How to check a piercer's hygiene and sterilisation before you book

You've found a piercer whose work you love on Instagram, and you're ready to book. But before you hand over your money, you need to verify that their sterilisation practices are actually solid. Hygiene is non-negotiable in piercing—infection, scarring and keloids are real risks when standards slip. This guide walks you through the concrete checks you can run before you commit.

Request their sterilisation certificate

Ask the piercer directly: "Can you show me your autoclave certification?" A reputable studio will have this on hand and won't hesitate to share it. An autoclave is the machine that sterilises piercing jewellery and tools under high pressure and heat. The certificate should show recent testing—typically done annually or per local best practice—and the name of the testing service. If they say the certificate is "somewhere in the back" or can't produce it quickly, that's a red flag. Some piercers may photograph it or email it to you before your appointment. If they refuse outright, don't book.

Check their professional registration and insurance

Ask whether they're registered with a professional body relevant to body modification in South Africa. Request proof of professional membership or ask for the registration number so you can verify it yourself. Also ask if they carry public liability insurance. This isn't a legal requirement in every province, but reputable practitioners carry it because it signals they've been vetted by an insurer and take their standard of care seriously. When you call the studio, you can ask them directly: "Are you insured?" and "Can I see your insurance certificate?" A legitimate business will have these documents available.

Speak to recent clients

Ask the piercer for references—specifically, contact details of clients who've had similar piercings in the last three months. Don't rely on Instagram comments; speak to people directly via phone or WhatsApp. When you call, ask: "Did your piercing heal cleanly without infection?" "Did the piercer explain aftercare clearly?" "Did they use single-use needles and sterile equipment?" and "Would you go back?" If the piercer is reluctant to provide references or says they "don't keep client details," that's concerning. Trustworthy practitioners are usually proud of their work and happy to share real feedback.

Visit the studio and observe the setup

Book a consultation or drop by before your appointment. Spend ten minutes watching how the studio operates. Single-use needles should be opened from sterile packaging directly before your piercing—never reused. Jewellery that will touch your piercing should either come in sterile packaging or be freshly autoclaved. Gloves should be changed between tasks. The piercer's hands should be clean, and they should wash them or apply hand sanitiser before touching you. The piercing bed or chair should look clean, not cluttered with old jewellery or debris. If you see jewellery lying around, tools sitting in a cup of solution all day, or the piercer handling multiple clients' piercings without changing gloves in between, leave. Trust your instinct—a clean, professional space will feel organised and intentional.

Ask about their training and aftercare protocol

A piercer should be able to explain exactly how they'll sterilise your specific jewellery before insertion, what you'll do immediately after, and what signs of trouble to watch for. Ask: "What's your aftercare protocol, and will you give me written instructions?" and "How often should I clean it, and with what?" Their answer should be clear and consistent. If they're vague or tell you to use methods that seem risky (alcohol, tea tree oil undiluted, rotating the jewellery), that's a sign their knowledge of healing and infection prevention is weak. Legitimate piercers stay current with best practice and can cite their reasoning.