Piercing and Tattooing Services
What is piercing?
There are two types of piercings:
- An earlobe piercing may be performed using an ear piercing machine/gun or done using a needle. Remember that ear piercing machines/guns are intended for use on the earlobe only and are not intended for use on any other part of the body.
- Body piercing involves the insertion of jewellery, rings, studs, bar bells, etc. into tissue using a needle. Sites on the body that may be pierced include the ear lobe, eye brow, ear cartilage, nose, naval, lip, tongue, etc. A hollow needle is passed through the tissues on the body part followed by the insertion of the body jewellery in the hole. The jewellery pushes the needle out through the tissue opening created by the needle.
What is tattooing/micropigmentation/microblading?
Tattooing refers to any method of placing ink or other pigment into or under the skin by the aid of needles or any other instrument used to puncture the skin, resulting in permanent or semi-permanent coloration of the skin.
What are my health risks?
Micro-organisms that can cause disease in humans are called pathogens (aka germs). Humans are protected from many pathogens by the skin or mucous membranes. When the skin is opened/broken/pierced, pathogens have an opportunity to enter the body. This can result in infections or the transmission of disease.
Pathogens can be transferred from equipment to a person when the skin is penetrated. Equipment can be contaminated by infected blood and body fluids by an infected client or worker. Some pathogens that can be introduced this way are hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV. Infection control precautions must be followed to protect both the client and worker..
Know before you go
Learn more about what to look for in a specific service before and during your appointment by reviewing the following factsheets: