As the in-house piercing technician at Chameleon Ink Tattoo& Body Piercing in downtown Bellingham, Burnidge has been pierced more than 200 times in his lifetime. He currently has 23 piercings of his own—ranging from an eyebrow piercing to dermal anchors on his cheek bones.
Burnidge’s road to piercing began with a fascination for medical technology and health safety. Before entering into his current piercing career he was on the path toward becoming a pharmaceutical chemist. Pharmaceuticals had too much chemistry for Burnidge, so he decided to put his medical understanding toward his interest of piercing instead.
Burnidge said he has pierced himself many times and likes being able to change his appearance, as well as his clients’ appearance, with piercing.
*Additional reporting by Carey Rose
Piercing Profile:
Name: Dana Burnidge
Number of piercings: 23
Number of people he has pierced: Between 250 and 300 people
How he describes himself: I’m an extremist—in a safe and controlled way.”
Piercing moto: Keep it simple. Keep it safe.”
Other interests: Opera, cooking and discovering new and exciting things to do.
Burnidge's favorite piercing:
"I love my conch piercings, I think they’re among my favorite piercings. I was silly enough to pierce both of them at the same time. Sleeping. That was fun for a few weeks.
Keeping it clean:
Cleanliness is crucial in all aspects of piercing. Burnidge said he sanitizes the front counter at Chameleon Ink Tattoo & Body Piercing five to six times a day and washes his hands three to five dozen times.
Improper sterilization techniques can result in infections of bloodborne pathogens such as human immunodeficiency virus, or HIV, and hepatitis B and C. It is up to the piercing artist to ensure safe practices occur.
Quick tips for healing:
The amount of time required for changing out piercings varies from piercing to piercing and person to person.
Do not use greasy antibacterial product on any piercing. It becomes a bacteria trap.
Avoid exfoliating skin products during the healing process.
Don’t touch piercings with unwashed hands.
Soak, swab and massage to increase bloodflow.
Share this article:
Comments (2)
Only registered users can post comments. Please login or register.
Comments (2)
find us on: