Step One: Figure out what you want. This requires more thought than seeing it on a friend and walking directly into the next piercing shop you see. You need to consider your body type, the piercing, and your lifestyle. If you think the piercing could perhaps be in danger of rubbing, tearing, getting squished, or messed with in any way, then it's probably not the piercing that you'll be able to heal best at this point in your life. If, however, you find that you're good to go, then skip on over to step two.

Step Two: Find a Shop. This also isn't as easy as walking into a place, plopping down some cash, and saying 'pierce me'! Some places will do just that, but you are going to want to look around at shops first. WHAT TO LOOK FOR!: Upon first walking in, you need to check the walls, ceiling, and floor. Are those clean? No? Then get out! If so, then keep on walking. The shop should have a license to operate, and that should also be on display, or readily available. You need to look for an autoclave. If it's not out in the open, ask to see it. If they don't have one, turn right around and walk on out. If they do have one, ask if they use them regularly. If you are really curious, ask to see their spore test results. Also ask to see a portfolio of the artists' work, making sure that he or she has expertise in the piercing that you are preparing to get. You may want to ask if the piercer is APP certified. If the shop is piercing with anything other than piercing needles from sealed packages, get out. One last thing-- if at any point in time you feel uncomfortable in the place, then leave. You have other, better options and other people who are willing to pierce you properly.

Step Three: Make an Appointment. Some shops are perfectly willing to take people on a walk in basis. However, to ensure that you have the proper attention, care, and time, make your appointment. That way, the piercer will know what to expect, and you will know when to begin preparing for your piercing. Scheduling is a key thing with some piercings...for example, if you are a swimmer, you don't want to get anything pierced around your swimming season. Walk-ins are fine, but to make an appointment is optimal.

Step Four: The Day of the Piercing Remember: IT IS NEVER TOO LATE TO BACK OUT! If at any point in time you don't feel comfortable, then by all means, WAIT! A good piercer will never get angry at you for it, in fact, many of the good ones will commend you for knowing your body and your self well enough to know to wait. Before you go in for the piercing, eat. Maybe not a huge meal, but enough of one to sustain you. Having food in your body makes it more able to stand up to the shock that some people experience during a piercing procedure. Wear clothing that will be loose and comfortable around the new piercing. In other words, don't wear tight jeans that will touch a new navel piercing, or a tight shirt that can interfere with new nipple piercings. Take a friend! Not only for the great photo opportunities, but if you happen to get weak-feeling or woozy, it's nice to have someone to drive you home. There are some people on these boards that have nerves of steel, yet after a certain piercing, they felt unexpectedly dizzy. A piercing has the capabilities to throw a person into shock. Never underestimate it! Make sure you have your photo ID and any other required materials that the shops needs with you.

Step Five: The Actual Piercing. After you are ready and in the room where you are going to be pierced, be watching. He or she should mark the place to be pierced, and show you, checking to be sure that you like the placement. Also, ask yourself: Does the piercer change gloves often, after touching anything that could posibly contaminate the gloves? Do the needles and jewelry come in pre-packaged, sealed packages (this being paper on the bottom and a plastic on top, these are autoclave packages, so that you know the tools are sterile)? Is the room clean? Is the piercer clean? Does the piercer clean off the area on your body to be pierced? If you have any questions, now is the last chance you have to ask them before the piercing is in your body.

Step Six: Afterwards. The piercer should give you a run down of the aftercare, and also a sheet of instructions of how to keep your piercing healthy. He or she will make sure that you are feeling all right and then check everything over. Then you are done. Happy Healing!