PSA Framework for Professional Piercing
Last updated: 28 May 2025
The PSA Framework is a structured approach to promoting safe, ethical, and high-quality body piercing practices in the UK. It brings together industry-informed guidelines, self-regulatory standards, and practical tools to support studios, practitioners, local authorities, and the public.
Each part of the framework is designed to be transparent, voluntary, and rooted in real-world studio operations. Below is an overview of its main components.
1. Code of Practice
Our recommended baseline for professional piercing studios. This document outlines hygiene standards, jewellery quality, staff conduct, and operational protocols expected from studios who wish to align with PSA guidance.
2. Guides & Studio Resources
Practical guidance written to support studios in their day-to-day decision-making. Topics include aftercare, cross-contamination, jewellery sizing, policy writing, and more. These resources are designed to be readable, printable, and regularly updated.
3. Training Materials
A growing archive of educational content to support piercers and apprentices. These include skill-based learning modules, downloadable worksheets, recommended reading, and real-world case studies.
4. Checklists & Local Authority Tools
Support materials to help piercers prepare for inspections — and to help local authorities perform them. These include studio inspection checklists, standards summaries, and explainer sheets to bridge communication between practitioners and regulators.
5. Consumer-Facing Information
Helping clients understand what to expect from a professional piercing studio. These pages include red flags to avoid, how to complain about poor practice, and what high standards look like.
6. PSA Position & Policy Statements
Our perspective on current issues affecting the piercing industry — including regulation, representation, and misinformation. These are discussion-led, research-informed, and subject to open review.
This framework is continuously evolving. We encourage constructive input from studios, regulators, and clients alike.