How to become a Piercer. Why Piercing Courses are a red flag.
So, you've been bitten by the piercing bug, not just as a client, but as someone who wants to wield the needles and bring beautiful, safe body art to others. That's fantastic! Becoming a body piercer is a rewarding path, blending artistry, anatomy, and meticulous hygiene. But as you start your journey, you'll likely encounter a common pitfall: training courses that promise a "certificate" in just a few days or weeks. My advice? Run the other way.
Now, before you think I'm anti-education, hear me out. Formal training is crucial in this field. But the kind of "piercing training course" often advertised falls far short of what's truly needed to become a competent, ethical, and safe piercer.
Why "Certificate Courses" Are Often a Red Flag
Piercing is a Skilled Trade, Not a Theory Exam: Think about it: would you trust a surgeon who only learned from a textbook and got a "certificate" after a weekend seminar? Of course not. Body piercing, while not surgery, involves breaking skin, understanding human anatomy, preventing infection, and managing potential complications. This isn't something you can truly grasp in a classroom setting.
Lack of Practical, Hands-On Experience: These courses typically offer very limited, if any, real-world piercing experience. You might practice on fruit or silicone, but that's a far cry from the nuances of human skin, client reactions, and unexpected challenges. Real learning happens under the direct supervision of an experienced piercer.
No Mentorship, No Mastery: The best way to learn body piercing is through an apprenticeship. This is a dedicated period, often lasting a year or more, where you work closely with a seasoned piercer. They'll teach you everything from proper sterilization techniques and jewelry selection to troubleshooting common issues and managing client anxieties. A certificate course simply can't replicate this invaluable mentorship.
Hygiene and Safety Are Paramount, Not Superficial: Sterilization, cross-contamination prevention, and bloodborne pathogen protocols are non-negotiable in piercing. These are complex procedures that require deep understanding and consistent application, not just a quick overview. Apprenticeships instill these habits through constant repetition and scrutiny.
The Industry Knows: Reputable piercing studios and experienced piercers will rarely, if ever, consider someone who has only a "certificate" from a short course. They know that true competence comes from rigorous, supervised training. Presenting a certificate from one of these courses can actually hurt your chances of securing a genuine apprenticeship.
False Confidence Can Be Dangerous: A certificate might give you a false sense of security, leading you to believe you're ready to pierce independently when you're not. This can put both you and your future clients at serious risk.
The True Path to Becoming a Body Piercer
So, if not a certificate course, then what?
Get Pierced, Talk to Piercers: Start by being a client. Visit reputable studios, observe their practices, and politely ask piercers about their journey. Show genuine interest and respect for their craft.
Build Your Knowledge Base (Independently): While not a substitute for hands-on training, start immersing yourself in relevant knowledge. Learn about human anatomy, bloodborne pathogens (take an official BBP course!), sterilization techniques, and different types of jewelry. Read industry blogs and reputable resources.
Seek an Apprenticeship: This is the gold standard. Approach reputable, established studios in your area. Be persistent, humble, and willing to start from the bottom – cleaning, observing, assisting. An apprenticeship will be long, challenging, and unpaid for a significant period, but it's the only way to gain the comprehensive skills and experience needed.
Practice, Practice, Practice (Under Supervision): Once you're an apprentice, you'll slowly progress to supervised piercing practice, starting with simpler procedures and gradually moving to more complex ones. This is where real learning happens, with immediate feedback and correction from your mentor.
Commit to Lifelong Learning: The piercing industry is constantly evolving with new techniques, jewelry, and safety protocols. A true professional never stops learning and refining their skills.
Becoming a body piercer is a journey that demands dedication, patience, and a deep commitment to safety and artistry. Don't be swayed by the allure of a quick "certificate." Instead, invest your time and energy in finding a genuine apprenticeship. Your future clients (and your conscience) will thank you for it.
