I got this message from someone who wants to be a piercer but seems to have a misguided idea on how to go about it:

I want to become a piercer... well, I wanted to ask if you knew a great web site that sells good kit or tools especially for microdermals... It's hard to find something safe on the net... and when I think it's safe I can't buy cause I'm not a professionnal... Well, before to practice and learn I want to buy all that I need to start the project... hope you will help me, it's gonna be very appreciated...

Have a nice day!!

Hi there,

I'm afraid I can't advocate that course of action and there's are good reasons why quality piercing gear is not sold to individuals who are not professionals. Here's some information from my book, The Piercing Bible:

Piercing: Not a Do-It-yourself (DIY) Hobby
At the beginning of the modern piercing movement, few competent practitioners were available. Lacking pros to help, people who felt the urge lanced their own bodies with heated sewing needles or common earrings. Even today, amateur or unethical hack piercers can be found who will pierce anything on anyone, badly. Young teenagers who cannot obtain parental permission for a piercing and those who cannot easily afford professional services in a studio often take this route.

Many online shops sell piercing kits, which advertise that they come with “complete instructions” and are “easy to use.” Wrong! These are no safer than a home root-canal kit and must be avoided. A DIY piercing is often poorly placed and has a greatly increased risk of infection and other problems. Piercing studios are common now, so there is no longer any excuse for shoddy piercings.

When I train a piercer it takes about a year or longer for the trainee to serve in an apprenticeship under me before the individual can reasonably say they were trained by me. That student would learn something new with every piercing I supervise! There is so much to know to be a competent piercer. Please do not try any procedures without expert guidance!

Assuming you will serve an apprenticeship, it makes sense to get your tools after that process is complete, as there are many options, and your mentor will need to show you their way(s) of doing things. It certainly does not make sense to "practice" on anyone until after you have received training!

There's a great chapter on apprenticeships that is important for you to read, and if you're genuinely interested in a career in piercing, then every chapter has crucial information for you. Regardless of what route you take, if you plan to pursue becoming a piercer, then your next step should be to read my book. You can learn more about what the book contains, and order it here.

Sincerely,
Elayne