Experts advise against piercing guns because of a few different concerns. First, the APP contends that reusable piercing guns can expose clients to bloodborne pathogens because of their inability to be autoclaved. An autoclave is a small machine that uses heat, steam, and pressure to sterilize any instrument that isn’t single-use — but piercing guns are plastic, so wouldn’t hold up against the heat of an autoclave. (FWIW, Thompson says nearly everyone he knows in the industry uses autoclaving for the equipment used in piercings.) Also, according to the APP, while the external surface of piercing guns may be wiped down with alcohol or other antiseptics, microscopic particles could contaminate the internal mechanisms of the gun.

In terms of the technique itself, Thompson says it’s a lot easier to use a piercing gun. But despite it taking more effort to schedule an appointment at a studio with a professional for a needle piercing, he believes it’s definitely worth it in the long run. It should also be noted that the Association of Professional Piercers does not endorse the use of piercing guns and disallows its users from piercing with the mechanism. Nose piercing has risks. Your nose is in what doctors call the danger triangle of your face. That’s the area between your eyebrows and upper lip. Veins in this area are connected to your sinus cavity. Any procedure on this part of your face could cause a serious infection. While these two options can help, Saunders does point out they may not be sufficient to comply with work or school dress codes. That’s why it’s best to learn what types of jewelry will be compliant before getting pierced.Austin Bar Piercing: Performed with a standard piercing needle, this piercing runs through the tip of the nose but is not pierce through the septum or the nasal cavity. Nose piercings can close years later. Keep jewelry in your nose at all times so the hole stays open. Cost and Safe Types of Jewelry

The needle is quite large, which can be quite daunting for some. If you’re scared or nervous around needles, consider going for the gun, if it’s a possibility and offered. Slower ProcessAdditionally, you might consider looking at online portfolios and social media posts to get an idea of the piercer’s skills as well as jewelry selection. 10. How do I know if it’s a good studio? Bone Prong: Sometimes referred to as a nose pin, a bone prong is a straight piece of jewelry with a small ball on one end to keep it from falling out. Nostril Screws: Similar to an L-Shape, nostril screws are jewelry that are bent/arced to match the natural curve of the inside of your nose. This custom bend allows the jewelry to be more comfortable and secure than a standard L-Shape style. As mentioned, there’s no laws being broken, but that doesn’t mean that this is the best option. I’m sure there are guns being used in tattoo and piercing studios that uphold the highest standards of cleanliness, however a reputable studio will NOT use a gun for any piercing work. A piercing needle is exactly what it sounds like: a long, sharp needle to pierce through the skin to allow room for a piercing.