an excuse, or get aggressive: get out of there. If they aren’t concerned with making you feel comfortable, they aren’t worth your time and hard earned money… and they aren’t worth the risk.
So, here’s a list of questions and answers you should be looking for from your next piercer:
Question: Do you use a single use needle?
Answer: Yes. We dispose of our needles after one use into a sharps container. We do not use guns, and we do not sterilize and reuse our needles.
Question: Are all of your tools disposable?
Answer: Yes, we dispose of all of our tools, and they are in sterile single use packaging. (Ask to see their forceps, tapers, and receiving tubes) They won’t be metal. They will be made of some kind of plastic or clear material.
Answer: No. While everything we use that is disposable is single use and disposed of in a waste bin, we also use stainless steel gear that is sterilized after each use in an autoclave. (This is more common than disposable tools)
Question: How do you clean your gear?
Answer: We soak, rinse, scrub, and air dry each tool. Afterwards, they are packaged and sterilized in an autoclave.
(There are other steps that are optional, such as an ultrasonic. It is not usually required by the health board. However, the more steps they take to ensure proper cleaning, the better. Also, make sure the metal tools are actually coming out of packages before use.)
Question: Can I see your sterilization area?
Answer: Yes, of course. It is very important that you do not touch anything in the area, however, as it is a potential bio-hazard.
Question: What kind of jewelry do you use?
Answer: We use 316LVM surgical stainless steel. It has a low nickel content, which makes it less likely to cause a reaction while it is in your skin. (Titanium is also acceptable, and is often used in surface piercings and dermal implants because it is not magnetic.)
Question: Do you wear gloves?
Answer: Yes.
Question: Can you explain the process to me, step by step?
Answer: Yes, of course! (It varies from piercing to piercing, but they should be willing to walk you through the process if you have any concerns.)
