Marking a Bond | Body Branding 101 

Creating and wearing marks on flesh are often used and enjoyed parts of BDSM play. Generally, bites, scratches and bruises only last a short time, but some kinksters want to find a more permanent way to wear their marks. A masochist favourite is body branding - but what is it, and can it be done safely? Victoria Blisse gives you the lowdown. 

 

What is body branding?

Body branding - or BDSM branding or skin branding - is hot (literally) and can be used to show your dedication to your Dominant. It could also be an experience just for you to enjoy if you're a masochist - or to show off your brand that says something uniquely about you. However, body branding is an extreme practice and is an example of Risk Aware Consensual Kink (RACK) and is NOT something to be undertaken lightly.
 

 

The process of skin branding is painful and will continue to hurt until the brand (which is an open burn wound) heals. If you're not good with pain, getting a brand is probably not a good idea!

It's strongly advised only to be branded by a professional or by someone with plenty of experience. Body branding is considered dangerous and can leave a permanent mark — it also leaves a vulnerable, open wound on the person. While using a hot metal brand is one way of doing it, it's not the only way to be branded. There are electrical ways to do it, too. 

 

From Violet Wands to Hot Irons: How Kinksters Mark Their Passion

Violet wand branding

Some violet wands have a specific fixing designed to burn flesh, where it focuses the electricity into a tiny, intense point and leaves a burn mark the size of a small dot. If you move this carefully and precisely, you can draw a pattern on someone's skin.

An example of skin branding made with a violet wand.  Image: Mountain-Top via Flickr Creative Commons Licence. 

 

Hot metal branding 

This kind of skin branding involves moulding a piece of metal into a specific shape or design that you want, then heating it to an incredibly high temperature and applying it to the skin.

 

Body branding safety

A note on safety: We're not going to provide a step-by-step guide to body branding as it's not something any kinkster should do. However, if you're looking to give a body branding yourself, talk to people who know what they're doing. If you've never done skin branding before, it would be advisable to do it with a mentor to guide you as the process happens.

 

 

In general, ensure the person doing the branding has the experience, and sanitize all equipment. If using a fire source, be sure to take all fire safety precautions. After applying the brand to the skin, it's essential to keep the site clean. Aloe Vera or antiseptic cream applications can control pain, but don't cover the burn; it needs to be open to the air to heal. If the wound gets infected (goes green, smells bad, or is gunky), then you must have it checked out by a doctor ASAP.

 

Is body branding illegal?

Human skin branding counts as body modification, and a conviction of a tattooist for performing body modifications with consent means many body modifications, such as scarification, are not undertaken by tattoo and piercing parlors because the law isn't explicit in this area. Body branding is part of this legal gray area; consider carefully before agreeing to have one.

 

MORE LIKE THIS:

• Kink for Ink! Exploring Tattoo Fetish and Stigmatophilia
• Showing Commitment With a BDSM Tattoo in a D/s Relationship
• Should I Modify My Body for My Mistress?

 

Some territories view skin branding as grievous bodily harm (GBH), and within those laws, you can't consent to this kind of harm. So in a court of law, a brand is likely to be seen as an illegal act. If in doubt, it's wise to check out the laws local to you.

 

Is body branding permanent?

It can be. However, there's no way of knowing this for sure before you have a brand on your skin. Some people burn easily; some heal well, and some don't. Every person will react differently to skin branding, and it will depend on the type of body brand and the design you receive — this means that a brand can last as little as a few weeks, or it could be permanent.

 

 

Realistically, it will be on your body for a significant time. So again, it really should be something you seriously consider before deciding to pursue. While body branding in BDSM is regarded as an extreme kink, it certainly can be enjoyed, as long as you weigh up the risks and do it safely.

Victoria Blisse was an erotic author and sex-positive Reverend. She helped shape fetish.com and FET from the very beginning and we're eternally grateful for her passion and creativity. Sadly, she passed away in January 2024. We hope that whenever her articles are read, she'll be honored.
 

 

Wanna talk more about body branding? Join our kinky family! 
 

📌 Fetish.com FAQ on BDSM Branding

We've got answers – straight from the Fetish.com team! This FAQ wasn't written by our beloved Victoria Blisse, but we've rounded up your most burning questions (pun very much intended) about BDSM branding, branding kink, and all things marking.

What is BDSM branding?

BDSM branding (also known as branding kink, branding fetish, or marking BDSM) is the act of burning or freezing the skin to leave a visible mark. It is considered a form of extreme body modification and is typically used to symbolize ownership, devotion, or deep connection within a D/s dynamic. While some people view it as a sacred ritual, it is also a high-risk kink that should never be approached lightly.

Why would someone want to be branded?

There are different motivations:

• A submissive might choose to carry a permanent symbol of their Dominant.
• Masochists may enjoy the intense pain and healing process.
• Some couples use it to replace or complement BDSM tattoos.
• For others, it's an aesthetic or symbolic act of commitment or transformation.

Branding can also be a form of RACK (Risk-Aware Consensual Kink), where full knowledge and enthusiastic consent are essential.

Is BDSM branding always permanent?

Not necessarily. Some brands are temporary surface burns that fade after weeks or months. Others, especially strike branding or cauterization, can leave lifelong scars. The permanence depends on:

• Branding technique
• Tool used
• Skin type
• Aftercare

 

 

What tools are used for branding kink?

There are various tools that can be used for BDSM branding, depending on the method:

• Hot metal brands or stainless steel strips
• Violet wands (electric branding)
• Electrosurgical pens or cauterizers
• Lasers or freezing tools (e.g., liquid nitrogen)
• Moxa cones (from traditional Chinese medicine)

Note: Never use animal branding irons. They are too deep and unsafe for human skin.

Does BDSM branding hurt?

Yes. It causes second- or third-degree burns and should never be attempted without full consent and preparation. Some people experience:

• A dopamine rush during the pain
• A subspace-like calm or trance
• A feeling of spiritual or emotional transformation

But: pain is guaranteed, and infection risks are serious if the wound isn't treated properly.

Is BDSM branding legal?

Branding exists in a legal gray area in many countries. In some jurisdictions, it may be considered grievous bodily harm (GBH), even with consent. Legal acceptance differs by country and region (e.g., more accepted in parts of the US, New Zealand, and Austria). Always check local laws before pursuing BDSM marking or branding fetish activities.

How can you brand someone safely?

• Consult a body modification or scarification professional.
• Use sterile, surgical-grade tools only.
• Never attempt it alone or untrained.
• Always prepare for first aid and infection control.
• Keep wounds clean, uncovered, and monitored during healing.
• Be emotionally prepared – this is not just kink, but trauma to the skin.

 

Final word from us:

Whether you're exploring marking, ownership, or deep symbolic play, BDSM branding is not a casual activity. If you’re curious, talk to experienced kinksters in the Fetish.com community forums – and remember: consent, communication, and education always come first.

 

Cover Image: Stuart Updegrave. Martian Branding 058 via Flickr Creative Commons License.