FAQ

No. Most people claim that getting a piercing is uncomfortable rather than painful. Everyone has their own individual pain threshold but the sensation incurred during piercing is nothing that a person can’t handle.

There is a possibly, after all we are cutting the skin. However, the hole we make from the piercing will be filled by the jewellery so bleeding will be minimal. All major veins and arteries are situated deep in the body, and, as we pierce relatively shallow, there’s no chance of accidentally piercing any of them.

Some medications can affect blood clotting e.g. aspirin, warfarin. Please inform us if you take medication.

Drinking alcohol prior to piercing will affect blood clotting. Therefore we won’t pierce you if you’ve been drinking before your appointment.

Healing times vary from person to person and we don’t consider a piercing fully healed until a ‘tube’ of surface skin has formed throughout the wound. This can take up to a year depending on the depth and length of the piercing.

However, a piercing is usually established enough to be able to change the jewellery at about 4/5 months (2/3 months for tongue, lips and genitals).

Always consult a professional piercer for the first change to be sure the area is ready and for advice on sizing.

1. Infection: This is the most common complication of body piercing. Infections can occur if the piercing is not properly cared for post-procedure. Typical signs of infections include excessive redness, swelling, tenderness, or pus discharge.

2. Allergic Reaction: Some people may react negatively to certain metals used in the jewelry inserted into the piercing. Common allergic reactions may include itching, redness, rash, or swelling around the piercing site.

3. Piercing Migration and Rejection: Sometimes, the body may try to force the foreign object (the piercing) out, causing the jewelry to move (migration) or even to be fully pushed out (rejection). This is more common with surface piercings, but can occur with any type of piercing.

4. Keloids and Hypertrophic Scarring: These are overgrowths of scar tissue at the site of the piercing. Some people are more prone to this type of scarring than others.

5. Piercing Bumps: These are common with ear and nose piercings. They may be caused by jewelry, bacteria, an injury, or an improper piercing technique.

6. Nerve Damage: While less common, certain piercings, such as those at the tongue or certain parts of the ear, carry a risk of nerve damage. This can sometimes lead to numbness or changes in sensation.

7. Jewelry Embedding: This happens when the jewelry gets embedded in the skin because the area was pierce with small jewellery not allowing room for swelling or just because you swelled more than normal.

8. Oral Problems: Lip, cheek, and tongue piercings can cause teeth damage, gum recession, or oral infections.

These problems can be minimized or potentially avoided through careful research on piercing techniques, establishing a post-piercing care routine, using appropriate jewelry, and consulting with a professional piercer or healthcare provider at the first sign of complications.

Piercings can get infected for various reasons such as poor hygiene, poor aftercare, allergic reactions, or unintentional trauma to the piercing area. Here are a few potential signs of an infected piercing:

1. Redness and Swelling: Mild redness and swelling immediately after getting a piercing is normal, but if this lasts for several days or worsens over time, it could be an indication of an infection.

2. Pain: Some discomfort or pain is expected after getting a new piercing, but prolonged or increasing pain could signify an infection.

3. Discharge of Pus: One of the most common signs of infection is the discharge of a yellow or green pus from the piercing hole.

4. Fever and Chills: If you start feeling feverish or have chills, it's a strong indicator that your body is fighting an infection.

5. Other Changes in Health: General ill feelings, swelling in nearby lymph nodes, or unexplained fatigue can also be signs of an infection.

6. Warmth or Heat: If the pierced area feels hot to the touch, this may be a sign of infection.

If you notice any of these signs, it is advisable to seek medical attention immediately. A healthcare professional can provide appropriate treatment to prevent the infection from worsening, which can lead to potentially serious complications. Let me know if you need more information.

Using quality head end jewellery is of utmost importance in body piercing for several reasons. Firstly, head end jewellery refers to the piece that is inserted into the piercing, typically the visible part of the jewellery. This jewellery is often exposed to the environment and can directly impact the healing process and overall appearance.

Using high-quality head end jewellery ensures proper healing and reduces the risk of complications or infections. Quality jewellery is typically made from materials such as titanium, surgical steel, or nickel-free gold, which are less likely to cause allergic reactions or irritations. Using low-quality or improper materials can lead to adverse effects on the piercing, such as poor healing, migration, or rejection.

Additionally, head end jewellery plays a significant role in the aesthetic aspect of body piercing. It can enhance the overall appearance of the piercing, complementing the individual's style and allowing them to express their personality. High-quality jewellery is designed to be durable, preventing color fading, tarnishing, or loss of gemstones. It also ensures comfort, as well-fitted jewellery reduces the chances of irritation or discomfort.

By choosing head end jewellery from reputable piercers or professional suppliers, individuals can ensure the safety, comfort, and longevity of their piercings. It is crucial to consult with a professional piercer who can guide in selecting the appropriate jewellery for each specific piercing, taking into consideration the size, placement, and individual preferences. Ultimately, investing in quality head end jewellery is essential for maintaining healthy, beautiful piercings.

High-end jewelry exudes grandeur and style, but its importance extends far beyond aesthetics. The utilization of high-end jewelry imparts unique advantages, setting apart both its wearers and creators.

1. Quality and Durability: Premium jewelry is crafted with high-quality materials and delicate precision. It's typically made of authentic precious metals and gemstones, which are inherently durable and can withstand daily wear and tear. The fine workmanship ensures it lasts generations, often becoming heirloom pieces.

2. Value and Investment: Owing to the precious materials used in high-end jewelry, it maintains and, in many cases, appreciates in value over time. Gold, platinum, diamonds, and precious stones appreciate, making such jewelry not just a luxury purchase but also a wise investment.

3. Personal Expression and Status Symbol: High-end jewelry serves as a representation of personal style, wealth, and status. It can reflect one's achievements and personal milestones or signify a person's cultural and societal standing.

4. Artistic Expression: Creating high-end jewelry is an art form. The intricate designs represent the melding of craftsmanship and creativity. Wearing such pieces allow individuals to support and be a part of this timeless art form.

5. Sentimental Value: Due to the value and longevity, high-end jewelry often carries immense sentimental value, representing token of love, achievement, or memory. It's commonly passed down through generations as treasured family heirlooms.

6. Sustainability: High-end jeweler brands have stringent ethical sourcing and production policies in place. By purchasing from these brands, one supports sustainable practices in the jewelry industry.

7. Personal Identity: Each high-end piece is unique, thus allowing wearers to express their individuality. Encrusted with diamonds, emeralds, rubies, or sapphires, they provide an opulent showcase of personal tastes.

8. Celebration of Special Occasions: High-end jewelry pieces are often used to celebrate special occasions like birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, and graduations, making those moments truly memorable.

In essence, the importance of high-end jewelry is manifold, intertwining material value with emotional, artistic, and cultural significance. It's not just about indulgence but more about appreciation for delicate craftsmanship, durability, artistic expression, and sentimentality.

Aftercare for Your New Piercing*

Proper aftercare is crucial to heal your new piercing and prevent infection or other complications. Follow these instructions to ensure healthy healing of your piercing.

*Cleaning Your Piercing:*

1. *Hand Hygiene:* Always wash your hands thoroughly with warm water and antibacterial soap before touching your piercing.

2. *Cleaning Solution:* Use a saline solution ( NeilMed ) for cleaning the pierced area. Avoid alcohol or hydrogen peroxide as they can damage healing tissues.

3. *Cleaning Procedure:* Apply the saline solution to the area and remove the crusty build up, gently clean the pierce area at least two times a day, morning and evening. Make sure to clean any discharge.

*Healthy Habits:*

1. *Avoid Touching:* Do not touch, twist, or play with your piercing unnecessarily. The more you touch it, the higher the chance of introducing bacteria and causing infection.

2. *Healthy Lifestyle:* Try to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Proper nutrition and sufficient sleep can support your body in healing the piercing. Avoid stress, alcohol, smoking, and caffeine as they can slow down the healing process.

3. *Protect Your Piercing:* Use clean and soft clothing material and try to avoid any pull or pressure on the new piercing especially while sleeping.

4. *Avoid Swimming:* Avoid swimming in public pools, hot tubs, or open water during the healing duration to keep your new piercing clean and avoid exposure to bacteria.

*Warning Signs:*

1. *Infection:* Be alert for signs of infection, which can include severe redness, swelling, a warm feeling, unpleasant odor, yellow or green discharge, or persistent pain. If you experience these symptoms, contact your healthcare provider immediately or go to the nearest emergency room.

2. *Allergic Reaction:* If you experience itching, rashes, difficulty breathing, or swollen lips, you may be having an allergic reaction to the jewellery material. In such a case, remove the jewellery immediately and consult your healthcare provider.

Remember, different types of piercings may need additional or specific care, depending on their location and your body's response. Always follow the advice of your professional piercer. If you have any questions or concerns, contact your professional piercer or a healthcare provider.

Healing times can vary from a few weeks to several months depending on the type and location of the piercing. Be patient, follow the aftercare instructions, and you'll enjoy your new piercing for years to come.

*Disclaimer:* This information is intended to provide general aftercare guidance. Please consult with your professional piercing artist or healthcare provider for personalized advice.

When it comes to body piercing, the material of the jewelry is very important, influencing not only aesthetics but also your health. Concerning stainless steel and other metals, here's why some people recommend against them:

1. *Allergic Reactions*: Some people are allergic to certain types of metals like nickel, which is often present in stainless steel. This can cause itchiness, redness, swelling, pain, or other unusual skin reactions around the piercing site.

2. *Quality and Purity*: Stainless steel is not 100% pure. It's an alloy composed of various metals including iron, carbon, nickel, and chromium. Therefore, when you pierce with stainless steel, you introduce an amalgamation of different metals into your body, potentially increasing the risk of unwanted reactions. Other low-quality metals can have similar issues.

3. *Longer Healing Time*: Metals like stainless steel or inferior quality alloys may prolong the healing process of fresh piercings as these materials might not be biocompatible.

4. *Potential for Infection*: Lower quality metals may have a rougher surface at a microscopic level, creating small places for bacteria to thrive. This can potentially result in infections.

It's recommended that when you choose piercing jewelry, pick a hypoallergenic metal such as surgical-grade stainless steel, titanium, 14 or 18 karat gold, or platinum to minimize the risks. More importantly, ensure that it complies with body jewelry standards like the Association of Professional Piercers (APP) standards. Lastly, always pay attention to any unusual symptoms or discomfort in the area of your piercing, and consult with healthcare professionals as necessary.

Deposits are required to hold your appointment space. (They are non-refundable, but do come off the final price of the tattoo.) If for any reason you need to reschedule an appointment please let the artist know as soon as possible. If you let them know within the arranged time bracket before your appointment then the deposit will be carried over to the new date you book in for. Any later than the arranged time bracket or failing to show up to the tattoo appointment means losing your deposit, and paying a new one to book in again. Designs will only be drawn/prepared once a deposit and date has been put down.

Consultations are free so please message the specific artist or call the studio if you would like come in and have a chat with them about your tattoo idea. If you find any pictures of the design you would like done, or have seen any of our work that takes your fancy, please bring them to the consultation and let us know.