If you decide you'd like to open your own piercing parlor someday, start educating yourself by contacting the Association of Professional Piercers or a similar organization. They can guide you to the proper classes, courses, and readings you should perform before you open your shop.

If you're the piercee in a piercing parlor, you have certain rights. Among these is the right to be attended to by a competent, professional and sober piercer who is experienced, and who uses sterile needles, gloves, and other equipment, so that your health is protected.

Although some ear piercing stands use piercing guns, they're never a good idea because they're difficult to sterilize. If you discover that your chosen parlor or piercer believes that a gun is appropriate for your procedure, cancel the procedure and find yourself another parlor to do business with.