Just like any job that has to do with people, you'll find yourself in some pretty sticky situations. As a piercer, though, I would say even more so - you're dealing with people's bodies, after all! I would say that as a piercer, you actually face some pretty unique situations on top of the regular ones. Let's talk about some of these scenarios and what the best course of action would be.
Potential Scenarios Specific to Body Piercing Industry
Client Doesn't Like the Way the Piercing Came Out
This is a hard one! There are a lot of reasons as to why a client may not like their piercing.
If it came out crooked and it was the client's fault (such as they moved during the piercing, jumped back, sneezed, etc.) then you can kindly offer to take the piercing out, let it heal, and do a re-piercing in a different position (if you pierced them sitting up before, maybe have them lay down this time). Obviously, since it wasn't your fault, you still need to be compensated for your time and the materials. However, you probably shouldn't double charge the client for something that was simply the body's natural response to pain and fear.
If it was your fault that the piercing came out crooked, you should very calmly and gently explain what happened, why it happened, and how it won't happen again. Offer them compensation (in the form of free aftercare, free jewelry, free piercing, maybe a discounted future piercing, etc.) for the unfortunate scenario and create a gameplan moving forward.
If the placement was approved, and the piercing was performed well, yet the client suddenly decided they don't like how it came out - evaluate the situation. Is it the jewelry? The placement? If there's a way you can safely help them, then it's always a good choice to do so. However, keep in mind that you need to do what is best for the person's health.
Ultimately, regardless of the nature of the situation, be kind and compassionate and treat the client gently and with patience.
We Got a Bleeder!
This one can be scary for both new and seasoned piercers! I've been piercing for seven years and I still get nervous when someone is a bleeder. So first and foremost, give yourself grace for getting nervous in these situations - it just shows that you acknowledge it is a moment that requires care and urgency!
Having paper towels on hand ready to hold against a quickly bleeding piercing is the first most important course of action! You want to control the bleeding! Just apply pressure for a few minutes until it slows or stops. Be sure to constantly reassure your client that sometimes, you're just a bleeder!
Client Thinks They Have an Infection (But They Don't)
I know that I personally get this one from time to time! It's totally okay, too - experiencing certain uncomfortable symptoms while healing from a piercing can get a person feeling pretty anxious! What's most important when a client is telling you symptoms, sure that they're infected, is to evaluate the symptoms and how they've been cleaning it. If it's simply irritation, assure them of that and advise them on how to soothe the irritation. Overall, just be very, very patient and understanding towards the client because they are probably reacting the way they are because they're scared!
Parents and Their Children
I don't pierce minors unless I know the parents and the young'un personally and have a relationship with them. If a parent walks into my studio and asks me to pierce their babies or children, I say no without hesitation. I do, however, recommend them to piercers I know that do pierce minors, so they don't end up making the mistake of going somewhere that uses a piercing gun *shivers*.
If you decide you want to pierce minors, be aware that parents are the "protectors." They watch you like a hawk, critique your every move, and have a lot of input - it is their child getting punctured, after all. Whereas you must be understanding, it's also important to set boundaries and be sure to communicate with the minor consistently so they feel like they have a say in the matter.
If you think piercing minors will make you nervous, just don't do it. You don't have to pierce anyone or anything you don't want to!
Someone Just Passed Out
It's okay! Don't freak out! You can freak out after they leave (it's totally okay to feel heightened anxiety in these situations and to allow yourself to process those feelings, just not in front of the client). Just hold their hand, get a cold cloth for their forehead and their neck, ice packs for the wrists, and have cold water on hand for when they come to. Be soothing and comforting to them, speak to them gently and kindly. Once they leave, be sure to take care of yourself, too!
Also, as a caution to piercers who haven't experienced a person passing out yet - it may look like their having a small siezure at first. I was so, so freaked out when my person's eyes got heavy and then they fell into my hand and twitched a few times. That's all they were - big twitches (three to be exact), but I was so sure in the moment that she was having a siezure. Just know that some twitching is to be expected! Educate yourself a bit more on what the difference between the two is so you can know for your own peace of mind!
Price Haggling Clients
Literally the worst, I totally get it. It's enough to make you want to flip a table! When you encounter someone who is trying to talk you down regarding the price of a piercing, unless you feel they deserve a discount for one reason or another, you need to stay firm in what you charge. This is your career and your livelihood, and you need to be compensated for your work and supplies.
Client is Impatient with Piercing Procedure
I've had this happen to me. "Why is it taking so long?" I hate it when a client asks me this, because I feel like I should try to go faster. The thing is that precision is more important than quickness. If a client is trying to rush you, take a deep breath and simply explain that in order to be accurate and safe, you have to go at the speed at which you feel most comfortable. Try not to let clients get into your head! This is your craft.
There are so many more scenarios that can arise when performing body modifications. It's such a unique trade that warrants unique situations. It's important to remember to keep calm, that's the key - people want to know their bodies are safe with you, even when something is going wrong. Staying calm and being kind and compassionate is such an important tool in controlling situations and keeping things peaceful.
Handling the Pressure of Piercing People
Being a piercer, even when you're overflowing with passion and love for the trade, can be really stressful. You're handling people's bodies, their health, their healing, etc. People are coming to you to reclaim lost parts of themselves, to express themselves, and to feel like they have more power over themselves. It's a big deal, piercing a person. It's okay to have anxiety sometimes about how big of a deal it is. Just know, though, that you're not alone in feeling that weight!
A good way to feel less anxious about your trade is to connect with others who do it as well! You can make a personal goal to become friends with one piercer from each state or country and continue to build each other up and check in with one another on a regular basis! It's so important to have that community of people who understand. Go on Instagram or Facebook and start trying to connect! Who knows, maybe it will lead to a lifelong friendship and future travel plans as well!
Community and kindness, those are two of the most important parts of being a successful piercer!
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