One of the most common questions I get (especially from folks getting pierced for the first time) is: “Why don’t you use a piercing gun?” It’s a valid question, especially since piercing guns are still commonly used at malls and kiosks, and often marketed as “quick and easy.”

But just because something is common doesn’t mean it’s safe.

I’m a professional body piercer, trained in anatomy, sterilization, wound care, and precision piercing techniques. I use single-use, sterile piercing needles for every piercing I perform—and there’s a very good reason why I don’t (and won’t) use a gun.

Let’s break it down.

How Piercing Guns Work

Piercing guns use blunt force to shove a piece of jewelry through your tissue. They’re typically spring-loaded, which means the process happens fast. But it also means there’s a lot of trauma to the area. The jewelry used in guns isn’t sharp, and it doesn’t slice cleanly through skin. It forces its way through, causing unnecessary swelling, bruising, and a longer, more difficult healing process.

Even worse? Most piercing guns can’t be properly sterilized. That puts every single person at risk for cross-contamination and potential infection, especially when piercing through skin and cartilage.

How Professional Piercing Needles Work

I use sterile, single-use, surgical-grade needles. These needles are designed to create a precise channel through your tissue; cleanly and with as little trauma as possible. Because the needle is sharp and smooth, your body has a much easier time beginning the healing process right away.

Needles also allow for far greater accuracy and control, so I can account for your anatomy, make precise placements, and use jewelry that fits correctly from the start.

Cartilage and Piercing Guns? Please Don’t.

Piercing guns are especially risky when used on cartilage. Unlike soft tissue, cartilage doesn’t flex or compress easily—so using a gun in areas like the upper ear or nose increases your chances of complications like hypertrophic scarring, irritation bumps, and even cartilage shattering.

Yep, you read that right: shattering.

Healing Isn’t Just About the Jewelry

A lot of people are drawn to piercing guns because they’re fast and often cheaper—but they rarely come with proper aftercare instructions, jewelry quality, or access to a trained professional.

When you’re choosing where to get pierced, you’re not just choosing jewelry—you’re choosing technique, safety, and support. You deserve to be pierced in a sterile environment by someone who understands healing, anatomy, and how to set your body up for success.

TL;DR? Needles Are Safer. Full Stop.

If you’ve been pierced with a gun in the past, you’re not alone. But now you know better. And when you know better, you can do better for your body.

I’m here to answer your questions, support you through the healing process, and make sure your piercing experience is as safe and stress-free as possible. Your body deserves respect—and that starts with the tools we use.

As a proud APP Member and professional body piercer with 20+ years of experience, I offer precision needle piercings using only implant-grade, high-quality jewelry in a clean, private studio setting on Staten Island, NY.

📍 Located on Staten Island
📅 By appointment only
📲 Text 347-770-7653 to book your piercing appointment or jewelry change
⏰ Messages are answered between 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM, Monday through Saturday

Ready to book? Visit IPRICKU.com for more info on services, aftercare, and frequently asked questions.

Your body deserves safe, ethical, and expert care. And I’m here to make sure you get it.