How to Complain About a Piercing Studio

Last updated: 27 May 2025

Understanding the source of the problem helps determine who to contact and what support is available.

Select your concern below for more information.

What to Do If You’re Unhappy with a Piercing or Studio

1. What is the complaint?

Start by identifying what you’re unhappy about. Is it the piercing itself, the jewellery, the studio environment, or something else entirely? Understanding the nature of the issue helps determine the best course of action. Use the categories above to pinpoint your concern.

2. Should I complain?

Not every issue requires a formal complaint. Some discomforts are part of the normal healing process, and many misunderstandings can be resolved directly with the studio. If you’re unsure, start by asking questions — most studios will welcome the chance to help.

However, if your concern involves hygiene, safety, licensing, or serious injury, it’s appropriate to raise it formally.

3. Where should I complain?

To the studio: First point of contact. Most concerns can be addressed here.

To the council: For issues involving hygiene, licensing, unsafe practices, or unregistered activity.

To medical professionals: For infections, allergic reactions, or injuries.

To safeguarding authorities: If there are concerns about minors or serious misconduct.

To legal services or insurers: If you’re pursuing compensation for harm or negligence. In short: not every issue is due to malpractice, but all concerns deserve clarity and proper guidance.

Infections and irritation can be distressing — but they’re not always a sign that something went wrong during the piercing itself. When studios follow proper hygiene protocols, use sterile equipment, and apply best practices, the risk of infection is very low.

Most complications occur after the appointment. Common causes include touching the area with unwashed hands, sleeping on the piercing, poor aftercare, or exposure to bacteria in daily life. High-quality jewellery and sterilised tools don’t typically lead to infection on their own.

Studios should always provide clear aftercare instructions and be open to follow-up questions. If something doesn’t feel right, it’s reasonable to ask — but it’s also worth considering how the issue may have developed, and whether it relates to the studio’s conduct or something else entirely.

Speak to the Studio First

If you feel comfortable doing so, contact the studio directly. Most will want to understand what happened and offer advice, reassurance, or a resolution. In many cases, simple misunderstandings can be resolved quickly when both sides are open and respectful.

If you’re dealing with an injury, don’t delay medical care while waiting for a response — and make sure to document the issue clearly with photos, timelines, and written notes.

Who Is Responsible for Studio Oversight?

In the UK, local councils are responsible for licensing piercing studios. This registration is based on compliance with local health and safety regulations, including infection control and premises standards.

If you believe a studio is operating without a licence or in an unsafe way — such as reusing equipment, poor hygiene, or breaking environmental health laws — you should contact the environmental health team at the local council.

However, once a licence has been granted, the council is not responsible for ongoing incidents unless they relate to those original licensing conditions. Issues such as incorrect jewellery use, poor technique, or post-piercing complications may fall under malpractice — which is a separate matter, typically handled through legal channels or insurance.

Insurance and Legal Claims

Most reputable studios carry public liability insurance. If you’ve experienced harm and are considering a claim, you may be entitled to compensation — though legal advice is recommended in serious cases. Your first step should still be to gather clear evidence, seek medical treatment if necessary, and make a factual report of what occurred.

What Is the PSA’s Role?

The Piercing Standards Agency does not handle complaints or conduct investigations. It does not replace council regulation or legal services. The PSA exists to promote clear, evidence-informed standards that studios can voluntarily align with. These standards can help clarify what good practice looks like — and may offer helpful context when assessing what went wrong.

If a studio publicly claims to follow PSA standards but falls short, this can be brought to attention through a professional enquiry — but this is not the same as a formal complaint process or disciplinary action.

If It’s a Serious Concern

If the situation involves criminal behaviour, assault, safeguarding concerns, or unlicensed activity, contact the police or local safeguarding team. These cases are rare but must be taken seriously. Your safety always comes first.

Summary: What to Do

• 📸 Document what happened — photos, timelines, symptoms, receipts
• 📞 Contact the studio — ask questions and give them a chance to respond
• 🏛️ Report to the council — especially if you suspect poor hygiene or unregistered activity
• ⚖️ Seek legal advice — for serious injury or compensation
• 📚 Use PSA guidance — to compare against recognised good practice

Raising concerns — when done constructively — helps make the industry safer for everyone. Whether you’re a client or piercer, clear communication and shared standards are how we move forward.

Healing discomfort or redness

Some redness, swelling, or tenderness is expected in the early stages of healing. These signs typically settle with time, gentle aftercare, and minimal disturbance. Overcleaning, sleeping on the area, or accidental knocks can prolong symptoms — but do not necessarily indicate that anything has gone wrong.

If the discomfort continues or worsens, the first step is usually to return to the studio for advice. Many studios are happy to check the area and suggest adjustments, such as jewellery downsizing, or to reassure you that healing is within normal limits.

If you’re unable to resolve the issue with the studio, or if you’re concerned about hygiene or technique, you may wish to contact your local council. Councils are responsible for licensing and inspecting piercing studios, and they can follow up if there is reason to believe local health and safety standards are not being met.

In more severe cases, especially where there is heat, pus, spreading redness, or increasing pain, you should seek medical advice. GPs and pharmacists can offer guidance, and in some situations, treatment.

Conclusion

If healing discomfort or redness persists beyond what feels normal, it’s best to take a balanced approach. Contact the studio for advice or a follow-up check, especially if the issue may relate to jewellery size or technique. If you’re concerned about hygiene or health and safety standards, your local council’s environmental health team can investigate. And where symptoms suggest infection or escalate in severity, a medical professional — such as a GP or pharmacist — can offer clinical guidance or treatment.

Infection

Infections should always be taken seriously. If left untreated, even minor ones can escalate. Signs may include increased redness, swelling, heat, throbbing, pain, or discharge — especially if symptoms worsen rather than improve.

However, infections are rarely the result of poor hygiene at the studio. When sterile technique and appropriate jewellery are used, the risk is minimal. Most infections develop later, from external contact — such as touching the piercing with unwashed hands, exposure to unclean environments, or trauma during sleep or sport.

It’s important to recognise that an infection doesn’t automatically mean someone did something wrong. Studios can follow every best practice, yet complications may still occur if aftercare advice is misunderstood or daily habits introduce bacteria.

If you suspect an infection, your first priority should be your health. Pharmacies and GPs can advise on treatment — and early intervention often prevents complications. Many cases resolve with simple care and don’t require antibiotics.

Studios may be able to help, too. They can assess whether the jewellery is contributing to the issue (for example, if it’s too tight) and offer practical suggestions to support healing.

Allergic Reactions

Allergic reactions can cause swelling, itching, rash-like irritation, or discomfort around the piercing site. In some cases, the skin may appear raw or develop a fluid-filled blister. These reactions are often confused with infection but have different causes and solutions.

The most common trigger is a sensitivity to certain metals — particularly nickel, which is sometimes present in low-quality jewellery. That’s why high-quality studios typically use implant-grade titanium or solid gold, which are far less likely to cause a reaction.

Reactions can also occur from external sources: antiseptic creams, fragranced soaps, or hair and skincare products that come into contact with the piercing.

Unlike infections, allergic responses are not caused by bacteria — and they’re not a sign of poor hygiene. They’re usually related to material sensitivity or product use, not the studio’s procedures.

Conclusion

Always seek medical advice if you notice signs of infection. Speak to your studio for additional guidance, especially if you’re unsure whether what you’re experiencing is part of normal healing. If hygiene practices at the studio are in question, your local council may investigate — particularly if there are broader health and safety concerns.

If you’re experiencing symptoms that suggest an allergic reaction, don’t ignore them. Reactions can escalate if not addressed promptly — and should be treated with the same seriousness as infection. Contact your studio for advice; they may recommend a safe jewellery change or identify likely triggers. A pharmacist may offer relief for symptoms, but in persistent or unclear cases, medical advice or patch testing through your GP can help prevent future issues.

Piercing bumps or hypertrophic scarring

Raised bumps near piercings are common — especially on cartilage areas like the nostril or ear. These bumps may be caused by pressure, friction, trauma, improper jewellery size, or even just the natural response of the body during healing. They’re not necessarily a sign of poor hygiene or infection, but they can still be frustrating or unsightly.

In many cases, the bump is a hypertrophic scar — an overgrowth of collagen at the site of irritation. These often shrink or disappear once the source of irritation is removed. Oversized or poorly placed jewellery, snagging on clothes or towels, or sleeping on the piercing can all contribute to the problem.

Studios with a good understanding of anatomy and jewellery selection can help identify the likely cause. Downsizing, switching to a more stable piece of jewellery, or simply leaving the area alone may allow the skin to settle over time. In rare cases, topical treatments might help — but caution should be taken when applying products around a fresh piercing.

If you’re unsure whether the bump is harmless or more serious, seek professional advice. Your piercer can often distinguish between a common bump, a developing keloid, or a sign of infection. In unclear or persistent cases, a GP or dermatologist may be able to assist.

Summary: Contact your piercer for an assessment. Consider jewellery changes or lifestyle factors that may be contributing. If the bump worsens or causes pain, or if you’re unsure what it is, seek medical advice for clarity and treatment.

Unsatisfactory jewellery

Jewellery plays a critical role in both healing and long-term comfort. If the jewellery used feels low-quality, poorly fitted, or visually different from what was expected, it’s reasonable to raise the issue.

Concerns can include visible surface flaws, discomfort from rough edges or incorrect sizing, or disappointment with a substitution — such as receiving a different material or style than advertised. In some cases, jewellery may not be implant-grade or externally polished, which can affect both comfort and hygiene.

Studios should be transparent about the materials they use, including whether items are ASTM F136 titanium, solid gold, or alternative metals. While visual preferences vary, clarity around quality standards is key.

Your first step should be to speak with the studio. Many are willing to explain what was used, provide documentation (such as mill certificates or invoices from reputable suppliers), or offer a swap if something isn’t right.

If the issue seems to reflect misleading information or ongoing poor practices — rather than an isolated mistake — you may wish to raise it with your local council, especially if it suggests non-compliance with hygiene or safety expectations.

Summary: Ask the studio for clarity or a resolution. Document what you received. If the jewellery is clearly not suitable or does not meet minimum hygiene standards, you may also contact your local council.

Incorrect placement

A piercing that heals poorly, migrates, or causes discomfort over time may raise concerns about whether it was placed correctly. Placement issues might include angles that trap pressure, jewellery that sits too tight or too loose, or piercings performed outside recommended anatomical zones.

In some cases, the issue becomes apparent only after swelling subsides or as the body reacts during healing. This doesn’t always mean the piercer made a mistake — but if the angle or depth significantly deviates from industry norms, it may warrant a closer look.

The most appropriate first step is to return to the studio. A professional piercer can assess the healing, explain their rationale for the placement, and suggest solutions. If correction is needed, they may offer to re-pierce the area once healed or provide alternative options.

If a studio refuses to engage, denies obvious problems, or if multiple clients raise similar concerns, this may indicate wider issues with training or technique. In these cases, concerns can be raised with the local council, particularly if there are risks to safety or ongoing non-compliance.

Summary: Speak to the studio and document any issues. If placement appears unsafe, affects healing, or falls well outside of professional norms, local authorities may need to assess whether broader standards are being upheld.

Poor service or communication

Not every concern is clinical. In some cases, clients are left feeling dismissed, unheard, or confused — not because of the piercing itself, but because of how they were treated.

Examples might include rushed appointments, unclear explanations, staff being rude or dismissive, or a lack of follow-up when problems arise. While this doesn’t necessarily reflect on hygiene or safety, it can seriously affect trust and satisfaction.

Studios should aim to provide clear, respectful communication before, during, and after the procedure. This includes explaining the process, answering questions without judgment, and providing written aftercare guidance.

If you’ve had a poor experience, it’s reasonable to share your concerns with the studio directly. Most professionals want to improve and welcome feedback — especially when given calmly and constructively.

Persistent poor service, however, may reflect wider issues with training, professionalism, or studio culture. While local councils are unlikely to intervene unless hygiene or licensing is affected, repeat complaints may still be worth noting if they suggest a pattern.

Summary: Respectful communication is part of good practice. If you’re unhappy with how you were treated, speak up — it may help improve things for the next client too.

Lack of aftercare guidance

Clear aftercare instructions are a basic expectation. Studios should provide written or verbal advice on how to clean and care for a new piercing, including what to avoid during healing.

If no guidance was given — or if the advice was vague, contradictory, or outdated — this can lead to confusion and complications. Clients may overwash, underclean, or follow social media trends that aren’t medically sound, simply because they weren’t properly informed.

Lack of proper aftercare support doesn’t always amount to malpractice, but it does suggest a gap in service. It may also reflect a studio’s lack of training or attention to client education — something that should be addressed for future safety.

In many cases, a simple conversation can resolve things. You can ask the studio for clarification or request a copy of their aftercare instructions. If their response is dismissive or unclear, it may be worth seeking a second opinion or using trusted sources such as the NHS or professional guidance bodies.

Summary: Studios should help clients care for their piercings confidently. If they don’t, ask questions — or find guidance elsewhere to stay safe during healing.

Unclean or unsafe environment

Studios should maintain a clean, hygienic setting that reflects their commitment to safety. This includes visible cleanliness, regular disinfection, and clearly separated clean and dirty zones — especially where instruments are handled.

If you noticed overflowing bins, stained furniture, cluttered workspaces, or questionable hygiene practices during your visit, these may be signs of poor housekeeping. While not all mess signals danger, an untidy or disorganised studio can increase risk and may suggest broader issues in how the space is managed.

If you’re concerned about hygiene — particularly if you believe it compromised your safety — you can raise the issue directly with the studio. If the response is dismissive or unhelpful, consider contacting the environmental health team at your local council. Councils are responsible for ensuring registered studios meet minimum cleanliness and infection control standards.

Summary: A clean environment is non-negotiable. If a studio feels unhygienic or unsafe, say something — first to the studio, then to the council if needed.

Use of non-sterile equipment

All tools and jewellery used during a piercing must be sterile at the time of use. This is a basic health and safety requirement — not just best practice. Piercing with unsterile equipment poses a significant risk of infection, injury, and even transmission of bloodborne pathogens.

Studios may use single-use pre-sterilised tools or reusable instruments that are sterilised in an autoclave between clients. Either approach is valid, but the sterilisation process must be traceable, verifiable, and properly maintained. Sterile pouches should be intact, in-date, and opened in front of the client whenever possible.

If you suspect non-sterile equipment was used — such as reused needles, opened pouches, or tools retrieved from non-sterile drawers — this is a serious concern. Start by raising it with the studio to clarify their procedures. If their response raises further concern, you should report it to the local council’s environmental health team, who have authority to investigate breaches of infection control.

Summary: Sterility is essential. If there’s any doubt about equipment safety, ask — and don’t hesitate to escalate if something doesn’t seem right.

Misrepresentation of standards

Some studios may advertise adherence to certain professional standards — whether local authority guidance, PSA standards, or international frameworks — to build trust with clients. While this can be reassuring, the claim must be accurate and reflected in day-to-day practice.

If a studio publicly claims to follow specific standards but fails to meet them in areas like hygiene, sterilisation, jewellery quality, or technique, this can be misleading. It may create false expectations for customers who chose the studio based on those claims.

If you believe a studio is misrepresenting the standards it follows, begin by asking for clarification. In many cases, the issue may be due to misunderstanding or outdated materials. However, if the studio continues to promote false alignment, you can report this to the relevant organisation — such as the PSA or local trading standards — for review.

Keep in mind that voluntary standards are not legal requirements. A studio claiming to follow them is not necessarily breaking the law, but misleading advertising can still damage consumer trust and should be addressed.

Summary: Studios must represent themselves honestly. If a studio claims to follow certain standards, it should be able to demonstrate how — and why.

Inappropriate or unprofessional conduct

Studios are expected to maintain professional behaviour at all times. This includes how piercers interact with clients, uphold boundaries, provide services, and respond to concerns. Inappropriate conduct might include rude or dismissive communication, making offensive remarks, invading personal space, or pressuring clients into services they are unsure about.

While personality clashes can happen, professionalism should remain consistent — especially in intimate, physical services like piercing. Every client has the right to feel respected, safe, and listened to, regardless of age, gender, background, or experience.

If a piercer’s behaviour made you feel uncomfortable, unsafe, or disrespected, it’s worth raising the issue with the studio directly — particularly if other staff may not be aware. If the conduct was serious or involved inappropriate physical behaviour, you may need to escalate the concern through official channels, including the local council, safeguarding teams, or the police.

Summary: Professionalism isn’t optional. Studios must foster respectful, inclusive environments where clients feel safe — and should be held accountable when they fall short.

High or unclear pricing

Piercing prices can vary depending on location, jewellery material, studio reputation, and service standards. While studios are entitled to set their own pricing, that information should be clear, transparent, and visible before a service is provided.

Unclear pricing might involve surprise costs, confusion over what’s included, or lack of explanation about why certain materials are more expensive. This can leave clients feeling misled — especially when expectations don’t match the final bill.

Studios should always communicate pricing upfront, ideally both online and in-studio. If you feel you were overcharged or that prices were not made clear, it’s appropriate to contact the studio and request clarification or a breakdown of the charges.

If the issue involves deliberate misrepresentation or recurring complaints about dishonesty, it may warrant a report to local trading standards or consumer protection services.

Summary: Clients should know what they’re paying for. Fair pricing means transparency — not just cost, but value, and trust.

Accessibility issues

Everyone should be able to access piercing services safely and comfortably. This includes clients with mobility needs, sensory sensitivities, or other accessibility considerations. While not all studios are legally required to meet specific access standards, most are expected to make reasonable adjustments where possible.

Concerns may include:

-No wheelchair access

-Narrow doorways or inaccessible restrooms

-Lack of seating or waiting area support

-Sensory overload from lighting, noise, or environment

-Poor communication or lack of awareness around access needs

Studios benefit from being inclusive — not just ethically, but professionally. If you experience barriers, it’s reasonable to raise these with the studio, especially if improvements could easily be made.

For more serious or systemic issues, especially those affecting your rights under the Equality Act 2010, you may wish to seek advice from local advocacy groups, Citizens Advice, or legal services.

Summary: Accessibility matters. Raising concerns helps studios grow — and helps make the industry more inclusive for everyone.

Unlicensed premises

In the UK, all professional piercing studios must be registered with their local council. This licence ensures that basic health and safety standards are met — including hygiene practices, equipment sterilisation, and environmental health compliance.

If a studio is operating without a licence, or you suspect this might be the case, it’s important to report your concerns to the local council’s environmental health team. Unlicensed studios may be:

Operating from a private home without registration

Offering services at pop-ups or events without inspection

Avoiding council checks and hygiene assessments

Using social media to book appointments without a traceable business address

These situations pose genuine risks to public health. Councils have the authority to investigate and take enforcement action — including fines, closure notices, or legal proceedings.

Clients can check a studio’s licensing status by contacting the relevant local authority directly.

Summary: Piercing without a licence isn’t just unprofessional — it may be illegal. If you have concerns, notify your local council. They are responsible for studio oversight and can take action if laws are being broken.

ID or age issues

Piercing studios are expected to follow legal and ethical age restrictions — especially for procedures involving minors. In the UK, there is no nationwide minimum age law for most body piercings (except genital), but many local councils and insurance providers require studios to follow strict age policies.

Most reputable studios will:

Set minimum age limits for each piercing type

Require photographic ID to confirm age

Ask for parental consent (and presence) for minors

Display their age policy clearly

If you feel a studio performed a piercing on someone underage without appropriate checks — or if age policies were unclear or misleading — it may be appropriate to raise the issue.

Concerns can be addressed by:

Contacting the studio to seek clarification or raise the issue

Reporting to the council, especially if you believe a local licensing condition was breached

Contacting safeguarding services, if a minor’s welfare is at risk

Studios that disregard age verification may also be breaching their insurance terms — putting both the client and the business at risk.

Summary: Studios should always act responsibly when it comes to age restrictions. If this hasn’t happened, you can raise the issue with the studio, council, or safeguarding authority depending on the severity.