Piercing Gun vs. Piercing Needle: What’s Safer and Why?

Comparison between piercing needles and piercing guns, illustrating differences in tissue impact and technique effectiveness.

At PRICKED Piercing in Madison, WI, we’re committed to providing safe, professional, and hygienic piercings that prioritize your health and comfort. One of the most common questions we get is whether a piercing gun or a piercing needle is better. Spoiler alert: piercing needles win every time. Here’s why.

The Truth About Piercing Guns

Originally designed to tag livestock, piercing guns were never intended for human use. Over time, they were modified for mall kiosks and jewelry stores, but hygiene, healing, and jewelry safety were not the focus of their design.

Key Concerns with Piercing Guns

1. Hygiene Issues Piercing guns are often reusable and cannot be thoroughly sterilized between uses. This means fluids or bacteria from one client can be transferred to the next, increasing the risk of infection.

2. Inadequate Training Many piercing gun operators receive minimal training, often limited to a short instructional session. This can lead to improper techniques, poor hand hygiene, and incorrect aftercare advice.

3. Trauma to the Tissue Piercing guns force blunt jewelry through the skin using pressure, causing significant tissue trauma. This can result in excessive swelling, slow healing, and, in cartilage piercings, permanent damage or shattering.

4. Poor-Quality Jewelry Jewelry used in piercing guns often doesn’t meet implant-grade standards. Materials like “surgical steel” or “hypoallergenic” alloys may sound safe but can irritate or infect the piercing. The one-size-fits-all design also doesn’t accommodate swelling or allow for proper cleaning.

Why Piercing Needles Are Better

Professional piercers, like the experts at PRICKED Piercing, exclusively use hollow needles for a cleaner, safer, and less painful experience.

Benefits of Piercing Needles

1. Sterilized and Single-Use Piercing needles are pre-sterilized and discarded after each use, eliminating any risk of cross-contamination.

2. Precise and Clean Cuts A hollow needle makes a sharp, precise incision, minimizing trauma to the tissue. This allows for smoother healing and less discomfort.

3. Expert Technique Professional piercers are trained in aseptic techniques and anatomy, ensuring that every piercing is performed with accuracy and care.

4. High-Quality Jewelry At PRICKED Piercing, we use implant-grade materials like titanium and solid gold. Our jewelry is designed to fit your anatomy, reduce irritation, and promote faster healing.

Why We’ll Never Use a Piercing Gun

When you choose PRICKED Piercing in Madison, WI, you’r

e choosing professionalism and safety. Using a piercing gun not only increases the risk of infection and complications but also doesn’t meet the minimum safety standards set by the Association of Professional Piercers (APP).

The PRICKED Difference

We believe in doing things the right way. By using single-use, sterilized piercing needles and premium jewelry, we eliminate the risks associated with piercing guns and provide you with a safe, clean, and stylish experience.

If you’re ready to get pierced by professionals who care about your health and happiness, book your appointment at PRICKED Piercing today. Have questions? Stop by or check out resources like the APP’s website at safepiercing.org.