Body piercing has been a trend for all for all times. In spite of knowing that one may have to experience pain in the process of doing so, one still goes for getting one’s body parts pierced so as to enhance one’s beauty and trend a sportive and sexy look. In certain societies such as the east and the tribals, it is imperative for the fairer sex to get their body parts such as the nose and ear pierced in order to assert their feminity. Not wearing an earring or a stud is considered to be an embarrassment for women in such societies.

After earlobe piercing, piercing of the nose is the most common form of body piercing that has not only been restricted to the Indian, African and South Pacific inhabitants but has also been taken up by the westerners since a few decades and has become more of a style statement for the youngsters of the modern era. Today, getting the nose pierced is much more than a mere avant-garde fascination.

No matter what type of body modification you choose, there is a good possibility one day you may wish you hadn't. More important than that, there is research you should do before you decide to allow someone to do any sort of body modification or body art. Part of your research will be in person, and having a list of questions you want answered when you visit a tattoo studio or piercing parlor will help you make certain you won't get botched work or put yourself in the position for health risks.

1. Ask the tattoo artist or piercer about how they sterilize their equipment and if they use individually packaged one-use needles. If they are in the habit of reusing needles - even if they sterilize them - leave immediately. There is NO excuse for reusing needles - ever.

2. Check the shop out for cleanliness and note whether or not there are latex gloves and sanitizing cleaners around work stations. It's a good idea to make a visit to check out tattoo and piercing parlors when they have customers in them getting work done. If an artist is tattooing someone and not wearing gloves, it's a safe assumption they don't adhere to health codes.

3. Ask the artist or piercer about their experience and view their portfolio. Any artist or piercer worth their salt will have a portfolio of their work, and will be happy to show you. That's why they have them. If they don't have a portfolio or are reluctant to show one, chances are they have done some lousy work they are ashamed of.

4. Aside from needles, there are other materials piercers and artists use that should be thrown out after each customer. Ink caps, razors, and stencils are a few of the others.

5. Does the artist or piercer belong to any professional organizations or associations related to their skill? Most of the better qualified artists and piercers do, and can back it up with documentation.

6. Do they provide aftercare instructions in writing? It's one thing to be verbally told a list of do's and don'ts but quite another to have a complete list on paper to use daily. If you have instructions on paper, you aren't likely to skip anything important by forgetting.

7. Check to see if they have posted Certification of Board of Health approval. It should be hanging on the wall - usually behind the reception area. If you don't see one, ask where it is. Make sure you check to see if the date on the Board of Health certificate is current. If they can't show it to you - leave.

8. Ask for references. Usually, artists and piercers have a list of names and phone numbers of people that have given consent to be used as references. Ask if they have a reference list, and take a copy home.

9. Make sure they use an Autoclave for sterilization. An autoclave is a heat sterilization machine that is regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. When it comes to your health and well being - you can never be "too careful."

10 Finally, make sure all needles are opened in front of you. Don't ever assume the artist or piercer opened that package when you came through the door. A package opened without you seeing it should be considered contaminated, and insist they get a new one and open it while you are watching. If they refuse - leave without having any work done.

Remember it's your body and you could likely get any number of diseases from unclean equipment and needles. Some of the diseases are: Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, HIV, Tetanus, and Tuberculosis. Your health and safety is number one.

CHECK OUT:

Piercing Risks
Piercing Pain
Piercing Mistakes
Body Modification