Can I be a Piercer If I'm Afraid Of Needles?

This is one of the most common questions we get—weekly, if not daily! Aspiring piercers often worry that their aversion to needles means they can’t pursue a career in body piercing. But here’s the truth: nearly every piercer starts with some level of nervousness around needles. It’s completely normal!

Think about it—piercing people for a living isn’t exactly an everyday activity for most. It’s a unique and precise craft, and yes, it involves needles. But does that mean you can’t do it if you’re a little squeamish at first? Not necessarily. The key is to understand the difference between being slightly uneasy and being absolutely petrified.

Nervous? That’s Normal!

If you’ve ever met a piercer who wasn’t a little apprehensive when they first started, congratulations—you’ve found a rare breed! The reality is that most professionals go through an adjustment period. At first, handling a needle and pushing it through someone’s skin feels a bit surreal. But over time, muscle memory kicks in, confidence builds, and what once felt daunting becomes second nature.

A great way to determine if piercing is for you is to get some hands-on experience. That’s why we offer taster days, where you can step into the piercing studio, observe procedures, and even get a feel for the environment before committing to training. Seeing piercing in action (without the pressure of actually doing it) can be a great way to assess your comfort level.

But What If I’m Absolutely Terrified of Needles?

Now, if just reading the word ‘needle’ makes you lightheaded, piercing might not be your calling—at least not right away. That’s okay! Some people have a deep-rooted fear of needles or blood, and that can make it tough to enjoy or excel in this line of work. However, if it’s more of an initial discomfort than an outright phobia, you might be able to work through it with gradual exposure and practice.

Try This at Home: The ‘Could Piercing Be for Me?’ Test

To help you figure out if piercing is the right fit, we’ve put together a FREE downloadable questionnaire—a quick self-assessment to see if this career path aligns with your comfort level and interests. It includes questions designed to make you think about how you handle medical environments, your reaction to blood and needles, and your ability to stay calm under pressure.

Download the 'Could Piercing Be for Me?' Questionnaire now and take the first step toward your potential new career!

Final Thoughts

Being a little nervous about needles doesn’t mean you can’t be a piercer. In fact, it’s completely normal! With training, exposure, and practice, you’ll likely grow more comfortable. However, if the sight of a needle makes you run for the hills, you may want to reconsider—or work on overcoming that fear first. Either way, we’re here to help you figure it out!

Thinking about giving it a try? Book a taster day and see if piercing is your next career move!