5 Reasons NOT to Get Pierced at the Mall
Getting a piercing is an exciting way to express yourself, but it’s also a decision that comes with important health and safety considerations. While getting pierced at the mall may seem convenient and budget-friendly, it often involves significant risks that outweigh the initial savings or ease of access. This blog explores five key reasons why you should avoid mall piercings and opt for professional piercing studios instead.
1. Lack of Professional Training
Most mall piercers are not certified professionals. They typically undergo minimal training, which focuses on operating piercing guns rather than understanding anatomy, sterilization, or proper piercing techniques.
Professional piercers, on the other hand, receive extensive training and certification. They are knowledgeable about placement, anatomy, and hygiene, ensuring that your piercing is done safely and correctly. Without this expertise, mall piercings are more likely to result in complications, such as infections or improperly placed piercings.
2. Poor Sterilization Practices
One of the biggest concerns with mall piercings is the lack of strict sterilization protocols. Piercing kiosks in malls often reuse equipment or fail to sterilize it properly between customers. This can expose you to bacteria and infections, including severe complications like abscesses or even bloodborne illnesses.
In contrast, professional studios prioritize sterilization. They use autoclaves to thoroughly sanitize all equipment, and piercers wear gloves and work in a clean, controlled environment. Choosing a professional ensures your health is not compromised.
3. Use of Piercing Guns
Piercing guns are a staple in mall kiosks, but they are not ideal for body piercings. These devices use blunt force to push the jewelry through your skin, which can cause unnecessary trauma to the tissue. Additionally, piercing guns cannot be fully sterilized, increasing the risk of infection.
Professional piercers use hollow needles, which are sterile and designed to create a clean, precise puncture. This method minimizes tissue damage, promotes faster healing, and reduces the likelihood of complications.
4. Limited Jewelry Quality
Mall kiosks often use cheap, mass-produced jewelry made from materials like nickel, which can trigger allergic reactions or cause irritation. Subpar jewelry not only affects the healing process but can also lead to long-term issues like scarring or migration.
Professional studios offer a wide range of high-quality jewelry made from hypoallergenic materials such as titanium, surgical steel, and gold. These options are safer for your skin and contribute to a smoother healing process.
5. Higher Risk of Complications
When you combine minimal training, poor hygiene, piercing guns, and low-quality jewelry, the risk of complications increases significantly. Common issues from mall piercings include:
- Infections: Caused by unsanitary tools and improper aftercare guidance.
- Misaligned Piercings: Due to lack of precision and expertise.
- Keloids and Scarring: Resulting from excessive tissue trauma and low-quality materials.
Moreover, mall kiosks rarely provide detailed aftercare instructions, leaving you to navigate the healing process on your own. A professional piercer not only minimizes these risks but also serves as a reliable resource for aftercare advice.
Conclusion
While getting pierced at the mall might be convenient, it often comes at a cost to your health and safety. The lack of professional training, poor sterilization practices, reliance on piercing guns, and use of low-quality jewelry make mall piercings a risky choice.
Instead, invest in your well-being by choosing a professional piercing studio. Certified piercers adhere to high standards of hygiene and expertise, ensuring a safe and successful piercing experience. Your body deserves the best—don’t settle for less when it comes to your health and personal expression.
FAQs
Why are piercing guns unsafe?
Piercing guns cause unnecessary tissue trauma and cannot be fully sterilized, increasing the risk of infection.
What should I look for in a professional piercer?
Check for certifications, reviews, and adherence to hygiene standards. A good studio will also use autoclaves and high-quality jewelry.
Is professional piercing more expensive?
While the initial cost may be higher, it’s worth it to avoid complications that can result in additional expenses.
Most studios allow this as long as the jewelry is sterilized and made from safe materials.
What materials should I avoid in piercing jewelry?
Avoid nickel-based jewelry, as it can cause allergic reactions and irritation. Opt for titanium, surgical steel, or gold instead.
