Piercing FAQs: The Honest, Unfiltered Edition (Duncan Tells It Like It Is)
You’ve got questions, and Duncan’s got answers — whether you’re nervously eyeing the piercing chair or already sporting more metal than a punk gig in ’97. This guide is a no-fluff, no-nonsense breakdown of the most common piercing FAQs, answered with decades of expertise and the blunt honesty only a professional piercer (with 30+ years in the game) can provide.
So, if you’ve ever typed “Does a nose piercing hurt?” at 2am or wondered whether your Gran will disown you over a septum hoop, this one’s for you.
General Piercing FAQs (aka ‘Ask Before You Panic’)
1.Does it hurt?
Yes — but not as much as you think. It’s a pinch. If you’ve survived a stubbed toe or wax strip, you’ll be fine.
2. How long does a piercing take to heal?
Depends on the location:
- Earlobes: 6–8 weeks.
- Cartilage: 3–9 months.
- Navel: 6 months (ish).
- Nipples/Genital: 3–12 months depending on care and anatomy.
3. Do you use a piercing gun?
No. Never. Not even if you paid us in Haribo and compliments.
We use sterile, single-use hollow needles because they’re safer, more accurate, and your tissue deserves better than blunt-force trauma.
4. Can I get pierced while pregnant?
Nope. Your immune system is already working overtime. Plus, we won’t risk complications for you or the baby. Please wait until your body has healed from pregnancy.
5. Do I need ID?
Yes. If you’re lucky enough to still get carded, bring photo ID. Age restrictions are serious business (and we follow them to the letter).
Jewellery & Materials Questions (Because Cheap Metal Isn’t Cute)
1. What kind of jewellery do you use?
Only the good stuff:
- Implant-grade titanium.
- Niobium.
- Surgical steel (when appropriate).
- No mystery alloys. No flaking coatings. No bargain bin bling.
2. Can I bring my own jewellery?
Not for the initial piercing. It must be sterile, the right size, and the right material. Most people bring in jewellery that isn’t suitable (sorry, Etsy fans). Once your piercing is healed, we can change your jewellery for you. Check out our jewellery changing service.
3. When can I switch to gold/platinum/diamond?
Once fully healed — and only if it’s high quality. We’ll let you know when it’s safe to upgrade your sparkle.
Hygiene & Safety FAQs (Or: We’re Not Barbarians)
1. How do you clean your tools?
Autoclaves. The same thing hospitals use. It uses high-pressure steam to obliterate bacteria. We test our equipment regularly, and use sterile single-use kits. Clean freaks welcome here.
2. What do I need to do before my appointment?
Eat something light — no fainting on us (although, you wouldn’t be the first nor last).Stay sober — no alcohol.
3. Can I bring a friend or parent?
Of course! Just don’t bring the whole squad. Space is limited, and too many voices can distract from precision. Please note – Children are not welcome in the piercing room. They are welcome to wait in our waiting area, if they are not left unattended.
Aftercare & Healing (Because You Want to Keep That Piercing, Right?)
1. How do I clean my new piercing?
Use saline solution — either pre-made or DIY with non-iodised sea salt and warm distilled water. Clean once daily. That’s it.
2. Can I twist the jewellery to stop it sticking?
Please don’t. This isn’t a Rubik’s cube. Twisting irritates the wound and slows healing.
3. Is crust normal?
Yes. It’s dried lymph, not your body falling apart. Just don’t pick at it.
4. What if it goes red or swells?
Some redness = normal. A lot = get in touch. If it’s hot, angry, oozing, or smells like bin juice, see us or a doctor.
5. Can I swim/go to the gym/wear headphones?
- No swimming (for a few weeks).
- Gym = OK, just clean it after.
- Headphones? Depends on the piercing. Avoid anything pressing on it.
Weird but Valid Questions (Yes, You’re Not the Only One)
What if I faint? Happens. You’ll be safe in our piercing chair. We’ve got juice and patience.
Can I get pierced if I’m on my period? Yes. Just be aware your pain tolerance might be lower.
What if I sneeze/move/jump mid-piercing? You won’t. We’ve done this thousands of times. But even if you do, we’re trained to stay steady.
Do you offer numbing cream? Nope. Numbing creams are unreliable, can affect placement, and delay healing. We prefer quick, clean and done.
Will my gran hate it? Possibly. But she’ll get over it once she sees how cute it looks (and how sterile the studio is).
Studio Stuff (You Might Be Wondering…)
1. Do I need an appointment?
Yes, if you’d rather not be waiting around. We like to prepare for every client properly.
Walkins are welcome – but be prepared to wait whilst we prepare the piercing room and jewellery.
2. How much does it cost?
Depends on the piercing. Prices include jewellery and aftercare advice. No hidden fees, no sales pitches. Ask us for our current rates.
3. Do you do genital/nipple piercings?
Yes — with strict age policies, privacy, and professionalism. Book a consultation to chat in advance.
Final Thoughts: You Ask, We Answer (No Judgment, Ever)
At Area 51, no question is too weird, too small, or too obvious. Duncan’s heard it all — and answered with the same combo of blunt honesty, clinical hygiene, and humour.
So if you’re still unsure, ask. Seriously. We’re here to help you pierce smart, heal well, and maybe laugh a little while you’re at it.
Do you have a piercing FAQ that hasn’t been answered? Or just want to book your piercing with people who know what they’re doing? Get in touch — we’ve got gloves, answers, and tea.