Why does one piercing cost a bit more than another? Spoiler: it’s not just a needle and a stud. Behind every safe, pretty piercing there’s experience, sterilisation, quality jewellery and aftercare. Here are 25 things that go into the price, so you know exactly what you’re paying for (and what to look out for).
The piercer and the studio
- Experience. Skip house parties and hobby piercers. Go to an experienced piercer at a professional studio.
- Super cheap = red flag. A very low price can mean little experience or not the right equipment.
- A licence. In Amsterdam the GGD inspects tattoo and piercing studios. Make sure yours has a valid licence.
- Light and hygiene. Good lighting, a clean space and clear hygiene rules (in Dutch) say a lot about a studio.
- Honesty. A good piercer tells you when a spot isn’t suitable for your anatomy.
- Answers to all your questions. Good explanations and real knowledge are a must.
We have one golden rule: we always ask for your approval first. We mark the spot, you check it out, and only after your "yes!" do we pierce. Nothing happens without your consent.
Sterile, sterile, sterile
- Tools are sterilised in a sterilisation machine, which takes time.
- Jewellery is sterilised and sealed.
- The needle is always sterile and single-use.
- A sterile, disposable marker for marking your spot.
- Sterile mats for the tools and jewellery.
- Bench paper, just like at the doctor’s.
- Latex-free gloves, for people with a latex allergy.
- Used needles are disposed of properly.
Jewellery
- Titanium is the best for fresh piercings: light and nickel-free, and pricier than steel.
- Titanium comes in different grades; better quality costs more.
- Choice! Some studios offer lots of colours and tops, others just one option.
- Gold is possible too, like 14K or 18K solid gold.
Curious about materials? Read titanium vs gold piercings and browse our first jewellery in titanium and gold.
What clients say
Don’t just take our word for it. Here’s what others wrote. Click a name to see the original review:
"She took her time meassuring the distance and making sure it was centered when I was getting pierced."
– Kaithlyn Liew, Google review
"The staff are super professional, friendly, and really make you feel comfortable from the moment you walk in."
– Mishal Trivedi, Google review
"Super well helped with an industrial and an eyebrow piercing, the piercer was a real artist and the info at the front desk was really useful, definitely worth 5 stars!" (translated from Dutch)
– iza de gruijter, Google review
Aftercare and service
- Clear aftercare instructions, written down.
- A studio you can go back to for a check or a jewellery change.
- Help with downsizing once the swelling is gone.
- A studio that knows what to do if you have a question or a complaint.
- Aftercare products you can trust.
- Time: no rushing, ever.
- Compare, do your research and make a well-considered choice.
How to look after it
- Clean it twice a day with the AphraHeals wipe (our favourite: practical, sterile and safe). It fits in any bag, right next to your lip gloss.
- Prefer a spray? The AphraHeals aftercare spray works great too, for example at home.
- Want all AphraHeals products in one place? Visit the AphraHeals shop.
- Wash your hands first, and no twisting or playing with your jewellery. Not even when it looks this good.
- Want to read it all again in peace? Download our aftercare instructions.
Is your piercing getting red, warm or swollen, more painful instead of calmer, or does it stay inflamed? Contact your piercer or a doctor. We’re always happy to take a look.
Please note: all healing times mentioned are an indication. Healing is very personal: for some people it goes faster, for others it takes a little longer.
Healing depends on the spot: a lobe usually takes around 6 to 8 weeks, cartilage often around 6 to 9 months or more. Healing is very personal and depends on many factors, so see these times as a guideline. Prices are in our studio price list.
Why get your piercing at Piercings Works?
- Experience: we’ve been piercing since 1998, and we’ve been at Reguliersbreestraat 46 in Amsterdam since 2004. That’s a lot of happy clients walking out the door.
- Hygiene: we were the first studio with a GGD licence, and the GGD re-inspects us every 3 years.
- Know-how: we’ve trained more than 100 piercers.
- You decide: we always ask for your approval first. We never do anything without your consent.
- Safe jewellery: in the studio we use internally threaded jewellery, so no thread scrapes through your fresh hole.
- One step at a time: we do a maximum of 3 piercings per visit. Even if your bestie yells "one more!"
- Questions in your own language? Our team speaks several languages, usually 6.
- Age: check our minimum age page first.
More than 2,000 reviews, piercing since 1998 and since 2004 at the same location on Reguliersbreestraat 46. We’re open every day of the year from 10:30 to 22:00.
Ready for a piercing that’s worth it? Book your appointment here or just walk in. Bring your bestie for the selfie afterwards!
FAQ about piercing prices
Why is titanium more expensive?
It’s a higher-quality material that’s light and nickel-free, and the best choice for fresh piercings.
Is a cheap piercing a bad idea?
Not always, but a very low price can be a red flag for experience or hygiene.
Can I come back for a check?
Yes, you can always come back for a check or a jewellery change.
My piercing is red and swollen, what should I do?
Contact your piercer or a doctor.
VIP with us is pure benefit, zero risk: join for €50, €100 or €200 a year and get the same amount back as a gift voucher, plus 10% off for as long as your membership runs and free piercing changes.
From Ira, with love
Ira Lutvica is co-owner of Piercings Works, which she runs together with her husband Mensur Lutvica: since 1998, and since 2004 at the same spot on Reguliersbreestraat 46. Ira writes the books herself and runs the piercing course (in Dutch), where she has trained 100+ piercers. Want to know more about this topic? Read her e-book (in Dutch) Sieraad laten verwisselen?. Also read Piercings Works in the media.