10/06/2026
Community Service Announcement
The Hidden Risks of Cheap Studios
Not all piercing studios operate to the same standard just like other businesses there are good studios and not so good studios.
While lower prices can be appealing, they are often a reflection of compromises that the piercer/ owner have made that are not immediately visible to the client.
One of the most significant differences lies in jewellery quality.
Some studios use unverified materials that are not designed for long-term wear in the body. Not all jewellery is made to the same standard and there are no current legislations around the quality of body jewellery, scary right! This increases the risk of irritation, allergic reactions, and complications during healing due to the use of substandard materials in the manufacturing of the jewellery itself.
Sterilisation practices may also vary.
Professional studios have strict sterilisation procedures and record keeping to ensure all equipment is safe. In lower-cost environments, these processes may not meet the same standard. You can read more about sterilisation and the standards we work to on the APP and UKAPP websites
Placement is another critical factor.
A well-placed piercing takes anatomy into account, ensuring both aesthetic balance and long-term stability. Poor placement can result in discomfort, uneven appearance, or complications such as migration. You can always spot those who attend workshops, classes and conferences by the attendance certificates (these alone don’t a professional piercer make though), they will also be happy to talk through potential other placements and options for your new piercing.
The effects of these issues are not always immediate but they will show up sooner or later and as the customer/ client you are the one that will have to deal with them unfortunately.
A piercing may initially seem fine, only for problems to develop over time. Persistent irritation, swelling, or instability are common signs that something is not right and in more severe cases, piercings may reject or leave visible scarring.
Correcting these issues often involves removing the piercing, allowing the area to heal, and potentially re-piercing at a later stage. This means the process can be more costly, both financially and physically, than having the piercing performed correctly from the outset.
Choosing a professional studio is not simply about the procedure itself, It is about ensuring the best possible outcome over time.
