If piercing guns can still be found in shopping malls, why do professional piercers choose disposable needles? The difference concerns the way it passes through the tissue, the possibility of sterilizing the equipment and control over the procedure.

How gun piercing works

The gun uses spring force to push the blunt-ended jewellery through the tissue. These types of devices are usually made of plastic or have plastic parts that come into contact with the skin.

These items cannot be fully autoclaved between clients. Only surface disinfection is possible.

How needle piercing works

A sharp, disposable needle passes through the tissue without the blunt pressure exerted by a gun piercing. Elements in contact with tissue are disposable or can be fully sterilized in an autoclave.

Working with the needle also allows you to control the angle, depth and pace of the injection.

Why professionals recommend only the needle

  • Less mechanical trauma — a sharp needle does not push the blunt-ended jewellery through the tissue.
  • Full sterilization — the needle and jewelry are used once or undergo a full sterilization cycle, without any compromises resulting from the design of the device.
  • Cartilage safety — The Association of Professional Piercers also advises against using guns on earlobes, and the risk of injury is especially significant with cartilage, such as in helix, tragus and conch piercings.
  • Precision — when working with a needle, the piercer controls the exact angle and depth, which is especially important in facial piercings, where every millimeter counts.
  • Better hygiene control — disposable and sterilizable elements allow maintaining a predictable standard of the procedure.

What does this mean for you as a future piercer?

During our training, the needle technique is practiced on models under the supervision of an instructor. The use of sterile, disposable needles instead of guns is recommended by, among others, the Association of Professional Piercers.

Precise needle work is the basis for further learning - from ear and face piercing after selecting jewelry.

If you want to look at the same issues from the perspective of a person choosing a place for a piercing, a short one will be a useful supplement a guide to safe piercing in Legnica.