From Shein studs to spring-loaded piercing guns, at-home body piercings are surging among young islanders – and one Jersey professional says the law is failing to keep up.
Ankh Piercing owner Caroline Emm says lowering the legal age limit for body piercing could “help reduce harm” and tackle the rising number of young islanders piercing their own bodies.
Her call comes after a surge in at-home body piercings using cheap online kits purchased via low-cost clothing and accessory sites such as Shein and Temu prompted Guernsey to consider lowering the legal age for piercings.
Current rules
Currently in Jersey, anyone under 16 years old is prohibited from receiving body piercing or tattooing altogether.
Those aged 16 to 18 may only undergo these procedures with prior written consent from a parent or guardian, and only if the work is carried out by registered practitioners in registered premises.
Children under the age of 16 can get the lower, non-cartilaginous part of the earlobe pierced with parental consent. It is also at discretion of the studio which particular piercings they would carry out on under-18s.
An issue that has “definitely escalated”
Ankh Piercing owner Caroline Emms, who has worked in the industry for 10 years, said it would be “a positive step for public health” if Jersey followed Guernsey in considering a lower age limit for body piercings.
She told Express that while home piercings have been happening “for generations”, the issue has “definitely escalated” in recent years.
Easily available “sub-par needles, piercing guns, and low-quality jewellery” online, combined with the influence of social media, have made do-it-yourself piercings far more common, she said – particularly among young people.
Most at-home piercings are done using a gun, which works via a spring-loaded mechanism which forces a blunt stud through skin tissue.
Piercing guns are not able to be sterilised fully, and can result in more swelling, pain, and longer healing times than the needles used in piercing shops.
Caroline explained that at-home piercing attempts can frequently result in complications – including a heightened risk of cross-contamination and infection caused by unsterile equipment, poor hygiene, and unsuitable jewellery materials.
She added that many jewellery items sold online are “not designed for long-term wear in the body” which can lead to allergic reactions, irritation, delayed healing, and in some cases, embedded or rejected piercings.
“Piercings are often done in unsafe areas through unsuitable tissue”
Another significant concern is the incorrect placement of piercings.
“Without proper anatomical knowledge, piercings are often done in unsafe areas through unsuitable tissue or at incorrect angles which can result in excessive swelling, scarring, and long-term complications,” explained Caroline.
From a professional standpoint, she said that lowering the legal age for regulated studio piercings could “help reduce harm” as “studios following strict hygiene standards use sterile single-use equipment, high-quality jewellery, and provide proper aftercare advice”.
Caroline advised that going to a studio equipped to safely carry out body piercings “significantly reduces the risk of infection and complications compared to unregulated at home methods”.
“Education is also key,” she explained. “Young people and parents need clear accurate information about the risks of DIY piercings and the importance of professional standards.”
Caroline added: “If this change encourages people to choose safer regulated environments rather than attempting piercings at home, it could be a positive step for public health.”