How long has the piercer been professionally piercing?

Experience matters. A professional with years of hands-on training and a solid reputation is more likely to follow best practices, provide a safer experience, and deliver excellent results.

What safety and hygiene standards does the studio follow?

Studios should follow strict hygiene protocols including sterilised tools, single-use needles, and cleanroom-level practices. Always ask about their sterilisation process and certifications.

What type of jewelry will be used for the piercing?

Only high-quality, implant-grade materials like titanium or solid gold should be used. Avoid mystery metals or anything plated or coated, which can lead to irritation or allergic reactions.

What happens if something goes wrong or I need help afterward?

A reputable studio will offer aftercare support and be available for follow-ups or troubleshooting. Always ask about their policy for post-piercing care and issue resolution.

Are the piercer and studio part of any professional associations?

Membership in organisations like the AUPP (Australasian United Professional Piercers) shows a commitment to safe, ethical piercing and ongoing professional development.

What’s the total cost, including jewelry?

Always ask for a full breakdown—piercing fee plus jewelry—so you can compare apples to apples. Studios using quality jewelry will typically charge more, but it's worth the investment for your safety.

What aftercare support and instructions will I receive?

Aftercare is key to healing. A good studio provides detailed instructions and products if needed, along with ongoing advice or checkups as your piercing heals.

7 Essential Questions to Ask Before Getting Pierced

15 Jun

Written By Thomas Manning

Getting a new piercing is an exciting venture into self-expression. But before you commit, taking a moment to vet your chosen studio and piercer can save you from a world of pain, complications, and regret. In an unregulated market, knowing what questions to ask is your superpower in ensuring a safe, healthy, and successful piercing experience.

Don't be shy! A truly professional piercer in Auckland will welcome your questions and be transparent and proud of their practices. If they get defensive or dismissive, that's your first red flag.

Here are 7 essential questions you must ask before anyone puts a needle to your skin:

1. "What are your sterilization procedures, and can I see your autoclave's helix test results?"

This is non-negotiable. Proper sterilization is the bedrock of safe piercing.

What to look for: The piercer should confidently explain their use of a medical-grade autoclave (a machine that uses steam and pressure to sterilize tools). They should also use single-use needles for every piercing, opened in front of you.
Why it matters: Spore tests (biological indicators) prove the autoclave is functioning correctly. If they hesitate or can't show proof, walk away immediately. This is about preventing serious infections and bloodborne pathogens. (For more on this, read our blog: [Sterilization 101: What You Need to Know About Piercing Shop Cleanliness](link to that future blog)).

2. "What kind of jewelry material do you use for initial piercings, and can you provide mill certificates?"

The material touching your healing tissue is paramount.

What to look for: They should specify implant-grade materials such as ASTM F136 titanium, 316LVM ASTM F138 stainless steel, niobium, or solid, nickel-free 14k+ gold. They should be able to provide mill certificates proving the material's compliance.
Why it matters: Cheap, unverified metals (like plated jewelry, "surgical steel" without specific ASTM, or brass) can cause severe allergic reactions, irritation, permanent staining, and delayed healing. Dive deeper into this with our blogs: Piercing Jewelry Safety: Implant-Grade Materials & ASTM Standards and The Hidden Dangers: Why Plated & Coated Piercing Jewelry Can Be a Risky Choice.

3. "How long have you been piercing, and what training have you had?"

Experience and proper training are invaluable.

What to look for: Look for piercers with years of dedicated experience and ongoing education (e.g., attending conferences like APP or similar industry seminars). They should be able to articulate their apprenticeship or training path.
Why it matters: Piercing requires extensive knowledge of anatomy, aseptic technique, and troubleshooting. Someone with minimal training from a chain store may lack the depth of knowledge needed for safe, successful piercings.

4. "What are your aftercare instructions, and what kind of ongoing support do you offer?"

Aftercare is crucial, and your piercer should be your guide.

What to look for: They should provide clear, written (and verbal) aftercare instructions, typically recommending saline solution. They should also specify how to contact them for questions or concerns during the healing process.
Why it matters: Generic or outdated aftercare advice (like using harsh chemicals) can harm your piercing. Good ongoing support is vital for addressing common healing issues promptly and correctly.

5. "Are you licensed or certified by any health boards or professional associations?"

While regulations vary, professionalism often involves adherence to recognized standards.

What to look for: In Auckland, look for studios that adhere to local health regulations. Membership in professional organizations (like the Association of Professional Piercers - APP, or similar regional bodies) indicates a commitment to best practices, even if local laws are lax.
Why it matters: These affiliations often require members to meet stringent safety, hygiene, and ethical standards, giving you an extra layer of assurance.

6. "What should I do if I experience a complication (e.g., infection, swelling, bumps)?"

A responsible piercer plans for the unexpected.

What to look for: They should clearly outline signs of concern and provide guidance on when to contact them, and when to seek medical attention. They should not dismiss your concerns or tell you to "just wait it out" if symptoms are severe.
Why it matters: Knowing the protocol for complications ensures you get timely and appropriate help, preventing minor issues from becoming major problems.

7. "Can you walk me through the piercing procedure itself?"

Transparency builds trust and reduces anxiety.

What to look for: They should explain each step: marking, clamping (if used), needle insertion, jewelry insertion, and post-piercing cleanup. They should describe the sterile setup and instrument handling.
Why it matters: This ensures they follow a safe, standardized procedure and helps you feel more comfortable and informed throughout the process.

Don't compromise on your health and safety for convenience or a lower price. Use these questions as your shield. If a studio can't confidently and transparently answer them, it's a clear sign to continue your search. Your body deserves the best, and a reputable professional piercing studio in Auckland will be eager to prove they are exactly that.

Thomas Manning