Body Piercer
What is the work like?
Body piercers pierce various parts of their clients'bodies with a needle or piercing gun (on earlobes) and then insert different types of jewellery and metals as a form of decoration.
As a body piercer your work would include:
- discussing with the client the type of piercing they want and advising on what may be suitable
- explaining the procedure and pointing out any risks involved
- advising on suitable types of metal and jewellery
- sterilising the piece of jewellery and the body part
- using a sterilised needle or a piercing gun (mainly for earlobes) to make the piercing
- inserting the piece of jewellery
- disposing of the needle in a special container
- showing the client how to care for the piercing as it heals, and what to do if there is a problem.
You could also train as a tattooist, and offer this service as well as piercing. See the Tattooist profile for details.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
It is usual for body piercers to train by apprenticeship to a skilled and experienced piercer. You should approach a reputable local registered body piercer for details of possible training opportunities.
It will be an advantage if you have previous experience of hygiene and sterilisation work.
You can do short training courses run by private studios throughout the country. However, it is not possible to become a fully trained body piercer by this route and it is recommended by the industry that you do an apprenticeship. This is because of the serious health problems which can be caused by incorrect or unhygienic piercing.
Local environmental health departments set requirements for cleanliness of piercing premises, registration of the piercer and cleansing of the equipment. These may vary from one council to another, so it is important to check with your local council.
What further training and development can I do?
The length of your apprenticeship will vary depending on the policy of the studio involved, but it can take from one to three years.
Your apprenticeship will include learning about:
- sterilisation
- disinfection
- cross-contamination
- the possible dangers to the circulatory and nervous systems
- how to identify when a piercing is not suitable for a client
- other relevant health and safety issues.
If you are only interested in ear piercing, you can do the Vocational Training Charitable Trust (VTCT) Level 2 Certificate in Ear Piercing.
Where can I go for more information?
3rd FloorEastleigh House
Upper Market Street
Eastleigh
Hampshire
SO50 9FD
Tel: 023 8068 4500
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser at learndirect Careers Advice, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
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What salary and other benefits can I expect?
The amount you earn will depend on your personal talent and ability, the reputation of the studio or parlour and, if you are self-employed, your ability to promote your business.
Other factors that will affect your earnings are the number of hours you work, the amount of competition in the area, and whether you offer tattooing as well as piercing.
As a trainee you may only be paid travelling expenses at some studios, at others you will be paid a salary.
What are the hours and working conditions?
You would usually work five or six days a week, often including weekends. You may also work in the evening if your studio offers late-night opening.
You would work in a studio or salon, which could be part of a larger beauty salon.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- good hand-eye coordination and a steady hand
- very high standards of cleanliness and constant awareness of the need for hygiene
- knowledge of health and safety
- good communication skills to talk to clients and discuss their requirements.
What opportunities are there?
You can work as a body piercer in body piercing studios, tattoo studios and beauty therapy parlours throughout the UK.
As an experienced body piercer you could set up your own salon, possibly employing other piercers or tattooists.
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