Clean waiting area physically separated from the piercing room(s).
Well lit work area for piercer.
An Autoclave or other medical quality sterilizing unit.
Individually packaged pre-sterilized needles.
Approved “sharps” container for needle disposal.
Sterile Gloves.
A current displayed tattoo shop license where required.
(Yes it is important, licensed shops go through hygienic control from the health department.)
Getting pierced in mall accessory shops or in the back room of any shop.
Poorly lit work area. General clutter or otherwise unsanitary conditions. Piercing tools or needles only cleaned with alcohol or disinfectant wipes ( Autoclaves are the only mean of sterilization.)
Tobacco, drugs & alcohol (by clients or employees).
Piercing guns (They can not be properly sterilized and are dangerous). Going against your gut instinct (if it quacks like a duck…).
No matter how much or how little you may know about the ins and outs of proper body piercing technique, a little bit of common sense goes a long way. Always use your instinct and best judgment and NEVER get a piercing on the spur of the moment if you have any indication at all that something simply isn’t quite right. The following list of question will give you a good head start on making a sound choice in a body piercer.
Ask to see spore test results for their autoclave (any self respecting shop will have these).
What to expect during & after the piercing.
Ask for specific aftercare instructions (if those instructions include alcohol or peroxide, leave now).
Ask to see a portfolio – a picture can be worth a thousand words.
Many people pose as professionals and in reality are not.
Feedback and getting informed is the way to avoid scratchers and non professionals.
In the end you get what you paid for!
Uncle C.
