Body piercing is a popular form of personal expression that can be done on almost any part of the body. It is worn for a variety of reasons, including fashion, cultural tradition, religious beliefs, and/or self-expression. Whether you’re a long-time shop owner looking to upgrade your supplies or a new piercer performing their first procedure, it’s important that you have all the body piercing supplies needed to ensure proper sterilization and safety. Having the right equipment and jewelry will help prevent infection, promote healing, and allow you to offer your clients a wide range of options for their piercing needs.

In addition to the basics like needles and gloves, there are many supplies that every professional piercer will need to have on hand to perform their job effectively. Some of these supplies are more specialized, such as ring opening and closing pliers for captive bead rings. Others are essential for maintaining a clean work environment, such as an autoclave and Sharps containers. Lastly, supplies like Madacide and Wavicide are necessary for cleaning the tools and surfaces of your workspace after each use to maintain a sanitary environment.

Choosing the Right Needles

Having the right type and size of needle is crucial for a safe and effective piercing experience for both you and your client. Surgical stainless steel needles are available in a variety of gauge sizes to accommodate all piercing types and locations. Choose a needle size that’s appropriate for the location of the piercing, as well as your client’s comfort and pain tolerance.

A good piercing needle should have a tri-bevel edge, which is designed to make it easier for the piercing to go through the skin with as little trauma as possible. Additionally, consider your client’s jewelry selection when selecting a needle size, as certain types of piercings require different thicknesses of needle to facilitate smooth and easy jewelry insertion.

Another important tool in any piercer’s arsenal is a pair of forceps. These will hold the actual body part still while the needle is being used, so having a pair of these on hand is essential for the safety and comfort of your clients. A septum forceps set is a great place to start, as these are specifically designed for the difficult-to-pierce inner septum.

A piercing kit is a convenient way to get started, but it’s important to be wary of purchasing one that’s not from a trusted source. Many of these kits come with low-quality, dull needles and cheap jewelry that may increase the likelihood of an allergic reaction for your client. Investing in an autoclave from the beginning is a surefire way to have all the supplies you need at your fingertips. From there, you can grow your business with confidence by offering the quality and choice that your customers are looking for.