Frequently Asked Questions
Everyone has a completely different pain tolerance so this question could never be answered accurately. The piercing itself is quick, most would describe it as a pinch or pressure rather than pain. But we can assure you that it is never as bad as you are expecting! Coming in healthy, being well rested and fed, can make the experience much easier.
Every person has a different experience and pain threshold when it comes to a specific piercing. For someone, a particular piercing could have been their most painful, but for you, the least!
For general piercing aftercare, we would recommend using saline solution and a cotton bud/Q-tip only. You will apply the saline solution to a clean Q-tip and gently cleanse the entrance and the exit of your piercing. Please ensure to then dry your piercing with a clean, dry end of a Q-tip as moisture creates bacteria.
For oral piercing aftercare, like your tongue or frenulum, brush your teeth at least twice a day and use a non-alcoholic mouthwash. Avoid smoking or drinking alcohol, and refrain from eating spicy food or dairy products due to the live bacteria within them for up to 7 days after.
Healing times can be different for each piercing/area/person. It can take anywhere from 6 weeks to 12 months depending on the placement of the piercing. Make sure to stay in touch with your piercer/studio during your healing process if you have any queries. They will be able to advise you on anything you are unsure about!
Do not touch or move your jewellery during healing (only when cleaning with your Q-tip and saline solution). Our hands carry far more bacteria than you would think and having your hands on your fresh piercing wound will never lead to anything great! Avoid over-cleaning your piercing or cleaning with anything that isn’t saline solution (unless advised by your reputable professional piercer after consulting them). Avoid submerging your healing piercing in bodies of water such as the sea or pool due to the bacteria and harsh chemicals they each carry. Avoid skin products around the pierced area and please avoid extended stimulation from items such as tight fitting clothes or other jewellery near or on the piercing as this can impede or stunt your healing process.
Following your advised aftercare will give your piercing the greatest and most efficient chance of healing. Everyones anatomy is unique and there is no one size fits all when it comes to an individuals personal healing process!
You should start cleaning your piercing 12-24 hours after getting it pierced.
Yes! Whether it is to remove it altogether or to embellish your piercing with a new upgraded jewellery design. Especially on the first jewellery change of a piercing, is much easier and far more beneficial letting a professional do it for you as they are aware of the piercing channel in question, allowing a much smoother and less traumatic process for your piercing during a jewellery change.
Let’s resist the twist. Your fresh piercing creates a ‘scab’ like coating which is necessary to heal the skin. If you twist the piercing, it is consistently breaking that scab which could either reopen the wound and allow bacteria in, or just delay the entire healing process altogether. Think of it like a wound on your leg or arm, you leave it be and let it heal!
After 1 month! When you get pierced, you have an automatic ban from swimming in both the sea and pool for at least a month. Why? Pools are always full of extremely harsh chemicals and the sea is home to a lot of bacteria and not just basic salt/water. So, if you are going on holidays in 2 weeks and want to get a navel piercing to show off whilst lounging in the sun and sea, refrain until you’re back or pre-plan it next time so you won’t need to worry!
Maybe you’re the person who’s friends are delighted at the prospect of you shutting up for a few days, however this is a common misconception as it’s fine to speak after getting your tongue pierced – or any oral piercing for that matter. In terms of eating, please refrain from spicy food or dairy products for a week.
There’s no completely right answer to this question, but if your new piercing is likely to get hit during sports then we would refrain from doing so. Also, if you are in the gym and your piercing is being irritated or pressurised due to your gym clothing/equipment/body movements, then please stop and only continue when your piercing is better healed.
No. Sleeping on a new piercing would be incredibly uncomfortable anyway as it will be tender, but the pressure to the area is too much and will impede healing. Ensure you lie on the opposite side of your piercing or on your back if needed. A travel pillow is also a great idea if your favourite piercing ear is also your favourite ear to sleep on!
You cannot and should not get pierced whilst pregnant. Your body is going through an amazing change, but it’s also giving all of your healing abilities to the beautiful being growing inside of you! Your new piercing will not have a chance of healing as all of your bodies defences are going towards you growing your child. But also, your risk of infection will be greater and what happens to you can be passed onto your child.
Nipple piercings are strictly over 18+. Valid I.D such as in your in-date passport, official age card or drivers licence are necessary upon arrival. If you’re lucky enough to possibly look under the age of 18 and we ask for your I.D, take it as a compliment!
Tongue piercings are strictly over 18+. Valid I.D such as your in-date passport, official age card or drivers licence are necessary upon arrival. If you’re lucky enough to possibly look under the age of 18 and we ask for your I.D, take it as a compliment!
No. We are not medical professionals and pharmacists therefore cannot recommend medication. You are welcome to ask your doctor about the use of medication on a specific subject but we will not.
Unfortunately not because once the jewellery has left the studio, we have no idea where it has been. As a result of this hygiene and safety precaution, we cannot resell your piece, therefore we cannot exchange it.
All products are guaranteed to be free of manufacturing defects only.
Any unused product found to be defective at the time of purchase may be exchanged for an equivalent item, or for a voucher.
Step 1, breathe! Step 2, come and see your piercer as soon as you can. Usually what you think is an infection can turn out to be a minor irritation and we can do an on the spot assessment and provide a plan of action to get your new piercing back on track.
Yes you can, but here at Pierced we provide a range of titanium jewellery that will ensure a healthy and happy piercing. If you’re aware that you have an allergy to nickel (there is a trace amount present in our surgical steel jewellery), let your piercer know. That situation is avoidable and you can upgrade to nickel free and hypo-allergenic titanium. We want you to have the greatest piercing experience possible!
We recommend a maximum of three piercings at one time. Your body will be unable to obtain the healing process for anymore than that, therefore sabotaging your other piercings healing process. Please note, the three piercings you want to get altogether may not be feasible as many piercings are far more intense than others. You may be advised to get two or even only one that day, depending on your unique idea and situation. Don’t worry, patience is key and safer for you and your piercing journey if you are advised to take your time.