Choosing the right piercing studio: 5 Red Flags to Watch out for.

Let’s be honest: getting a piercing is a big deal. It’s not just a fashion statement or a spontaneous Saturday treat (although we love those too) — it’s a procedure that involves your skin, your health, and your ability to not end up with a horror story that starts with, “So I went into this place on the high street…” Look for these 5 red flag to watch for in a piercing studio.

Choosing a safe piercing studio should never be a guessing game. But with Instagram filters and glossy shopfronts doing a great job of hiding the dodgy stuff, how do you know when something’s off?

We’ve been in the game for over 30 years here at Area 51, and if there’s one thing Duncan (our head piercer) knows, it’s what separates the good from the grim. So here it is: our definitive list of five major red flags to watch for when scoping out a piercing studio.

Trust us, if you spot any of these — walk away. Then, walk straight into our studio instead.

1. They Use a Piercing Gun (Especially for Anything Other Than Earlobes).

Ah, the piercing gun. Often seen in shopping centre kiosks and dodgy chain stores, this device should have been retired alongside VHS tapes and dial-up internet.

Why it’s a red flag:

Piercing guns can’t be properly sterilised. They’re made of plastic, which can’t go in an autoclave (the gold standard of sterilisation).
They work by blunt force trauma, pushing jewellery through the skin with pressure — which causes more swelling and tissue damage than a sterile, hollow needle.
They increase the risk of infection, misalignment and jewellery rejection.

What to ask:

“Do you use single-use, sterilised hollow needles?”

If the answer is anything other than a confident yes — run.

2. Poor Hygiene Practices (Or Just... No Hygiene Practices)

If you walk into a studio and feel like you’ve stepped into a teenager’s bedroom circa 2004, it’s time to back away slowly.

Look out for:

Cluttered workstations.
Reused gloves (yes, people do it).
No visible sterilisation equipment (like an autoclave).
Piercers not washing hands or using hand sanitiser before touching clients.

Why it matters:

You’re literally creating an open wound. Any bacteria introduced at this point is an invite for infection. And trust us — infected piercings are no joke.

What we do:

At Area51, we follow hospital-grade sterilisation procedures, clean every surface between clients, and never reuse gloves or tools. Ever. Our autoclaves are regularly tested and our stations cleaned before and after every session. Hygiene isn’t an afterthought — it’s the main event.

3. No Paperwork, No ID Check, No Clue

Look, we get it. Filling in forms isn’t fun. But a professional studio will always take your details, ask for ID, and explain the procedure (especially if you’re under 18).

If they don’t:

They might be breaking the law (certain piercings have age restrictions in the UK).
You’ll have zero record of your piercing, the jewellery used, or your consent.
It shows a lack of professionalism and accountability.

Ask yourself:

“Would I trust these people to perform a minor medical procedure if I needed stitches?”

If the answer is no, you shouldn’t trust them with a needle either.

A closer look:

Studios that skip paperwork often cut corners elsewhere too. No ID check could mean underage clients being pierced illegally — a serious red flag that also puts the business (and you) at risk.

4. Vague or Nonexistent Aftercare Advice

Once your piercing is done, the job isn’t finished. Good studios care about the healing process just as much as the initial piercing. If they hand you a crusty photocopy, mumble something about saltwater, or (worse) say “you’ll be fine,” — that’s a red flag.

Proper aftercare should include:

Written guidance tailored to the type of piercing
Verbal instructions explained clearly and patiently
Reassurance about what to expect (swelling, healing time, etc.)

What we do:

At Area 51, we provide detailed aftercare guides, check in with you during healing, and are always on hand to answer questions — no matter how many times you ask.

Common mistake alert:

Many infections or complications don’t come from the piercing itself — they come from poor aftercare or confusion about what’s normal. Education is key.

5. It’s All Vibes, No Credentials This one’s tricky — because some

This one’s tricky — because some studios look cool. Neon signs, edgy playlists, and Instagram-perfect lighting can distract from what really matters: experience, licensing and professionalism.

Red flags here include:

No credentials displayed.
Piercers unable to explain their training or background.
Studio isn’t licensed or inspected by local authorities.

Questions to ask:

Are your piercers certified?
How long have you been operating?
Can I see your licence or inspection reports?

Why credentials matter:

In the UK, reputable studios must follow environmental health standards. If they can’t produce evidence of inspections or qualifications, don’t let them near your body with a needle.

Bonus: The High Street Chain Trap

Let’s talk about those jewellery shops offering ‘free’ piercings with the purchase of earrings. They’re the fast food of body modification — convenient, cheap, and ultimately questionable.

Why it’s a mistake:

They almost always use piercing guns
Staff are minimally trained (often just a weekend course)
No autoclave = no true sterilisation
The focus is on selling jewellery, not safe piercing

Real outcomes:

e’ve treated several clients who had complications from these shops — poor placement, jewellery too tight, and infected tissue. What you save in money, you often pay for in healing.

How to Spot a Quality Studio (And Why Area51 Nails It)

What the best studios always have:

Trained, experienced piercers with clear credentials
Autoclaves for sterilisation.
Single-use, sterile equipment.
A clean, well-lit, and welcoming space.
Professional aftercare materials.
Clear communication, consent forms, and ID checks.

Why Area 51 is trusted by thousands:

We’ve been around since 1998 (we’re older than half your playlist).
Duncan has 30+ years’ experience and a sense of humour that makes you forget there’s a needle involved.
We follow clinical hygiene standards (like, we could do surgery in here).
We care — before, during, and long after your piercing.

Our promise:

Whether it’s your first or your fifteenth, we treat every piercing like it’s the most important one we’ve ever done. Because for you — it is.

Final Word: Don’t Gamble With Your Face

There’s no shortage of places offering piercings these days. But not all studios are created equal. When it comes to your body, your health, and your style — cutting corners is never worth it.

So next time you’re thinking about getting pierced, run through this list of red flags. If even one box is ticked, keep walking. Walk straight into Area 51 — where cleanliness isn’t negotiable.

We’ll treat your piercing with the care it deserves (and probably make you laugh too).