• to be pierced in a scrupulously hygienic, open environment, by a clean conscientious piercer wearing a fresh pair of disposable latex gloves.
• to a sober, friendly, calm and knowledgeable piercer, who will guide them through their piercing experience with confidence and assurance.
• to the peace of mind which comes from knowing that their piercer knows and practices the very highest standards of sterilization and hygiene.
• to be pierced with a brand new, completely sterilized needle, which is immediately disposed of in a medical sharps container after use on the piercee alone.
• to be touched only with freshly sterilized, appropriate implements, properly used and disposed of or re-sterilized in a autoclave prior to use on anyone else.
• to know that ear-piercing guns are NEVER appropriate, and are often dangerous, when used on anything INCLUDING ears.
• to be fitted with only the jewelry which is appropriately sized, safe in material, design and construction and which best promotes healing. Gold-plated, gold filled and sterling silver jewelry are NEVER appropriate for any new or unhealed piercing.
• to be fully informed about proper aftercare and to have continuing access to their piercer for consultation and assistance with all their piercing-related questions.
• so there it is. Print it out and use it as a guide when you go into a new shop. Never be afraid to ask questions; ask to see their sterilization equipment, ask to look around. If they aren't willing to show you the mechanics of their shop run like hell. Piercing is not a science, there is no secret to it. There is however talent and technique which not everyone has but every piercer's first concern should be to put you at ease and make you comfortable not only with them and their ability but their shop, the safety, the cleanliness. The sterilization techniques in a tattoo/piercing establishment should be no less than those you find at your dentist or doctors office. Never be afraid to ask questions and keep asking them until you get all the information you need to feel comfortable or you walk out the door. There is too much at risk to be pressured into doing something somewhere you are not 110% comfortable. Don't go somewhere just because your friends went......go and check it out, if you chose to get a service great. If you feel uncomfortable, leave. Go and find another establishment and check them out. Who knows....your questions and gut feelings may have just saved your life.

Barbells, straight or curved: Shorter 5/16",3/8" and 7/16" in the smaller gauges of 18 and 16 can be used in the ears and eyebrows. 14ga and larger, 1/2", 5/8" and longer are used for tongues (also called tongue rings) or belly buttons and "below the belt". Most initial tongue piercing is done with at least a 14ga 3/4" to allow for swelling. After that the size down is usually to 5/8" or 1/2". Other piercings vary a lot so ask your piercer before you purchase.

Rings: 18 and 16ga can be used for the ears and eyebrows; 14ga for lips and 20 and 18ga for nose. 14ga and larger for the nipples, belly button, female and male genital piercings. Most initial belly button are done in 14ga 7/16" or 1/2" while nipple piercings are 14ga in 1/2" or 5/8". Eyebrows are 16ga in 3/8".

Labrets: These are most commonly seen centered below the lower lip or off to the side of the upper lip, often called a "Marilyn". Marilyn's are usually a 2mm head on any length of 14ga or larger post. The piercing below the lower lip can be any gauge 14 and larger, any length and any size head. For initial piercings it is recommended you stick with the plain stainless steel ball and post in a 14ga 3/8" or 7/16" length to allow for swelling. Once it is healed you can size down to 1/4" or 5/16" and a decorative head.

Nostril screws and bones: All the nostril screws we have are 20ga stem and will fit any piercing. Some piercers will only do an initial piercing with an 18ga stem but we have decided not to manufacture them for the following reasons:

• They are extremely bulk and can be felt in the nostril. Yes, you get used to it but until then it is irritating.
• Because the metal is wider the curve at the base of the screw is bigger and can more easily be seen in the nose.
• Harder for you (even me!) to reshape once it is in the nose if necessary.
• We specialize in the more delicate body jewelry and an 18ga nostril screw is definitely not delicate!
• Most body piercings are done with larger gauges to prevent them from tearing out of the skin; the nose is cartilage and holds a piercing more firmly than soft tissue such as nipples or belly buttons therefore a much smaller gauge is acceptable.

The nostril bones are 18ga but because they do not have the extra material to make the turn at the bottom of the screw they are less bulky to begin with. A bone is more commonly used for a nostril piercing close to the edge of the nostril where the bottom of a screw might rotate out and be seen. For initial piercings we recommend any of the freckles except the gold, as well as the stainless steel disks. The gem set head nostril screws are not recommended as they stick up a bit higher and are more easily caught on towels, fingers, blankets etc. and as with any fresh piercing the less it is irritated the faster it will heal.