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Sterile Hollow Piercing Needles

Piercing needles are single use, hollow and sterile. Most buyers are trained piercers.

Updated Oct 31, 2026. Edited by: Ilyass Ben Hakim.

Where to buy

Piercing supply houses sell needles in boxes of 50 or 100. Studios buy from these suppliers, not general marketplaces.

Professional insight

Studios buy needles by sterilisation record, not price. Every pouch must be sealed, dated and traceable.

Match needle gauge to the jewelry gauge exactly.
Check the pouch indicator changed colour after sterilisation.
Tri bevel points pierce cleaner than plain bevels.
Keep lot numbers on file for every client.

Check the label

Needle gauge, such as 14g or 16g, on each pouch.
Needle length in inches or millimetres.
Sterilisation method: EO gas or gamma.
Sterile expiry date not yet passed.
Lot or batch number on every pouch.
Pouch fully sealed with no tears or wet spots.
Single use only marking.

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Sizing

Common piercing needle gauges
Gauge	Approx. diameter	Typical use
18g	1.0 mm	Some nostril piercings
16g	1.2 mm	Cartilage, lip, eyebrow
14g	1.6 mm	Tongue, navel, nipple
12g	2.0 mm	Some genital piercings

A higher gauge number means a thinner needle. Piercers often go one size up from the jewelry.

Materials

Needles are usually 316L surgical stainless steel.
Starter jewelry should meet ASTM F-136 titanium or ASTM F-138 steel.
Avoid plated or filled jewelry in a fresh piercing.
Solid gold for new piercings should be 14k or higher.

Safe use

Open each pouch only at the moment of use.
Dispose of used needles in a sharps container.
Wear fresh nitrile gloves for every client.
Check local laws on age and piercing licences.

Common questions

Are piercing needles the same as medical needles?: No. They are solid walled hollow needles made for jewelry transfer.
Can I use a piercing gun instead?: Piercing groups advise against guns for cartilage and body piercings.
Do needles need autoclaving?: Not if bought pre sterilised and still in date.
Where do I dispose of used needles?: In a sharps container, then follow local sharps disposal rules.