Piercing Chains Vs Safe Piercing Studios
Why Choosing a Professional Piercing Studio in Auckland Matters
In recent years, we’ve seen a growing number of large piercing chain stores emerging across New Zealand - with several international chains now opening locations here in Auckland. While this may seem like a positive sign of the industry becoming more mainstream, professional piercers are increasingly concerned about the safety and standards behind many of these businesses.
This blog breaks down some of the key differences between chain stores and professional, locally owned APP/AUPP studios, and why those differences matter when it comes to your health, healing, and overall experience with piercing in Auckland.
Why Are Professional Piercers Concerned About Chain Stores?
1. Staff Training & Experience
A safe and competent piercer is usually the product of a formal apprenticeship - a process that takes 1 to 3 years under the guidance of an experienced professional. During this time, apprentices gradually develop their technique, hygiene practices, anatomy knowledge, and client care through structured, supervised learning.
By contrast, many chain stores rely on much shorter training methods:
A 2–4 week crash course at their headquarters, or
One-day-per-week in-store training, where trainees practice a piercing a few times before being "signed off" as qualified.
This approach often leaves new piercers feeling underprepared or overconfident - a dangerous mix when performing procedures involving needles, blood exposure, and permanent body modification. Inadequate training increases the risk of complications, injury, and poor outcomes for both clients and piercers.
2. Health & Safety Accreditation
In Auckland, there is no formal piercing licence required. Local health licensing currently mandates only that one staff member on site must hold a valid first aid and CPR certificate. In chain stores, this often means only one person per location is certified — and they may not always be present when you’re getting pierced.
Additionally, Bloodborne Pathogens (BBP) training - which teaches safe handling of sharps and reducing cross-contamination risks - is not required under current council regulations. However, at safe, professional studios, this kind of training is considered essential. Understanding infection control is fundamental in any environment involving broken skin and blood exposure.
3. Jewellery Quality & Fit
The jewellery used in your piercing isn’t just for aesthetics - it plays a major role in healing. Safe piercing relies on:
Correct sizing for your anatomy
Biocompatible materials (like implant-grade titanium or solid gold)
Proper polish and finish to reduce irritation
Chain stores often use standardised jewellery sizing (e.g. 8mm or 10mm labret bars), regardless of your anatomy. This can result in jewellery that’s far too long once swelling subsides - increasing the risk of snagging, irritation, excess movement, or embedding.
At Platinum Point, we stock labret posts ranging from 3mm to 14mm in 0.5–1mm increments - allowing us to find a perfect fit tailored to each individual. Piercing with the right size from the start makes a smoother healing journey far more likely.
Choose Safety. Choose Experience. Choose Local.
Getting pierced should be a safe, positive, and empowering experience - not a rushed, impersonal one. Chain stores may be convenient, but they often compromise on training, hygiene, and jewellery quality.
Locally owned studios like Platinum Point take the time to get it right. We are trained, accredited, and committed to client care at every step. If you're searching for the best piercing studio in Auckland, look for one that prioritises safety, anatomy-based jewellery fitting, and a professional, consent-led approach.
To find a safe, reputable studio near you, we recommend:
For NZ & Australia: SafePiercing AUPP Directory
For International: APP Safe Piercing Directory
