Q: So, Wolf, what is the most common piercing that is done?
A: Right now, belly buttons are slightly ahead by a ...well, er a nose. Noses are popular in Boulder right now.

Q: What’s the strangest piercing you’ve ever done?
A: When people ask me this, they expect I am going to say some genital piercing. Nope. The Ape, the Madison and the Guiche are the strangest. They lie parallel to the skin and usually migrate out. (Which means the body eventually rejects the jewelry.)

Q: Do you not recommend them?
A: I actually like it when I know the piercing has an awesome chance of being successful. I have seen some that are successful. They are just pretty rare in the success category. I will do them, but with the understanding they are at high risk for migration.

Q: What is migration?
A: Oh, you know...you have an eyebrow piercing and you wake up and notice it’s moved to your navel. Actually, it refers to the body rejecting the piercing and the jewelry working its way out of the skin.

Q: Are there any piercings you refuse to do?
A: Yes. Some are cool in theory, but won’t last or are too stupid to even think about.

Q: Like which ones?
A: Well, like the webbing between the thumb and forefinger. Since we grab and grip with our hands, that jewelry never gets a moments rest. So, it gets bumped all the time and usually ends up with an infection and migration.

Q: You recommend very simple, basic products for aftercare. Are there some products other piercers may recommend that you think are really dumb?
A: Of course. Bactine® is one of them. I mean my goodness...even the manufacturer doesn’t recommend it for puncture wounds. What do these piercers think a piercing is? Also, if those wingnut jobs would bother reading some research studies done every now and then, they would discover why products that contain BZK and BAK are not really recommended. Listerine® or any other alcohol based products are also not groovy to use. Not even diluted. Piercers who recommend products as these really need to find another line of work.

Q: I heard that there’s a nerve in your ear cartilage and maybe the navel that can cause paralysis if pierced. Is that true?
A: Uh, no. That would be called an urban myth.

Q: Are there any oral piercings that are unsafe?
A: Oh, my...you betcha. Piercing the tongue horizontally is not a good idea. The jewelry will sometimes get ripped out because of the strength of the tongue. The jewelry also gets bent very easily for the same reason. It is also insane to pierce the sides of the tongue. Why, oh why would somebody want metal that close to the teeth? Studies coming out now are indicating that 98% of people who have a regular tongue piercing for 5 years will have dental damage. Why would you want to increase the risk by putting that jewelry all over your tongue?

Q: Are there other piercings you don’t recommend?
A: Well, let’s see...The uvula (the little bat hangy-down thing in the back of the throat.) for starters. If that gets infected and occludes your airway, you’re kind of in trouble, eh? A few others would be any of the frenula, or webbing, in the mouth...like the smiley or the webbing under the tongue. They aren’t very safe to do.

Q: Are there any facial piercings you wouldn’t recommend?
A: Any time I do a piercing, I take many things in to consideration. The greatest thing to consider is "Is it safe?" Some piercings are done too close to foramens... those are little holes in your facial bones where nerves come out. Inner eyebrows, ante-eyebrows, some cheek piercings, etc. are risky in that way. Folks have to be really careful as well with where blood vessels are.

Q: Sounds like you know a lot about anatomy that’s involved with piercings. Are you in medicine?
A: Why, yes. I am an RN (Registered Nurse).

Q: Did you used to be a nurse?
A: It’s kinda like being a mom...once you are, you are. Only, you don’t need a license to be a mom. But honestly, sometimes don’t you think that would be a good idea? Don’t you know some people who really need a license to be a parent? My partner and I are both RNs and our licenses are still active in the State of Colorado. We just don’t practice traditional nursing any more. We have been fortunate enough to create our own specialty in nursing which is body art and beyond.

Q: With being a nurse and all, do other piercers get on your nerves?
A: No. But what does bug me is when piercers don’t bother educating themselves. There is so much information available and we have this wonderful tool called the internet. How hard can it be to Google search "ASTM for stainless steel"? I am also not opposed at all for someone, like another piercer, to call and ask me a question.

Q: Have other piercers called you for advice?
A: A few have. Some have actually come by the Studio and postured up like a bad big dog asking me: "Well, *snort*, what do you recommend for aftercare?" I just talk with them a bit and usually after a few minutes, their chests aren’t so puffed out. You can find pretty much all you need to know on our website about aftercare.

Q: You don’t seem like someone who talks about other places, but, are there some places you tell people not to go to?
A: I think people eventually figure it out. There are certainly some real winners out there and it’s sad they continue hurting people. We moreso educate folks about what to look for and how to tell if you might want body art done there or not. It’s cool to experience a piercing or tattoo in a different place. Just be sure it’s done safely. For instance, the studio should be clean. The staff should be kind and greet you with a smile. You’re paying their rent and groceries. They need to be nice if they want you to lay some money down. Instruments and needles need to come out of a sterile pack right in front of you. The tattoo artist or piercer don’t need to be drinkin’ and tokin’ on a blunt before, during or after the procedure. Don’t do that stuff at work...people are trusting you to do a good job. Go home and chill. Don’t make others suffer because you have no control. Know what I mean?

Q: I have a friend who says she knows how to pierce. There can’t be much to it. I mean, people have pierced their own earlobes. Isn’t it just a way for people to charge money for something anybody can do?
A: Sure. And while you’re at it, why don’t you let your electrician clean your teeth? I have seen many tragic things happen simply because someone didn’t know what s/he was doing. You cannot see what is under the skin. If you are not familiar with biocompatible metals, proper piercing techniques, correct aftercare and what the heck is under that skin, you have no business piercing someone. What if the person you just pierced dies of an infection? What if you pierce something that causes permanent damage? It’s much better to go to someone who knows what s/he is doing.

Q: Is it o.k. to use a sewing needle or safety pin to pierce?
A: I cannot emphasize enough... NO! Sewing needles are for sewing and safety pins are for making clothes look groovy. Sterile, tri-bevel, hollow piercing needles are the only way to go. Needles, of course should be put in a sterile pack and sterilized in an autoclave and used one time only. NO SHARING! That’s so dangerous. Is it really worth getting hepatitis or HIV/AIDS? The metal of a sewing machine needle or a safety pin is also not very good to put in your skin. I have seen some pretty serious metal reactions and infections from using the wrong stuff.

Q: I heard it’s actually better to pierce your tongue from top to bottom. Is that true?
A: For the love of all that is holey... no. While you can see the dot for the piercing better, you can’t possibly see what’s under the tongue that you’re piercing from the top. When I line up my forceps correctly, there’s no way I am going to puncture or sever something I shouldn’t. PLUS, I won’t miss where I want to pierce since I have my forceps lined up.

Q: What are some of the dangers of piercing from top to bottom?
A: Oh, severing a blood vessel or nerve or ligament. That’s all. I have read case studies where the piercer pierced some poor guy’s tongue from top to bottom. His sublingual salivary gland was pierced and was actually destroyed. So, his gleeker was busted. Not good.

Q: Are there regulations for body art?
A: Yes there are. There is a Colorado State Law and Boulder County Health Department Regulations. If under 18 years of age, one must have a parent to go sign the consent. Also, needles are to be used once. The business is to be licensed by the Health Department; spore tests have to be done on the autoclave, etc. We recommend folks call the local health department and find out if there have been any complaints.

Q: Can someone who is, say, 14 or 15 get a tattoo?
A: Not at Enchanted Ink. In fact, many places in Boulder will not tattoo anyone under 18. Anyone who does tattoo someone under 18 is really just after some money. Makes me wonder what else s/he doesn’t care about. You know? The body changes so much while one is growing. That tattoo is going to look a little, or a lot, different as that person grows. We want you to enjoy your tattoo for a long time.

Q: Can tattoos be removed or covered up with flesh tone ink?
A: Laser removal is the best. It is very expensive to have done. It’s also very painful. And, no. Flesh tone ink will not cover up a tattoo.

Q: I have a friend who tattoos out of a his garage. He couldn’t find someone to apprentice him, but he is a pretty good artist. He’s a lot cheaper than a business place. Do you think it’d be okay for me to get him to tattoo me?
A: Oh, please. This person is called a "scratcher". That means someone who didn’t learn how to tattoo correctly. For one, you don’t know why he didn’t get an apprenticeship. Secondly, the Health Department really won’t be hip on it. It’s too risky health-wise. Thirdly, let’s think about this. You want some sketchy person to break your skin barrier which opens you up for infection with MAYBE a clean needle to do permanent work on you who hasn’t learned to do it correctly. Hmmmmm. ARE YA CRAZY? There is so much to tattooing, it isn’t funny. There are many different skin types. There are many different needle types to learn. Some medications make tattooing a bit more difficult. With some medications and illnesses, it isn’t a good idea at all to get a tattoo (like certain heart conditions; out of control diabetes; folks who are immunocompromised, etc.) There are many different pigments (inks) and carriers (the solution to mix with the pigment) out there that are toxic. Some folks mix antifreeze or vodka or Listerine® in with their inks. How nice. And just remember as Sailor Jerry said: "Good tattoos ain’t cheap and cheap tattoos ain’t good."

Q: How much should I plan on spending on a tattoo that is about the size of a quarter?
A: A quarter of what? It’s hard to price something without seeing it. Some places will tell you small tattoos can’t be done so you’ll spend a lot more money and end up with a huge tattoo you didn’t want. Yes, a small one can be done. Some tattoo artist are just too embarrassed to tell you he or she can’t do a small one. Prices certainly vary, but you can count on paying upwards of $100 or so an hour for someone who is really good. Look at portfolios and talk with folks who have tatts.

Q: How about TV shows about tattooing? Do you think they are any good to learn from?
A: How about I learn how to do major surgery from a TV show? Those shows are about drama. They aren’t about learning how to tattoo. Hands on through an apprenticeship is the only way to learn. It is also very troubling that some people sell CDs on "How to Tattoo in 90 Minutes". That’s just irresponsible. There is also a tattoo school that wants lots of your money to teach you how to tattoo in 3 months. I am here to tell you... there’s no way to learn this art correctly any other way than through an apprenticeship.

Q: How long should an apprenticeship last?
A: On average, you’re looking at about 3 years or a little longer. Some folks learn a little faster, some take a little longer. The better you can draw and the faster you can translate paper to skin, and pencil to tattoo machines with needles, the sooner your apprenticeship will be over.

Q: Do you all take on apprentices?
A: Yes. We are pretty picky. We look for people who have degrees in art or at least some formal training in art. We look at portfolios. And it’s also important to dress like you mean business. If you’re all grunged out and dirty, do ya think I really want you to do invasive procedures? Not in my studio... nuh-uh. Not now, not today. It is a good idea to dress decent and go introduce yourself to the people you want to have teach you. All the better if you have a portfolio. Hang out a bit so the folks at the studio get a chance to know you. Be prepared to sweep and dust and answer the phone a lot. It takes a long time. If you really want to do it, you’ll go through the right steps to do it right.