Getting a piercing involves a professional procedure using sterile equipment. A trained piercing professional uses a sterile, razor-sharp hollow needle to create the piercing. This method is safer and less painful than using a piercing gun and promotes better healing.
The Piercing Process
The process typically follows these steps:
- Consultation: You'll discuss the desired piercing location and type with the piercer. They will assess your suitability for the piercing and answer any questions you may have.
- Preparation: The piercer will clean the area to be pierced with antiseptic. They may also mark the exact location of the piercing.
- Piercing: The piercer uses a sterile needle to puncture the skin. This is usually a quick process.
- Jewelry Insertion: After the piercing is made, the piercer inserts the chosen jewelry (e.g., earring, ring).
- Aftercare Instructions: The piercer will provide detailed aftercare instructions to ensure proper healing and prevent infection. These typically include cleaning the piercing regularly with a saline solution.
Choosing a Reputable Piercer
It's crucial to choose a reputable and licensed professional for your piercing. Look for a studio that maintains high hygiene standards, uses sterile needles, and employs experienced piercers. Avoid places like Claire's, which typically use piercing guns. Apprenticeships are common in professional piercing; experienced piercers often train others. Reputable studios prioritize client safety and proper technique.
Legal Considerations and Age Restrictions
Legal requirements for piercing vary depending on location and age. In many places, minors require parental consent to get pierced. Even if you are 18, some studios may still require valid photo identification.
References Used
- Professional Piercing Method: A trained piercing professional will pierce your skin with a sterile razor-sharp hollow needle that will safely remove the section of skin without causing damage to the surrounding tissue. It's less painful (and less shocking) than a piercing gun and allows for a much more natural healing process. 25-Sept-2021
- Apprenticeships: There are lots of piercers who apprentice people. (Reddit, r/Legitpiercing)
- Minor Consent: Until you turn 18, you not only will need your parents' consent, they'll have to be physically present when the piercing is done. (Quora)
- Piercing Guns vs Needles: Go, or convince your parents to take you to a piercing or tattoo shop, because they will use a piercing needle. (Quora)
