Things Your Piercer Wishes You Knew (But Will Still Smile Through Anyway)

You’ve booked your piercing. Done a little scrolling for inspo, and maybe even watched a YouTube video that made it look way more dramatic than it actually is. Now you’re walking into the studio — nerves, questions, and all. And while we’re always happy to talk you through every step (and we will), there are a few things we secretly wish clients already knew before sitting in the chair.

So here it is: the things your piercer wishes you knew — served up with a side of sass, sincerity, and Area 51- style straight talk.

1. Saying “I Hate Needles” While Booking

We get it. Truly. Lots of people hate needles. But here’s the thing — a piercing needle is not the same as a vaccination needle. It’s thinner, sharper, and over in a flash. Saying “I hate needles” on repeat won’t make it hurt less… but it will make us put on our most soothing-yet-knowing smile.

Pro tip:
Let your piercer know if you’re nervous. We’ll talk you through it and adjust the pace. Just don’t try to fidget your way through it like you’re avoiding a blood draw.

2. We’re Not Judging Your Ears (Or Anything Else)

Promise. Whether your ears are small, asymmetrical, or sporting a regrettable home piercing from 2009 — we’ve seen it all. Our job is to help you express yourself safely, not judge your anatomy, previous choices, or level of earlobe fluff.

What we love:

Unique ears.
Creative stack ideas.
Confident weirdness.

So, stop apologising for your ears. They’re perfect for piercing.

3. Crust Is Normal. Infection Is Not.

Say it with us now: Crust ≠ Infection.That clear-to-yellow crust around your jewellery? Totally normal. It’s just dried fluid — your body’s way of healing. Infection, on the other hand, comes with redness, heat, pus, and usually, panic.

If in doubt:
Contact us. We’d much rather confirm it’s just a bit of healing discharge than have you spiral into WebMD chaos.

4. You Don’t Need to Clean It 47 Times a Day

More is not better. We love a hygiene-conscious client, but overcleaning is one of the top causes of irritated piercings. Once a day with saline is plenty. More than that and you’re stripping your skin of its natural ability to heal. Please skip:

Tea tree oil.
Surgical spirit.
DIY vinegar blends.

If it smells like it belongs in a salad or floor cleaner, it probably doesn’t belong in your ear.

5. Jewellery from That Market Stall Isn’t Doing You Any Favours

Sorry, but… Although that £3 unicorn hoop looked so cute on your city break. But if you’ve got mystery metal in a healing piercing, expect problems. It’s like inviting a snotty toddler to your immune system’s birthday party. Trust us and buy:

Implant-grade titanium.
High-polished surgical steel.
Real gold (14k+).

Cheap jewellery is expensive when it costs you healing time.

6. No, We’re Not Going to Pierce Your 10-Year-Old’s Cartilage

There are rules. We follow them. We love being part of milestone piercings, but we also believe in protecting young bodies. Cartilage piercings require maturity (and parental consent in most cases). No amount of bribery or puppy-dog eyes changes that. Plus, all piercings have age laws, which we follow.

Minimum ages vary:
Ask us what’s suitable — we’re happy to explain the options and find something age-appropriate.

7. Your Friends Mean Well, But They’re Not Piercers

Karen said twist it. TikTok said tea tree oil. Your goldfish said to bleach it.Who do you trust?

We’re the ones who:

Sterilise your jewellery.
Do piercings for a living.
Have 30+ years of safe practice.

So, while they may mean well, we’ve got the training, the tools, and the clinical standards to back it up.

8. Changing Your Jewellery Too Early Is Asking for Trouble

Patience, grasshopper. We know you’re excited to swap out your stud for that crescent moon hoop. But changing your jewellery before the piercing is fully healed is like peeling off a scab too soon — you’re just asking for a set-back.

How long to wait?

Lobes: 6–8 weeks.
Cartilage: 3–9 months.
Daith/rook/conch: longer than you

Let us check before you switch.

9. Piercers Are People Too (With Bad Jokes and Good Advice)

You’re not annoying us. Ask questions. Share ideas. Talk through your vision. We genuinely want to help — and if you crack a joke about “just a quick stab,” we’ve heard it, but we’ll still chuckle politely.

We care.
We love what we do.
We want you to heal well.

Final Thoughts: We’re Smiling Because We Love It (And You)

Piercing is personal. It’s vulnerable. Sometimes it’s sweaty, chatty, or full of nervous laughter. We don’t mind. In fact, we love it. But we also hope this guide gave you a bit of insider knowledge — and maybe a laugh or two.

So next time you say “I hate needles,” just know we’ll still smile… and we’ve already sterilised the tools.

Thinking of getting pierced? Book your appointment at Area51 — no judgement, just good banter and better jewellery.