07/09/2026
Piercing schools, piercing training camps, and anyone offering you “mentorship” without a proper apprenticeship are a red flag.
I’m not going to name anyone, but as someone who has been piercing for over a decade and has had the privilege of learning under a master piercer, I can tell you this:
You cannot learn everything you need to know about piercing in a few days, a few weeks, or even a few months.
A good piercer needs far more than the ability to put a needle through skin. You need to understand anatomy, jewellery, sterilisation, infection control, placement, healing, complications, troubleshooting, client safety, and what to do when something doesn't go according to plan.
A short course might teach you just enough to pick up a needle — but nowhere near enough to understand the responsibility that comes with using one.
And that's the dangerous part.
You aren't just potentially wasting your money. You could be learning bad habits and techniques that put your clients at risk.
And here's something else people need to know:
There is currently no nationally recognised piercing qualification or “piercing certificate” in New Zealand that, by itself, makes someone a qualified professional piercer. A piece of paper doesn't replace proper training, supervised experience and years of learning.
Mistakes and accidents in piercing can have serious consequences. That's exactly why proper training matters.
And no — being a nurse doesn't automatically make someone a trained piercer either. Healthcare training and professional piercing training are two different things.
If you're considering becoming a piercer, look for a reputable apprenticeship with an experienced professional who is willing to teach you properly, supervise you, and let you build your skills over time.
Your clients deserve better than a weekend course and a certificate.
Piercing isn't a hobby you master in a weekend. It's a responsibility.
