A Top Piercer Explains Why You Should Hold Off on Getting a Piercing Right Now

Now that nearly every state in the US has started reopening its economy after shutting down to curb the spread of COVID-19, many of you might still be wondering if it’s safe to continue seeking out the same beauty treatments you did before. As hair and nail salons resume business with restrictions in place, and spas layout plans to switch up their operations in order to ensure customer safety once they’re given the green light to reopen, we’re still left to question whether other facilities like tattoo parlours and piercing studios are safe to visit upon reopening as well.

If you’re in a reopened state and you’re wondering if it’s safe to get a piercing right now, we spoke to Ashley Abrego, piercing manager at Studs in New York City, who filled us in on a few key things to know.

Is It Safe to Get a Piercing Right Now?

The short answer is no – at least, not yet. “I don’t think it’s safe to get pierced right now even though some states are reopening and the lockdown is easing up,” Abrego told POPSUGAR. “Getting pierced is something that’s more up close and personal, and there’s really no way around being [that] close to one another when you’re getting pierced.”

Abrego goes on to mention that getting a piercing is much like going through a “tiny medical procedure,” and since an open wound is involved, there’s an increased risk of exposing both the client and the piercer to an infectious disease.

“It’s safer to hold off on getting pierced until after this slows down – even if your state did reopen – to make sure you’re getting a safe and healthy piercing experience,” she said. “A safe and healthy piercing done in a clean, thoughtful environment done by a piercer who cares about your safety and well-being will always heal better.”

Are Piercing Salons Open?

More often than not, you can get a piercing at any place where you can get a tattoo, and whether or not tattoo parlours are open right now is dependent on the state or city you live in. In New York City, where Abrego works and lives, these facilities haven’t yet been given permission to reopen since lockdown measures have yet to be eased, but in states like Georgia and Alabama, many tattoo parlours have continued operating.

What Will Getting a Piercing Look Like Now?

It’s worth noting that most piercers already do ensure all of their tools are clean and sterile before piercing anything, viral threat or not. Still, since piercing requires closer contact (around an open wound, no less), the rules on how certain studios operate is likely going to change over the next few months.

“I think moving forward there are definitely going to be more safety precautions in place,” Abrego said, noting that there will probably be an even bigger emphasis on cleanliness and sanitation once more people are allowed to return to work. In some states where tattoo parlours have already reopened, there are new guidelines in place, some of which include mask requirements for both customers and employees. In other places, clients will be served by appointment only, and even then, they may have to be screened ahead of time.

What your next piercing appointment will look like essentially comes down to where you live, though Abrego still advises against getting one for now. You may be tempted to go out and finally get that cartilage piercing now that many people are attempting to resume everyday life, but some things are worth waiting for – and this is one of them.