The parlor should be clean and well-lit. It should look somewhat like a dentist's office, with a bendable chair and a side table to hold the instruments. Avoid getting your piercings done in malls, flea markets or clubs. It's no fun to be the victim of a piercing horror story.
Unfortunately, piercers are not usually required to have licenses. Therefore, it's really important to talk to them to get a sense of whether or not they fall within your comfort zone. Find out how long the piercer has been "practicing," and ask to look at pictures of his work. Chat up the people working at the parlor, and grill customers who've just gotten something done. Also check out The Association of Professional Piercers (see Resources), which will provide you with referrals (including piercing-friendly MDs), as well as a state-by-state list of piercing regulations.
In most states, you must be at least 18 years old to get a piercing anywhere other than the earlobe. Besides proving your age with a non-fake ID, you must also sign a waiver that basically says the establishment is not responsible should anything bad happen to you. If you're not asked to sign a waiver of any sort, think of it as a major red flag.
Poking holes in your skin is not the most hygienic action to embark upon. Behind all the pain, excitement and thrill is the reality that you must take precautions. A few elements to look for:
New needles: This is a must, especially in today's disease-ridden society. Needles must be completely new, with the packages opened in front of your eyes. Never settle for used needles, even if the piercer insists they've been sterilized.
Gloves: Latex gloves are key. There is always the possibility of blood emerging from the skin, so make sure the piercer is wearing a barrier to protect her from a soon-to-be-open wound.
New jewelry: Clean, new jewelry is also vital to the procedure. Make sure the hoops, rods, loops or whatever random metal beauty you're putting in your body is brand new. You should see the piercer take the jewelry out of an airtight, individually wrapped, sealed plastic bag immediately before the "procedure" begins.
Don't worry, it's not really that much of a "procedure." Most body parts take less than 5 minutes to pierce, so relax and remember to breathe. You've picked a safe, reputable parlor, so leave it to your trusty piercer not to scar you for life.
