Why talk about sterilization in piercing ?

Piercing breaks the skin or mucous membrane — a direct gateway into the body. Without strict hygiene, it creates a risk of infection, inflammation, and cross-contamination.

Sterilization is not an optional detail. It is a crucial part of protecting the client, the piercer, and the long-term health of the body. Skipping or mismanaging sterilization can lead to serious consequences.

What the law says in Belgium

According to the Belgian Federal Public Health Service and the Flemish Agency for Care and Health:

• Piercers must complete a mandatory hygiene training course.
• All instruments that touch skin or mucosa must be sterile.
• Needles and gloves must be single-use only.
• Studios must own an approved autoclave or use a certified external service.
• A client logbook must be kept with all materials and procedures recorded.

Sterile is not the same as clean

Clean tools are not necessarily safe. There’s a big difference between:

• Cleaning – removing visible dirt or residue
• Disinfecting – reducing microbial load
• Sterilizing – eliminating all living microorganisms, including spores

Only sterilization provides full safety for invasive procedures like piercings.

How professionals sterilize tools

Reputable studios use a steam pressure autoclave (preferably Class B, EN 13060 standard). The process includes:

• Step 1: ultrasonic cleaning – to remove organic debris
• Step 2: packaging – tools sealed in sterilization pouches with date and indicators
• Step 3: autoclaving – 134°C under pressure for 18 minutes minimum
• Step 4: storage – in a clean, dry, sterile-only drawer or cabinet

Damaged or opened pouches must be discarded or re-sterilized. Sterile tools generally remain valid for up to 3 months if properly stored.

What must be sterilized ?

• Clamps, forceps, tools
• Initial piercing jewelry (unless factory-sterilized and sealed)
• Stainless trays, scissors, spreaders

Items like needles, gauze, cups, gloves are always disposable and must never be reused.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Opening sterile pouches long before the procedure
• Skipping sterilization indicators or ignoring them
• Using home sterilizers or UV lights (not approved for piercing)
• Disinfecting instead of fully sterilizing instruments

These shortcuts expose clients to bacterial infection, allergic reactions, and bloodborne diseases.

The client’s role: observe and ask

As a client, you have every right to expect and request safe practices. Ask:

• Are gloves changed in front of you ?
• Are tools unwrapped only right before use ?
• Are instruments stored in sealed, dated sterile pouches ?
• Does the studio use an autoclave and track its cycles ?

A professional piercer will welcome these questions and provide clear answers.

🎥 Watch a real hygiene protocol in action

Want to see what a professional hygiene process actually looks like ? Watch our demonstration videos filmed in studio:

👉 https://nocturnal.ink/lhygiene-dans-le-piercing-tout-un-art-pas-juste-une-etape/

Conclusion

Sterilization isn’t optional — it’s the foundation of safe, ethical piercing. It protects the body, the client’s health, and the studio’s integrity.

In 2025, health standards are higher than ever. Studios that follow full sterilization protocols stand out and earn their clients’ trust through transparency and professionalism.