Identification Requirements- Getting Your Child or Teen Pierced Safely

Identification Requirements- Getting Your Child or Teen Pierced Safely Getting a new piercing is a very exciting time, particularly for minors. Piercings have a level of agency that’s new and empowering. For many, its one of the first times they are making big choices like this for their body and appearance- its simultaneously a first taste of the agency of adulthood and also an experience heavily dictated by the adults in their life- namely their parents and guardians, and the lawmakers in their area. See, in America, in order for a minor to get a piercing they need parental consent. […]

How to Research a Piercing or Piercer

How to Research a Piercing or Piercer We say it all the time. Over and Over again- do your research before getting a piercing! Make sure you know what you are signing up for, make sure you know your piercer is good! And that’s great advice. It’s is super important to research and know what you are looking for and getting done before you get pierced. Particularly as some piercings carry year or longer heal times, and can be a boatload of work to heal correctly. And not all piercers are created equal- its important to see a good one. […]

I ve Got Your Back- Earring Backings!

I’ve Got Your Back- Earring Backings! Most of the time, when considering a new earring or piece of jewelry, the biggest concern is how it looks! That’s the fun part right? The pretty colors, designs, shapes, there’s so many styles and designs under the sun to wear! Often times we never stop to consider the back of an earring. Why would we? That’s the boring part! Well, the backing on a style can make all the difference in function, security, and comfort. And with modern advancements in piercing jewelry, there’s now a bevy of backing choices for every client, lifestyle, […]

Guest Spots 101

Guest Spots 101 Guestspotting! This is a super fun process by which piercers travel to visit other studios they don’t typically work at, and pierce and work there for short periods of time. Sometimes this is done to provide coverage (say their existing piercer is out on medical leave, or vacation, the other piercer may cover for them) sometimes its for educational purposes so both piercers can learn from each other, sometimes it’s just for fun, so folks who are friends can hang out with each other and have a good time! For whatever reason, guest spotting is an amazing […]

Genital Aftercare Myths and Misinformation

Genital Aftercare Myths and Misinformation Continuing my series debunking aftercare misinformation and myths today I’d like to talk about Genital piercings. While the general aftercare myths article covers some good general information, genital piercings in particular have their own special needs and concerns while they heal. And unfortunately, they are some of the least discussed online or in person. Many people feel uncomfortable talking frankly about things related to genitals or sex, and many studios simply don’t offer them, or in an effort to keep their website more family friendly, don’t have much information posted. So, today let’s debunk 7 […]

Genital Piercing Etiquette- What to Expect and How to Prepare

Genital Piercing Etiquette- What to Expect and How to Prepare Genital piercings are some of the most empowering, magical, and affirming piercings we as piercers get to do. They also can be some of the most intimidating and overwhelming piercings for clients to get done. The vulnerability of someone seeing your genitals is already very hard to overcome, and then beyond that the discomfort of having them pierced- likely by a stranger? That’s very hard for many people to wrap their minds around. So today, I want to try to soothe your nerves by helping you prepare for a genital […]

Horizontal Tongue Piercings AKA Snake Eyes- A Bad Idea, Every Time

Horizontal Tongue Piercings AKA Snake Eyes- A Bad Idea, Every Time So you want a horizontal tongue piercing? For those that don’t know, horizontal tongue piercings are piercings that pass through the tip of the tongue, sometimes called scoop or snake eye piercings. They look kinda cute right? Tiny, petite little beads on the tip of your tongue, something new and unique. Unfortunately, the side effects of this piercing are less then cute, which is why we don’t offer them here. Horizontal tongue piercings can cause such issues as gum erosion, chipped teeth, and lisps when talking. There’s a reason […]

Holy Blood: Scarification and Blood Ritual in the Christian and Catholic Churches

Holy Blood: Scarification and Blood Ritual in the Christian and Catholic Churches I recently was having a discussion with a peer about play piercings, a format of body piercing you can learn about here. That discussion segued into one of blood rituals and rites. Now- when you hear the words “blood ritual”- what is it that springs to mind? If you google it, many of the first results are about South American and African cultures. Many people automatically go to depictions of mayan temples and human scarifies. Few people think of Jesus, the Church, and Catholicism. Personally I find catholic […]

Gold vs Titanium – Which is Safer?

Gold vs Titanium – Which is “Safer”? “But what’s the safest one? I mean which one is better?” This is a question I hear time and time again at the studio. Clients are looking over our selection of solid implant grade titanium and solid 14k gold. They have designs they like, but their main concern is there safety- what is going to heal the best and be the healthiest. They are hemming and hawing between both- and age old adages run through their mind about Gold being the “safest”, and the “only thing they can wear.” But titanium is implant […]

Gloves- Your Safety and the Law in Some States

Gloves- Your Safety and the Law in Some States Let’s talk gloves. It seems like it’d be obvious not to let a piercer touch you with bare hands, but many assume its not necessary to glove up. And more assume that as long as gloves are being worn, everything is fine. But there is more to it then that! Piercers should be following the same rules of cleanliness as physicians, dentists, and other similar professions. Not only is it common sense for piercers to use gloves, but its the law. Here in the state of Tennessee we are required by […]