Safety First: 4 Signs of a Bad Piercing Studio

Getting a piercing can be an exciting and meaningful experience, but it's important to choose a reputable and skilled piercer to ensure the best quality and safety. Here are four red flags to watch out for when getting pierced:

1. No portfolio or social media presence: Make sure the piercer or shop you choose has a portfolio of their work or a social media presence where you can see examples of their work. This is a good sign that they are professional and proud of their work.

2. Lack of anatomy checks: Your piercer should be doing anatomy checks to make sure that your body is suitable for the piercing you want. This is especially important for certain piercings, like the industrial or helix, to ensure that your body can support the piercing and avoid potential damage.

3. Use of piercing guns: Avoid shops that use piercing guns, as they are at a higher risk for cross-contamination and can cause more trauma to the skin. Look for a shop that uses single use needles for a safer and more professional piercing experience.

4. Lack of sterilization: Make sure there is a separate area of the studio with sterilization machines or equipment, and ask about the sterilization process for reusable tools and materials. A professional piercer should be happy to explain their sterilization methods and have sterilization logs to prove it.