Which is awesome, exciting, and one of my personal favorite times of the year. Most folks that go on vacation remember to pack their sunscreen, stay together in unknown places, and be careful of sharks (I've watched shark week, I don't mess with that!). Its very easy in the excitement of your vacation to decide to "take a walk on the wild side" and procure a fancy new piercing. I can't stress enough how important it is to factor piercing safety into your vacation plans. There are many poor quality studios ready to take advantage of excited tourists, and may only care about making a quick buck. The tips I'll be listing below can easily translate to your non-vacation time as well and will arm you with some useful knowledge. Many piercers will attest that summertime means seeing a LOT of cheap jewelry poorly done piercings from less than reputable tourist nabbers. The purpose of this post is to cut into those numbers and keep everyone safe!
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| You will probably see a TON of signs like this. Make sure you do your research! |
Quick and Easy Red Flags:
*The piercing shop appears to be generally unsanitary (uncleaned floors, counter tops, etc.)
*The piercing shop is using externally threaded jewelry/ acrylic jewelry for initial piercing.
*The piercing shop cannot answer specific questions about jewelry quality (No adhesives used, ASTM F-136 for Titanium or F-138 for Steel)
*The piercing shop does not take sufficient time to answer your questions and make you feel comfortable.
*The piercer's portfolio seems questionable.
*The piercer does not have good aseptic technique (see previous post about cross contamination).
*The shop does not ask you for proper identification
*The shop prices seem just a little too cheap ($10 dollar range)
*Piercing guns are used
By no means should the few tips listed above be your ONLY criteria, just a short list of things that would (should) immediately disqualify a shop completely in my opinion. Below are a few links to follow for more detailed information on the topic of choosing a piercer effectively.
APP Picking Your Piercer Brochure
APP Jewelry for Initial Piercing Brochure
Don't fret! The other side of this coin is that, well...You're traveling! That means you could absolutely be traveling to an area that has some FANTASTIC piercing shops! The name of the game here isn't bashing shops that don't meet criteria,it is about learning to decipher what shop will be best for you.
Quick Tips:
*The studio locator on The Association of Professional Piercers website is a fantastic resource! APP membership is a great thing!
*Most great shops also have a great social media presence, you will be able to scope out portfolio's before your trip.
*Ask as many questions as possible, the professional you're speaking with should be patient, knowledgeable, and helpful.
*If you're jewelry shopping companies like Anatometal also have a studio locator on their website.
*If you are already going to a great shop, ask them if they have any references in the area you're traveling! I for one would never be upset to see a good client of mine went to a fantastic shop elsewhere for a fancy souvenir!
Depending on where you are going, its important to ask your piercer about aftercare in relation to your area. Traveling can stress your body out and in turn stress your new piercing(s) out! Things like humidity, salty air, heat, etc. can all play a factor in your healing. Always ask! If need be visit your local piercer before leaving and possibly after for a check up when you get home. Everyone remember to do your research and wear your sunblock! Have a happy vacation and safe travels!!
If we see during all the terms there is a lot that can actually be seen and also for me usa bus tours east coast is quite decent with all the terms it follows and i find it quite helpful for the things that we get to gain in it.
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