How to Choose the Right Piercer or Piercing Studio
Have you been wanting to get pierced for a while now, but have no idea which piercing studio to go to? This article is for you! Obsidian is, first and foremost, a team of body piercing experts. We'll walk you through, step by step, how to choose the best piercing studio and avoid unpleasant surprises.
Most research starts online, through Google and local business listings, where you'll already get a first impression from customer reviews. You can also check out the studio's Facebook or Instagram page. These first steps alone will give you useful information.
Following Hygiene Rules: a Top Priority
Your future piercing studio should follow strict hygiene rules
When you walk into a piercer's, check that the studio looks clean and well kept. That's a first sign of professionalism.
It's important to find a piercing studio that's clean, uses sterile tools, and takes the right precautions while piercing. That obviously includes hand washing and wearing disposable gloves before performing the piercing.
When choosing your first piece of jewelry, it's best to go with biocompatible materials: titanium or 14k/18k gold, the only two we use in our studios. We also recommend checking whether you need an appointment, as this is often the case. That said, you can always visit the studio first before booking a date, just to be sure of your choice.
Avoid Piercings at Jewelry Shops
Why avoid piercings at jewelry shops?
We can't say this enough, and we regularly see messages about it. Don't get pierced at a jewelry shop that uses a piercing gun for an ear piercing.
Keep in mind that piercing always calls for a sterile needle. The needle should come in a sterilized, sealed package, for single use only, causing the least possible irritation to your ear.
A piercing gun works by applying pressure to force its way through, which is obviously far from ideal. The same goes for your lobes! If you'd rather avoid infections or simply damage to your ear, a single-use sterile needle remains the best option.
Keep in mind that the risk of infection or bloodborne disease is much higher with a piercing gun, because even when cleaned, it gets reused many times over, and it's difficult to clean it thoroughly. In short, it's best to go to a quality piercing studio rather than a jewelry shop.
Researching Your Piercing Studio: an Important Step
Don't hesitate to look at examples of piercings the piercer has done in the past. Studios are usually active on Instagram or Facebook, and you may even be able to choose your jewelry directly. Keep in mind that starter jewelry doesn't have to be a plain, generic piece some people call a "prosthetic" or "surgical" jewel, at Obsidian it can be a beautiful piece from day one.
If you'd like, you can choose titanium or gold. You'll pay for the piercing itself plus the jewelry you select. Don't hesitate to ask your piercer which jewelry you can choose as your starter piece.
Also note that your piercer should give you an aftercare sheet, which is important to follow to avoid complications and support good healing.
Take the time to do your research and find the right piercer. This is a serious procedure, and you should give it as much thought as you would choosing a doctor. You're choosing to leave a permanent mark on your body, so prioritize quality over price. Don't just go for the cheapest option, or you risk a poor experience!
Piercing Studio Follow-Up & Aftercare
After your new piercing, you'll need a follow-up appointment so your piercer can adjust the size of your bar (labret) once the swelling has gone down. This visit also helps check that healing is on track, and if you'd like, swap your labret bar for a hoop. Don't hesitate to ask your piercer any questions if you're unsure about aftercare. Some swelling after the piercing is completely normal.
FAQ: Choosing Your Piercing Studio
1. Why is it crucial to choose a hygienic, quality studio?
Choosing a piercing studio with strict hygiene standards is essential to avoid infections and complications. A clean studio, with qualified staff and sterilized tools, means better safety and optimal healing. Good studios use single-use needles and wear sterile gloves for every client.
2. What should you check before choosing a piercing studio?
Check the studio's cleanliness, the piercer's qualifications, the materials used, and customer reviews. A qualified piercer will have solid training, proven experience, and be able to show you their portfolio. Also make sure the studio uses safe jewelry, such as ASTM F-136 titanium or 14k/18k gold, to help minimize the risk of allergic reactions.
3. Why is it important to check a piercing studio's reviews?
Customer reviews are a great way to gauge the quality of a studio's service. They give you a sense of other customers' experience, how clean the studio is, how skilled the piercer is, and how welcoming the team is. Reading reviews can help you avoid a bad experience and choose a studio known for professionalism and good practice.
4. How should you prepare for a piercing, and what comes next?
Before a piercing, rest, stay hydrated, and eat something beforehand. Avoid alcohol or anything else that thins the blood. Once it's done, follow your piercer's aftercare instructions and don't change the jewelry before healing is complete, which can range from a few weeks to several months depending on the piercing. If you notice redness, swelling, or pain, contact your piercer or a healthcare professional right away to keep the issue from getting worse.
If you still have questions, you can also check out our blog article on our aftercare routine.
