FAQs

Honestly? A quick sharp pinch, then it's over. Most people describe it as less painful than expected — way less than getting a blood test. Lobes are the easiest; cartilage, navel and nipples feel more. We talk you through it and coach your breathing.

It depends on the piercing. Ear lobes heal in 6–8 weeks. Cartilage (helix, daith, conch) can take 6–12 months. Nipples and navel are in the 6–12 month range too. See our full aftercare guide for a detailed table.

Only implant-grade: titanium (ASTM F-136), niobium, 14k solid gold, or PTFE/Bioflex for surface and oral work. No cheap plated junk, no nickel, no mystery metals. What's in the jewellery ultimately matters more than the piercer's skill when it comes to healing.

Not for fresh piercings — we can only use jewellery we can verify is implant-grade and properly sterilised. Once fully healed you can change to whatever you like (we just recommend quality materials to keep things happy).

True metal allergies are rare, but nickel sensitivity is common. Everything we pierce with is nickel-free by specification. If you've reacted to jewellery before, tell us and we'll recommend titanium or niobium.

16+ for most piercings with photo ID. 14–15 for ear and nostril only, with a parent and matching ID. Under 14 is lobe-only and entirely at our discretion. We don't compromise on this.

Come in for a free consultation. We'll look at your anatomy (not every piercing suits every ear), talk about healing, placement, pain level and jewellery. Better to spend 15 minutes chatting than get something that won't heal.

Most single piercings are £18–£30 including sterile, implant-grade jewellery. See the full price list. Jewellery upgrades (gold, gems, bioflex) start from £5 — no pressure, just options.

Both work. Walk-ins are welcome during opening hours — we'll fit you in when we can. Booking ahead guarantees your slot, especially for weekends and multi-piercing sessions.

First: don't panic, and don't Google-diagnose. Most things we see are easily fixed. Drop in any time during opening hours — we don't charge to check on a piercing we've done. For anything serious (spreading redness, fever, heavy discharge), see your GP or A&E straight away.

Not for a while. Pools, hot tubs, baths and the sea are off-limits for 6–8 weeks minimum. Sweating at the gym is usually fine after the first couple of weeks, as long as you clean the piercing after and don't bash it.

Yes to both. Stretching is best done gradually — come see us and we'll plan a schedule. Re-piercing scar tissue is possible but needs an in-person assessment first.