Body Piercings in Grand Rapids, MI: Safety, Laws, and Aftercare

Body piercing is popular across Grand Rapids, Michigan—from students at Grand Valley and GRCC to professionals working downtown. While piercings are often associated with younger people, they’ve been practiced around the world for thousands of years and are now a common alternative to more permanent body modifications like tattoos.

This guide explains how to get a piercing safely in Grand Rapids, Michigan, what the law says, how to care for your piercing (especially in Michigan’s cold, dry winters), and when to seek medical help.

Common Types of Body Piercings

Most people are familiar with ear lobe piercing, but many other body parts can be pierced, including:

  • Upper ear (cartilage)
  • Nose (nostril or septum)
  • Lips and cheeks
  • Eyebrow
  • Tongue and other oral piercings
  • Navel (belly button)
  • Nipples
  • Genitals

Common types of jewelry include:

  • Rings and hoops
  • Studs
  • Bars and barbells (straight or curved)
  • Dumbbells and captive bead rings

Poor technique or unsafe practices during piercing can lead to complications such as infection, scarring, and nerve damage. Choosing a reputable, experienced piercer in Grand Rapids is essential.

Thinking About a Piercing? Things to Consider

Before you book an appointment at a Grand Rapids piercing studio:

  • Trends change: Piercings may be fashionable now, but how will you feel about them in a few years?
  • Pain and healing: Piercing is painful, and the area is usually sore for a while afterward.
  • Family and relationships: How will family, friends, or partners feel about visible piercings?
  • School policies: Local schools and colleges in Grand Rapids may require you to cover or remove facial or tongue piercings during class or clinical programs.
  • Workplace rules: Many employers in healthcare, food service, manufacturing, and customer-facing roles in West Michigan have policies about visible piercings. Exposed jewelry may also be a safety hazard around machinery.
  • Sports and activities: Piercings can be easily torn during contact sports or activities like hockey, wrestling, or gymnastics, which are common in Michigan.

It can be helpful to talk with friends who already have piercings and notice how they manage them in everyday life.

Michigan Piercing Laws and Age Requirements

Laws around body piercing vary by state. In Michigan, including Grand Rapids:

  • It is illegal for a piercer to perform intimate body piercings (genital, anal region, perineum, or nipples) on anyone under 18 years, even with parental consent.
  • It is illegal to perform any body piercing on a person under 16 years of age without written consent from a parent or legal guardian.
  • Many Grand Rapids piercing studios have stricter policies than the law requires. They may:
    • Set their own minimum ages for certain piercings
    • Require a parent or guardian to be present
    • Ask for photo ID for both the minor and the parent/guardian

Always bring valid identification and be prepared to sign consent forms.

If a piercer in Grand Rapids refuses to answer questions about their age policy or legal requirements, consider going elsewhere.

Choosing a Safe Piercing Studio in Grand Rapids

When looking for a piercing studio in Grand Rapids, MI:

  • Check registration and licensing

    • The studio should be registered with the local council and comply with Kent County Health Department and Michigan Department of Health and Human Services regulations.

  • Look for cleanliness and good setup

    • Benches, floors, shelving, and furniture should be easy to clean.
    • Items that are frequently touched (spray bottles, light handles, etc.) should be covered with single-use plastic barriers.
    • There should be:
      • A handwashing sink in the procedure area
      • Good lighting and ventilation
      • A separate area for cleaning, disinfecting, and sterilizing instruments

  • Ask about training and experience

    • How long have they been piercing?
    • Are they trained in infection control and blood-borne pathogen standards?
    • Do they follow written procedures for sterilization?

If the piercer seems rushed, dismissive, or unwilling to answer questions, do not feel pressured—there are many other studios in the Grand Rapids area.

Infection Control and Sterilization Standards

To protect you from infection, the piercing studio must follow strict hygiene and sterilization practices:

Clean Environment

  • The shop must be kept clean and hygienic at all times.
  • The piercer’s clothing should be clean, and they should not have exposed cuts or wounds.
  • You should be given clear health information and aftercare instructions before and after the procedure.

Sterile Equipment and Jewelry

To avoid infection:

  • All jewelry, needles, and instruments must be cleaned and sterilized before use.
  • Reusable instruments should only be used if:
    • The studio has its own medical-grade sterilizer (autoclave), or
    • They have a documented system for off-site sterilization.
  • Once an instrument is sterilized, it must be replaced if it is accidentally touched or contaminated.
  • Pre-sterilized, single-use needles and instruments are preferred and must be disposed of immediately in a sharps container.

Appropriate Jewelry Materials

For initial piercings, the safest materials include:

  • Surgical stainless steel
  • Titanium
  • 18-carat gold or higher

Jewelry with gemstones is usually not recommended for initial piercings unless it is high-quality with a solid backing that can withstand sterilization.

  • Jewelry under 18-carat gold or with certain gemstones can be used after the piercing has fully healed.
  • If you have a history of allergies, eczema, or dermatitis, ask for nickel-free jewelry (e.g., implant-grade titanium).

Hand Hygiene and Glove Use

Proper hand hygiene is critical:

  • The piercer must:
    • Wash their hands at the beginning and end of the procedure
    • Wash hands again after any break (e.g., answering the phone, handling payment)
    • Wear single-use gloves on both hands throughout the procedure
  • Gloves must never be reused.
    • If the piercer leaves the procedure area or touches non-sterile items, they must:
      • Remove gloves
      • Wash hands
      • Put on a new pair of gloves

The skin at the piercing site must be clean, disinfected, and free from infection before piercing.

Healing Time for Piercings

Healing time depends on:

  • Location of the piercing
  • Technique used
  • Type and quality of jewelry
  • How well you follow aftercare instructions
  • Your body’s own healing ability

Typical healing ranges:

  • Ear lobe: ~6–8 weeks
  • Cartilage (upper ear): 3–9 months
  • Nose: 2–4 months
  • Navel: 4–9 months
  • Nipple: 3–6+ months
  • Oral piercings (tongue, lip): up to 2 months
  • Genital piercings: several weeks to months

In Grand Rapids, Michigan winters can dry out skin and slow healing. Indoor heating and cold air can irritate new piercings, so moisturizing appropriately (if advised by your piercer) and avoiding harsh products is especially important in colder months.

Your piercer should provide written aftercare instructions specific to your piercing site.

General Aftercare: Caring for Your Piercing

Following proper aftercare reduces the risk of infection and complications.

Basic Aftercare Tips

  • Keep the area as dry as possible.
  • Do not touch or twist the jewelry unnecessarily.
    • Always wash your hands before and after touching the piercing.
  • Do not share jewelry with friends.
  • Do not remove the jewelry until the wound has fully healed, unless instructed by a healthcare provider.
  • Do not pick off scabs—they protect the wound from infection.
  • Use a mild, fragrance-free liquid soap on the piercing site while showering.
  • Gently dry the area with a clean tissue or cotton swab after bathing.
    • Do not use towels or washcloths, as they can harbor bacteria and snag on jewelry.

Avoid Harsh Products

Do not use on a fresh piercing:

  • Alcohol-based solutions
  • Tea tree oil
  • Hydrogen peroxide
  • Strong skin cleansers
  • Antiseptic creams or ointments (unless specifically recommended by a doctor or piercer)

These can irritate or dry the skin and delay healing.

Swimming and Water Exposure

  • Avoid swimming in pools, hot tubs, lakes, and the Grand River until the piercing has fully healed.
    • Even treated water can carry bacteria and chemicals that irritate the piercing.
  • If you must be in water, talk to your piercer about protective coverings, but complete avoidance during early healing is safest.

Exercise and Sleep

  • Cover the piercing with a small bandage or breathable plaster during exercise or sleep if there’s a risk of friction or snagging.
  • Avoid tight clothing or gear that rubs against the piercing (e.g., waistbands on navel piercings, sports bras on nipple piercings).

Special Care for Oral Piercings (Tongue, Lip, Cheek)

Oral piercings are common among young adults in Grand Rapids, but they require extra care because the mouth contains millions of bacteria.

During the First 1–2 Months

  • Brush your teeth twice daily with a soft toothbrush.
  • Rinse your mouth frequently with warm salty water:
    • Mix 1/4 teaspoon of salt in 1 cup of warm water.
  • Avoid:
    • Smoking or vaping (including cannabis)
    • Alcohol (including mouthwashes with alcohol)
    • Spicy, acidic, or very hot foods and drinks
    • Chewing on the jewelry

Oral piercings can take up to two months or more to heal. During this time, unhealed piercings can transmit infections, including blood-borne viruses, if exposed to infected blood.

Possible Complications of Piercings

Complications can happen during the procedure or afterward if the piercing is not cared for properly.

General Complications

Watch for:

  • Increasing pain, redness, or warmth around the site
  • Swelling that gets worse instead of better
  • Thick, yellow, green, or gray discharge with an unusual odor
  • Itching, rash, or irritation around the jewelry
  • Problems with healing or thick scarring (keloids)
  • Excessive or prolonged bleeding
  • A lump filled with pus (abscess)
  • Signs of sepsis (septicaemia):
    • Fever, chills
    • Feeling very unwell
    • Rapid heartbeat or breathing

Do not remove the jewelry before speaking with a healthcare provider. Removing it can trap infection inside.

Risks Specific to Oral Piercings

Some complications are more common with tongue, lip, and other oral piercings:

  • Infections
    • The open wound in the mouth is exposed to high levels of bacteria.
  • Prolonged bleeding or nerve damage
    • If a blood vessel is punctured, bleeding may be hard to control.
    • Nerve damage can cause numbness or ongoing pain (neuralgia).
  • Severe swelling
    • Tongue swelling can become so severe that it blocks the airway and makes breathing difficult. This is a medical emergency.
  • Blood-borne diseases
    • Risk of transmission of herpes simplex virus and hepatitis B, C, and HIV if equipment is not sterile.
  • Septicaemia (blood infection)
    • Oral bacteria can enter the bloodstream and, in susceptible people, lead to inflammation of the heart or its valves (endocarditis).
  • Gum disease
    • Jewelry can irritate gums, causing them to recede and increasing the risk of tooth decay and sensitivity.
  • Tooth damage
    • Jewelry can chip, crack, or wear down teeth, and damage fillings or crowns.
  • Functional problems
    • Difficulty chewing, swallowing, or speaking clearly.
    • Excessive saliva production.
    • Changes in taste, depending on the metal used.
  • Jewelry aspiration or swallowing
    • Loose jewelry can be a choking hazard or cause internal injury if swallowed or inhaled.

Complications at Other Piercing Sites

Different areas carry different risks:

  • Nipple piercings
    • Infection can spread through the milk ducts and may make breastfeeding difficult.
  • Navel (belly button) piercings
    • Prone to irritation and infection, especially if clothing rubs or skin is torn.
  • Genital piercings
    • Increased risk of infection, especially if condoms are damaged by jewelry.
    • The piercing can act as an entry point for sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Who Should Avoid or Be Cautious About Piercings

Some people are at higher risk of infection or serious complications and should talk to a doctor before getting pierced:

  • People with breast implants (for nipple piercings), especially if implants are in front of the chest muscle.
  • Those with a history of:
    • Heart valve disease
    • Rheumatic fever
    • Certain skin infections or chronic skin conditions
  • People with weakened immune systems, including:
    • Those on chemotherapy
    • People taking immunosuppressive drugs or long-term corticosteroids
    • Individuals with uncontrolled diabetes
  • People on blood-thinning medications (anticoagulants), due to increased bleeding risk.
  • Anyone with known allergies to metals or a strong history of allergic reactions.

In these cases, it’s wise to discuss risks with a primary care provider or specialist at a local Grand Rapids health system such as Corewell Health (formerly Spectrum Health), Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health – University of Michigan Health, or Mercy Health.

Preventing Allergic Reactions and Cross-Contamination

To reduce the risk of allergic reactions:

  • Choose nickel-free, implant-grade jewelry (often titanium or high-grade surgical steel).
  • Avoid low-quality metals and cheap “fashion” jewelry in new piercings.

To prevent cross-contamination and spread of infection, the piercer should:

  • Clean and disinfect your skin thoroughly before the procedure.
  • Use new, sterile jewelry for each piercing.
  • Use sterile, single-use needles and equipment.
  • Never smoke, drink, or eat while performing a procedure.
  • Properly clean and sterilize all reusable tools between clients.

When to Seek Medical Help in Grand Rapids

Contact a healthcare provider immediately if you notice:

  • Worsening pain, redness, or swelling around the piercing
  • Fever, chills, or feeling generally unwell
  • Thick, foul-smelling discharge from the site
  • Excessive or uncontrolled bleeding
  • Difficulty breathing or severe tongue/mouth swelling
  • Signs of spreading infection (red streaks, rapidly expanding redness)

In Grand Rapids, you can:

  • See your primary care provider or family doctor.
  • Visit an urgent care center or emergency department, such as those at:
    • Corewell Health Butterworth Hospital
    • Trinity Health Grand Rapids Hospital
    • Metro Health – University of Michigan Health
  • Contact the Kent County Health Department or Grand Rapids Public Health for guidance on infection concerns or blood-borne disease exposure.

If you have concerns about the piercing procedure itself, also notify your piercer so they can review their practices.

Local Resources in Grand Rapids, MI

If you need information or help related to piercings, infections, or blood-borne diseases, consider:

  • Your GP (family doctor) or pediatrician
  • An experienced body piercer whose premises are registered and compliant with local health regulations
  • Kent County Health Department – for public health information and infection control guidance
  • Grand Rapids Public Health – for local health education and resources

Key Takeaways for Safe Piercing in Grand Rapids

  • Sterility must be maintained at all times.
  • The piercer should always follow Michigan health regulations and local Kent County guidelines.
  • Avoid swimming in pools, hot tubs, lakes, or rivers until your piercing has fully healed.
  • Oral piercings carry a higher risk of gum disease, tooth damage, and serious infections, including septicaemia.
  • If complications develop, do not remove the jewelry until you’ve talked with a medical professional.

By choosing a reputable Grand Rapids piercing studio and following proper aftercare—especially in Michigan’s dry winters—you can greatly reduce your risk of infection and enjoy your piercing safely.