Body piercer

Body piercers pierce various parts of customers’ bodies, using a needle or piercing gun. They then put jewellery in the pierced hole, as a form of decoration.

Also known as:

• Piercing artist

Work activities

Body piercers pierce various parts of the body, such as the earlobes, nose, eyebrows, navel (belly button) and tongue. Jewellery is then put into the pierced hole, as a form of decoration. Body piercers first find out from the customer which type of piercing they want to have. They discuss what’s involved, how long it will take, any risks and the aftercare. If the customer is nervous or has any doubts, the body piercer will try to reassure them, or encourage them to come back when they feel more certain about having a piercing. Before any piercing work is done, the body piercer needs to make sure that the customer meets any age requirements for having a piercing. This can vary depending on the part of the body being pierced. In some cases, written consent from a parent or guardian might be needed and proof of ID. The customer also needs to fill out a consent form. Once the customer has decided which part of the body they want piercing, the body piercer lets them choose some suitable jewellery. Often, this is displayed in a cabinet. All instruments and jewellery are sterilised before being used. The area to be pierced is also cleaned to remove any bacteria or germs present on the skin and to reduce infection.

Every piercing must be measured first, so that the correct size of jewellery can be inserted. For ear piercing, a specially designed gun is used to pierce through the fatty tissue of the earlobe. The gun inserts an earring (stud) at the same time. Other parts of the body are pierced using a hollow needle, which is pushed through the skin and tissue, leaving behind a sleeve. A bar or ring is inserted into the sleeve and then pushed through the piercing. When the sleeve is removed it leaves behind the jewellery. Depending on the area being pierced, a dressing might then be applied to cover the piercing. After each piercing, the body piercer disposes (gets rid) of the needle they have used, in a special container. Hygiene, health and safety, and infection prevention are very important in this role. All tools and jewellery used are sterilised in an intensive heat unit, known as an autoclave. This destroys all bacteria and harmful organisms. The body piercer finally explains to the customer how to look after the piercing so it heals correctly and doesn’t become infected. They might also advise how to treat the piercing if it does become infected.

Body piercers work in a salon, studio or parlour, often alongside other piercers, tattooists or beauty therapists. Some body piercers are also tattooists, while others can be qualified to do some beauty treatments. Body piercers might also be responsible for answering the phone and making appointments, taking payments, ordering supplies and selling jewellery products.

Personal qualities and skills

As a body piercer, you need:

• Good communication skills, to explain the procedures and possible risks involved to customers.
• Good listening skills, to find out customer requirements.
• A responsible attitude – for example, checking that customers meet age requirements for having piercings.
• To maintain very high standards of cleanliness.
• A neat and tidy appearance.
• A steady hand.
• Good levels of concentration.
• To pay close attention to detail.
• A calm, reassuring manner when dealing with customers who are nervous.
• The ability to keep accurate customer records.

Pay and opportunities  

Earnings for body piercers vary depending on whether they are employed or self-employed. The average salary is highly variable. Earnings for self-employed body piercers depend on the region of the country they work in and the reputation of their studio. However, they are likely to earn much less than this until they become established.

Body piercers work up to 30-40 hours a week, which normally includes working on Saturdays. Late finishes on one or two evenings a week might also be required.

Employers are body piercing studios. Some tattooing studios also offer a body piercing service; therefore, there might be some opportunities with tattooists. Opportunities for body piercers occur in towns and cities throughout the UK.

Opportunities occur for experienced body piercers to become self-employed and set up their own studio.

What’s happening in this work area?

Body art and piercing is becoming increasingly popular. However, while studios are widespread, there are few openings for trainees. You might have to travel to find a studio that is prepared to take you on.

Where are vacancies advertised?

Vacancies for trainees are seldom advertised. Entry to a first post is often through a personal network. Tattooing conventions can be good places to make contacts. Opportunities for self-employed, freelance body piercers to rent a chair or a room in a salon are advertised on job boards.

Entry routes and training

There are no set entry routes into this career. A wide range of courses in piercing are available to new entrants. The body piercing industry is unregulated (although the studio must be registered with the Environmental Health Department of the local authority, and there are rules around the age of consent for some piercings), and no national occupational standards exist. It’s therefore important that you choose your training carefully. It’s not possible to become fully trained after completing a course lasting a few days or doing a distance learning course. It is important to choose a course that is recognised within the industry.

The British School of Body Piercing runs a training course, and the United Kingdom Association of Piercing Professionals (UKAPP) offers membership to people who have passed this course.

Training covers health and safety issues and environmental health standards, information on first aid, the use of body piercing equipment, names and placements of piercings, different types of jewellery metals, dealing with customers, aftercare and treating infections. You might be able to work towards an Award or Certificate in Ear Piercing. The NVQ Diploma in beauty therapy at level 2 has a unit on ear piercing.

Many body piercers become self-employed.

Qualifications

You don’t need any qualifications to train to be a body piercer.

Adult opportunities

Age limits: It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits. However, the minimum industry-recognised age is 18.

New entrants come from a range of backgrounds. Some have worked in fashion design, beauty therapy, graphic arts or in retail work. Some entrants have gained practical work skills that involve using their hands.

A number of individual body piercers and organisations offer body piercing courses. These vary widely in duration, cost and quality. This is currently an unregulated area and therefore candidates should try to get testimonials from previous students, visit course providers and choose their course very carefully.

Distance learning courses are also offered. However, many practitioners suggest this to be an unsatisfactory way of gaining the required knowledge and practical skills.

Related careers

• Beauty therapist
• Nail technician
• Tattooist