How to Choose a Safe and Reputable Piercing Studio

1. Studio Aesthetics Matter

The moment you walk into a piercing studio, take a good look around. First impressions can tell you a lot.

• Cleanliness is key: A reputable studio should be spotless. If the waiting area looks neglected, dirty, or cluttered, that’s a red flag.

• Hard, wipeable surfaces: Studios should limit fabric furniture and carpet. These are difficult to sanitize properly. Instead, look for leather or pleather seating and hard floors.

• Lighting: A clean, well-lit studio helps both staff and clients see what needs attention and signals professionalism.

• Licenses on display: A legitimate studio will have its health certifications and piercing licenses clearly visible.

• Private piercing areas: Your piercing should take place in a designated, private room not out in the open. This helps protect both your privacy and safety.

2. Hygiene: Non-Negotiable Standards

When it comes to body piercings, hygiene isn’t just important... it’s everything.

• Check the staff: Do they look clean and professional? Are their hands and nails clean & well-groomed?

• Look for handwashing stations: Every piercing room should have one, and it’s totally acceptable to ask for a tour before committing.

• Sterile tools and jewelry: Tools and jewelry should be sealed in paper/plastic sterilization pouches that were processed in an autoclave. If anything is unsealed, walk away.

• Watch how they prep: The piercer should open sealed tools and needles in front of you and put on clean gloves before touching any equipment.

• If any of these hygiene steps are skipped, do not get pierced there. Bloodborne pathogens are a real risk! Your safety comes first.

3. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions

A professional piercer won’t be offended if you ask about their qualifications. In fact, they should be proud to tell you.

• Ask about their training: How long did they apprentice? Where? How many years have they been piercing?

• Association membership: Are they a member of the Association of Professional Piercers (APP)? While it’s not the only sign of quality, it’s a strong one.

• Ongoing education: Great piercers stay current. Ask what they’ve done to continue learning.

• Review their portfolio: Most studios will showcase photos of their work online or in-store. Check for thinks like: Proper placement, symmetry, do they avoid risky piercings (like horizontal tongue piercings or snake eyes - this is a green flag), gun piercings (a major red flag)

If the portfolio includes unsafe trends or poor results, take your business elsewhere. A piercer who doesn’t prioritize your safety isn’t the one for you.

Welcome to BodyCandy.com, a small, family-owned business that has been offering high-quality, affordable jewelry since 2002. We take pride in crafting unique pieces that cater to every style, from navel rings to septum rings to faux piercing jewelry, all designed with care and attention to detail. As a close-knit team, we design much of our jewelry in-house, ensuring that each item meets our high standards of craftsmanship and durability. Whether you're looking for something bold, subtle, or custom-made, BodyCandy is dedicated to providing exceptional jewelry that doesn’t break the bank. Thank you for choosing us as your go-to destination for all things jewelry!