What is the APP & who are APP Piercers?

The Association of Professional Piercers (APP) is an international nonprofit health and safety organization committed to promoting safe body piercing practices. Governed by a voluntary, elected Board of Directors, the APP serves as a vital resource for both professional piercers and the general public by providing the most current information on body piercing techniques, health protocols, and safety standards.

What Does the APP do for you, the industry and APP Piercers?

1. Professional Association for Piercers:
The APP offers a platform for piercers to join a professional community, setting a standard for safe and ethical practices. It encourages members to meet or exceed specific health and safety requirements and provides a way for the public to identify piercers who adhere to these high standards.

2. Support for Legislation:
The APP assists piercers, legislators, and the public by offering guidance in drafting appropriate laws and regulations related to the piercing industry.

3. Education and Training:
Through its Annual Conference & Exposition, the APP provides educational classes on piercing techniques, health practices, and business management for piercers, health inspectors, and other industry professionals. These events are invaluable opportunities for continuing education.

4. Informational Resources:
The APP offers a wealth of educational materials, including consumer-oriented brochures, a Health and Safety Procedure Manual, online courses, and suggested apprenticeship guidelines. These resources are designed to support both piercers and those interested in body piercing.

5. Industry Publications:
The APP publishes The Point: Journal of Body Piercing, a quarterly professional journal that covers piercing-related news, developments, and best practices.

6. Advocacy and Outreach:
The APP actively participates in health-related conferences, provides expert information to the media, and offers lectures to students, healthcare professionals, and other groups interested in learning about safe body piercing.

7. Membership Opportunities:
The APP offers different types of memberships for both professional piercers and non-piercers who support the mission of safe piercing. Members benefit from access to exclusive resources, networking opportunities, and professional support.

8. Communication and Support:
The APP staffs an email and phone response system to answer questions about body piercing, offering expert guidance to anyone in need—whether they are piercers, legislators, health professionals, or consumers.

9. Online Presence:
The APP maintains a comprehensive website with a wide range of information aimed at piercers, piercees, educators, legislators, and healthcare providers.

What the APP Does Not Do

While the APP plays a crucial role in supporting the piercing industry, there are specific limitations to its activities:

• Regulation: The APP does not police the industry or piercers. However, it does handle reports regarding its members and false claims of membership.

• Licensing or Certification: The APP does not license or certify piercers. Members receive an annual affirmation of membership, and attendees of APP classes receive seminar certificates.

• Piercing Services at Conferences: No piercings are performed at the APP’s annual conference, nor does the APP teach individuals how to pierce. Instead, the organization provides supplemental education for already-practicing piercers.

• Technique and Aftercare: The APP does not dictate specific techniques or aftercare methods for its members. Piercers are free to use the methods they believe are best for their clients.

• Other Body Modifications: The APP has no official stance on tattooing, branding, scarification, dermal punching, scalpelling, implants, or other body modifications. Members are permitted to practice these forms of body art where legally allowed.

Why the APP Matters

The APP’s mission is to ensure that body piercing remains a safe and professional practice by fostering education, setting high standards, and providing resources for both piercers and the public. By joining the APP or seeking out an APP member for your next piercing, you can be confident that safety and professionalism are top priorities.

Whether you’re a seasoned piercer, a new professional, or someone interested in getting a piercing, the APP is an invaluable resource dedicated to helping the industry grow in a safe and ethical manner.

For more information, visit the APP’s official website or reach out directly with your questions. Safe piercing starts with education, and the APP is here to guide you every step of the way.