How to become a professional body piercer
Imagine stepping into a buzzing piercing studio—the scent of disinfectant in the air, the soft hum of a sterilization machine, and the steady hands of a professional artist guiding a needle with precision. For many, the world of body piercing is more than just an industry—it’s an art form, a community, and a lifelong passion.
If you’ve ever found yourself drawn to this world, wondering what it takes to transform from an enthusiast into a professional, you’re not alone. Many aspiring piercers start with a deep appreciation for body modification, but making the leap into a career requires more than just a love for the craft. It takes dedication, training, and a keen understanding of safety and technique. In this guide, we’ll break down the essential steps you need to take to become a professional body piercer. Whether you're a student looking for a creative career path or someone from Bournemouth searching for a local body piercing studio to train with, this article will set you on the right course.
Understanding the Role of a Professional Body Piercer
Body piercing isn’t just about pushing needles through skin—it’s about trust, precision, and artistry. A professional piercer is both an artist and a technician, responsible for ensuring every piercing is performed safely, cleanly, and with expert technique.
Think of a body piercer like a sculptor: every placement is a careful decision, every movement calculated for the best aesthetic and healing outcome. Beyond the technical skill, a great piercer understands human anatomy, infection control, and client care.
Take my first experience learning how to pierce, for example. When I first stepped into a Bournemouth body piercing studio as an apprentice, I was eager but nervous. I watched my mentor closely as he prepped her tools, explaining each step as if it were second nature. “Every piercing is a commitment, not just for the client, but for you. You need to make sure you’re giving them the best experience possible.” That lesson stuck with me.
A professional body piercer must also develop strong communication skills. Clients often come in with anxiety or questions, and it’s your job to guide them through the process, ensuring they feel comfortable and informed. A good piercer is not just someone who knows how to hold a needle but someone who understands people and helps them feel safe in their decision.
As a professional body piercer I also feel it is your duty to turn down clients if it is whats best for their anatomy. We have many clients visit the studio wanting Navel piercings that we turn away due to such things as
- Age - Their body is not fully developed yet.
- Anatomy - Their shape, size or belly button is not the right fit for a navel piercing.
The Association of professional piercers & the UKAPP certainly helped form me as a professional body piercer.
Finding the Right Apprenticeship for You
Choosing the right apprenticeship is one of the most crucial steps in becoming a professional body piercer. Not all apprenticeships are created equal, so it’s important to consider a few key factors before committing to a studio:
Reputation: Research different studios and their reputations within the industry. Look for studios that are well-regarded, have experienced piercers, and maintain high standards of hygiene and professionalism.
Experience: A good mentor should have years of experience and a strong portfolio. Ask potential mentors about their background, training, and approach to teaching.
Studio Environment: Spend time in the studio to see how it operates. Is it clean and well-maintained? Are the staff friendly and knowledgeable? A positive learning environment is essential for your growth.
Be Prepared to Get Knocked Down
Finding an apprenticeship isn’t always easy. Many aspiring piercers face multiple rejections before landing a position. Studios receive countless inquiries from people looking to break into the industry, so competition can be tough.
We receive at least 4 inquiries each and every week at Jynx Tattoo & Piercing Bournemouth.
If you get turned down, don’t take it personally—keep refining your approach. Show your dedication and persist and eventually you will hopefully find the perfect studio. Some studios may be more willing to take you on if you demonstrate knowledge and a strong work ethic.
Why an Apprenticeship Over a Crash Course?
While crash courses in piercing may promise quick results, they lack the depth of knowledge and hands-on experience necessary to become a skilled piercer. An apprenticeship offers:
Real-World Experience: You’ll work under a seasoned piercer, gaining hands-on training with actual clients.
Proper Safety Training: Infection control, sterilization, and anatomy are critical to safe piercing, and an apprenticeship ensures you learn these thoroughly.
Industry Credibility: Studios and clients trust piercers who have trained under experienced professionals rather than those who have taken a weekend course.
Crash courses have certainly put my nose out of joint even till this day. As someone that was an apprentice for an extended length of time, of course it frustrates me to see people consider themselves body piercers after a 3 to 4 day course.
If you want to be a proper professional piercer then i suggest to take your time and don't rush the process.
Be Prepared to Become a Businessperson
Being a body piercer is not just about the piercing itself—it’s about running a business. Whether you’re self-employed or working for a studio, understanding the business side of piercing is crucial.
Self-Employed Piercers: If you run your own piercing business, you’ll need to manage finances, pay taxes, market yourself, and handle client relations. This means keeping track of expenses, setting pricing, and ensuring you comply with local business regulations.
Employed Piercers: If you work for a studio, some of the financial and promotional aspects will be handled for you. However, you’ll still need to build a personal brand and establish a loyal client base.
Adapting to the business side of piercing can be challenging, but it’s an essential part of sustaining a long-term career in the industry.
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications do I need for a body piercing?
While formal qualifications aren’t always necessary, completing an apprenticeship under a professional piercer is highly recommended. You should also undertake courses in infection control, bloodborne pathogens, and first aid to ensure client safety.
How long does it take to train to be a body piercer?
The length of training varies, but most apprenticeships last anywhere from 6 months to 2 years. The duration depends on how often you train, the complexity of the procedures you learn, and your mentor’s teaching style.
Is it hard to be a body piercer?
Yes, being a body piercer requires patience, dedication, and a strong work ethic. The job involves long hours, dealing with nervous clients, and maintaining strict hygiene standards. However, for those passionate about the craft, it can be an incredibly rewarding career.
Do you need a license to be a piercer?
Regulations vary by location. In many areas, you need a license or health department certification to operate legally. Be sure to check local laws regarding licensing, inspections, and safety requirements before starting your career.
For example every piercer at our studio has a license from BCP Council.