Piercing Shops

If you are thinking of getting a nose ring, or maybe that nipple piercing you've always wanted, chances are you will need to find a piercing shop to get it done. Finding a reputable shop is an important step in any new body modification.

Finding the right piercing shop is crucial to a great piercing.

What is a Piercing Shop?

Typically, a piercing shop is actually a combination of a tattoo parlor and piercing location. Very few places in the United States (this may be different in the rest of the world) are just piercing places. The exception to this statement are shops that are located within malls and use piercing guns to pierce ears - these places (such as the Piercing Pagoda are specialized stores.

A shop that does piercing in the way that most people think of the term is usually located near to or within a tattoo shop, and will perform a variety of body modifications - ranging from simple facial piercings to genital piercings in some cases.

Things to Look for in a Shop

When you decide to get something pierced, it's a good idea to stop by the shop beforehand so that you can get a feel for the place. In some states, piercing places, as well as tattoo parlors, are regulated by the state health board, but in others, the regulations are not as stringent. It's important to take a look at the place yourself in order to make a judgement about whether you trust the shop.

A good piercing shop will have a clean, sterile look to it. A spot that looks like it is someone's dirty basement or one that is smoky and filthy is probably not the best place to get pierced. The piercer him/herself should be wearing protective gloves, and the needles and other instruments should be clearly sterilized or single use. All jewelry being used in new piercings should be sterile as well.

Talking with Your Piercer

If this is your first piercing, or if you are planning on getting a piercing that is in a tricky or unusual spot, it is also a good idea to stop by and talk to your piercer before getting anything done. Feel free to ask him or her how many of that type of piercing that they have done, as well as how they plan to do your particular piercing. Piercers are professionals, so they should be able to answer any questions you have to your satisfaction. If you don't get the answers you want, search for another shop.

You can also ask your piercer about what type of aftercare they prefer. You may be able to buy supplies that are needed to care for your new body mod before you even get pierced. Finally, it is a good idea to ask the price of your piercing before you make your appointment. That way, there are no surprises, and you can make sure to bring enough money (plus tip) with you.

Finding a Shop in Your Area

If you want to find a good piercing shop in your area, there are several ways to accomplish this. Friends with piercings, as well as other people you encounter who have piercings you like, can often recommend good shops in the area.

There are also a few sites online that list piercing spots in different areas of the world:

• Tribalectic.com has an international body piercing shop directory that allows you to search different areas of the world
• BMEzine has many different reviews and recountings of individual piercing experiences, most of which list specific piercing places and shops

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