Educational Workshops · Santa Monica
Volunteer for a free educational piercing workshop
Apollo runs hands-on educational piercing workshops led by our Fakir-certified piercers. Volunteers receive a complimentary piercing performed to the same professional standard as any paid appointment — needle-only, sterile, and finished with implant-grade jewelry. We're starting with general piercings and growing from there.
Must be 18+ with a valid government photo ID. Spots are limited and matched to each session's curriculum.
What the workshop is
These are teaching sessions. Our senior, Fakir-certified piercers train and refine technique, and volunteers make that education possible by receiving a real piercing in a supervised setting. In return, your piercing is on us — the work, the implant-grade jewelry, and the follow-up downsize included.
It is a genuine, professional piercing. The only difference from a standard booking is that it happens as part of structured education, with an instructor overseeing every step. We're launching the program with general piercings, and this page will be the home for every educational piercing workshop we run going forward.
Who can volunteer
- 18 or older, with a valid government-issued photo ID (no exceptions — we don't pierce minors in this program).
- In good general health, with no condition, medication, or pregnancy that makes piercing unsafe. We'll do a short health screening.
- Willing to follow aftercare and to sit for the piercing in a calm, supervised teaching environment.
- Comfortable being matched to a piercing from what that session's curriculum covers — we'll always confirm with you first.
What to expect
- A health screening & consultation first — we check that piercing is safe for you and talk through placement.
- Needle-only, single-use sterile technique, exactly as in a paid appointment. We never use a piercing gun.
- Direct supervision by a Fakir-certified senior piercer throughout. A teaching session may take a little longer than a routine appointment.
- Implant-grade titanium jewelry sized for swelling, plus a booked downsize so it settles cleanly.
- Written aftercare and time to ask questions before you leave.
- Your consent, always. You can ask questions, change your mind, or stop at any point — a free piercing is never an obligation to go through with it.
Sign up to volunteer
Add your details below and we'll reach out with upcoming workshop dates and what's available. Spots are limited.
Free doesn't mean lower standards
This matters, so we'll say it plainly: nothing about our sterility or technique changes because a piercing is complimentary. Single-use sterile needles, implant-grade jewelry, a clean and licensed studio, and a Fakir-certified piercer overseeing the work — every time. If we ever feel a piercing isn't right for your anatomy or health, we'll tell you honestly, the same as we would at any appointment. Learn more about how we pierce or read our aftercare guide.
Workshop FAQ
Is the piercing really free?
Yes. These are educational workshops, and volunteers receive a complimentary piercing as part of supervised training — including the starter implant-grade jewelry. There is no hidden cost to take part.
Is it safe, and who does the piercing?
Our standards do not drop because it's free. Every piercing uses a single-use sterile needle — never a gun — with implant-grade titanium, performed by or under the direct supervision of a Fakir-certified senior piercer. It's a teaching setting, so an instructor is always overseeing the work.
What piercings are offered?
We're starting with general, standard piercings (such as lobe and common ear or body placements). The specific piercings available each session are set by that workshop's curriculum, and we confirm exactly what's on offer when we schedule you.
Who can volunteer?
You must be 18 or older with a valid government photo ID, in good general health with no condition that makes piercing unsafe, and willing to follow the aftercare. We do not pierce minors through this program.
Do I get to choose my piercing?
It's a curriculum-led session, so the options depend on what's being taught that day. We match you to a piercing you actually want from what's available, and we always confirm placement and get your consent before anything happens.
What jewelry will I get?
Implant-grade titanium (ASTM F-136), sized long for swelling, with a downsize follow-up included — the same jewelry and process we use in a paid appointment. Solid gold upgrades can be discussed.
What's expected of me as a volunteer?
Arrive on time, answer the health screening honestly, sit for the piercing in a supervised teaching environment, and follow the aftercare afterward. You may be asked (optionally) to let us document healing. You can decline or stop at any point.