(UKAPP) UK Association of Professional Piercers

Last updated: 27 May 2025

The Association of Professional Piercers (APP), founded in the United States in the 1990s, introduced one of the first piercer-defined frameworks for body piercing. Its standards - covering jewellery materials, hygiene protocols, and sterilisation processes - were developed within the piercing community, and intended to promote consistency among studios that chose to adopt them. While the APP holds no regulatory authority, its rules of membership has influenced the development of similar organisations internationally.

Among these is the UK Association of Professional Piercers (UKAPP), an independent organisation established to reflect similar principles in a UK context. Like the APP, the UKAPP sets internal membership criteria, which studios must meet to be publicly recognised by the group. These criteria often relate to, jewellery materials, jewellery standards, and visualisation of signage.

Participation in either organisation is voluntary, and the standards they promote are not legally binding. However, their rules have become a point of reference for many studios seeking piercer and customer recognition, industry support, or alignment with a particular professional philosophy. Membership may be viewed by some clients or colleagues as a sign of adherence to a defined code of practice.

Both the APP and UKAPP present themselves as educational and community-focused, offering events, guidance, and resources aimed at supporting studio development. Their influence is most visible among studios that identify with a specific peer-led model of professionalism. Other studios may pursue professional development through independent research, local authority training, or alternative routes that align with their business model and values.

What Membership Means

The appeal of peer membership varies. For some, it provides a sense of belonging and access to a supportive network. For others, the requirements may not align with how they structure their work, train their team, or serve their clients. Like any voluntary organisation, membership is best understood as a reflection of alignment - not a measure of overall professionalism.

It is also important to distinguish between peer-defined standards and statutory requirements. In the UK, all piercing studios must be registered with their local authority and comply with health and safety legislation. Peer organisations do not override these requirements and do not carry regulatory status. Their function is to set internal benchmarks for those who wish to meet them, not to define legal minimums for the industry as a whole.

As the UK industry continues to evolve, studios have a growing number of resources to choose from - ranging from peer-led organisations to independent publications, training providers, and regional support groups. Each studio’s path may differ, but the shared interest remains the same: to develop safe, skilled, and sustainable piercing practices that reflect both professional standards and client needs.

What It Means for Customers

For clients, the presence or absence of membership in a peer organisation may be interpreted in different ways. Some may see it as a sign of a studio’s values or alignment with a particular philosophy. Others may prioritise local registration, personal recommendations, or visible hygiene practices when choosing where to be pierced. While membership may offer an additional layer of reassurance for some, it should not be assumed to reflect the full range of a studio’s professionalism, skill, or commitment to safety. Ultimately, well-informed clients make decisions based on a combination of trust, transparency, and personal experience.