Body Piercing Training

If you have an interest in tattooing or body modification, you may wish to extend your skills and knowledge by taking a formal body piercing training course.

Body piercing is a very serious procedure that shouldn't be performed lightly. Puncturing the skin can result in many adverse side effects including but not limited to pain, swelling, infection and potential death if any infection enters the blood stream.

While body piercing licensing and laws vary state by state, there are several programs and courses that you can enroll in as you embark on the journey of becoming a professional body piercer. Whether you choose to obtain your education through a traditional body piercing course or further your knowledge by working directly under a skilled artist, the experience and knowledge you'll gain will prove invaluable to your career and the health and wellness of your clients.

Many body piercing courses are available online. Several programs offer a convenient Internet based study program, while others send training materials via the mail directly to your door. Keep in mind, course fees and payment options vary along with state regulations and licensing requirements. While training courses may vary in their hour requirement and approach, most reputable courses will cover the following body piercing basics.

• How to set up your body piercing chair or studio
• Personal safety modules and checklists
• Overview of body jewelry and metals
• Step-by-step piercing procedures
• Troubleshooting and aftercare procedures
• Record and book keeping basics
• Sterilization techniques for both statium and chamber autoclave machine

In addition to basic body piercing knowledge, you can expect to be trained on the piercing of the following body areas:

• Navel
• Nose
• Nipple
• Labret
• Tongue
• Eyebrow

A basic navel piercing

While basic training courses provide entry level piercing information and techniques, you'll need to advance your knowledge if you plan on offering exotic body piercing services. Once you've been fully trained in the basics, you can find a course that offers more in-depth information. If you join the Association for Professional Piercers, you'll gain access to a piercing community filled with professionals willing to share their knowledge and tips. In addition, you'll have the opportunity to enroll in advanced education courses that are offered at the annual Body Piercing conference. Attending the conference is a wonderful way to meet other passionate industry professionals who can help guide and inspire you as you venture on this unique career path.

While body piercing training courses provide a baseline education, nothing can compare to the experience you'll gain behind the chair. Apprenticing with a skilled body piercer is the best way to gain confidence while furthering your knowledge of the craft. Body anatomy plays a large role in many of the challenges professionals face. If you have a client who desires a piercing that is not suitable for their body, you'll want to recommend an alternative in either the placement of the jewelry or the direction of the puncture. These types of challenges are not going to be the primary focus of a basic training course. Having an on-hand professional at your side while you work through challenges will help you gain the confidence you need to deal with unforeseen circumstances.

Learn the basic jewelry styles!

The following websites offer basic training via the Internet or a shipped training material option for body piercing. Be sure to seek multiple programs before enrolling in a course, and make sure the curriculum suits your personal and financial needs before paying fees up front. If you have the time or networking ability, you may choose to seek course or education recommendations from a local and reputable piercing professional prior to enrolling online. You'll also need to check your state's Health Department for licensing requirements, approved educational facilities and minimum hour mandates.

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