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One of the world's top 10 piercing and tattoo studio’s

Everything about piercings, tattoos, and professional training - The complete knowledge guide from Piercings Works

27 February 2026
Piercings Works  Ira Lutvica
Piercings Works Ira Lutvica
Expert
For more than 22 years, Piercings Works has been a leading center of expertise in the heart of Amsterdam. Every day we work with real clients, real bodies, and real healing processes.<br />
In this complete knowledge guide you’ll find an overview of our most important articles about piercings, tattoos, aftercare, materials, pain, medical situations, and professional training.

Whether you’re looking for an answer to a specific question, doubting a piercing choice, or aiming to become a professional piercer — here you’ll find reliable information in one central place.

Healing & Recovery

Healing is rarely linear. Redness, swelling, or mild irritation can be normal — but not always.
In these articles you’ll learn what to expect during recovery, and when you should take action.

  • Is your piercing still red after three weeks? Read what’s normal during healing and when redness can be a warning sign.

  • Not sure whether it’s an infection or “just” irritation? Learn how to spot the difference and when to intervene.

  • Some symptoms require a professional assessment. Read here when it’s wise to seek medical help for piercing issues. (When should you see your GP?)


Pain & Anxiety

How painful is a piercing really? Why does pain differ per person? And what happens in your body when you’re stressed or tense?

How painful is a piercing?

Wondering how much a piercing actually hurts? Read how pain perception differs per placement and per person:
https://www.piercingsworks.com/nl/blogs/blog-news/hoe-pijnlijk-is-een-piercing-waarom-die-vraag-zeld/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

https://www.piercingsworks.com/nl/blogs/blog-news/welke-piercings-doen-het-meest-pijn/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Fear of needles

Do you have needle anxiety or tension before your appointment? Discover what happens in your body and how to reduce that fear:
https://www.piercingsworks.com/nl/blogs/blog-news/waarom-mensen-bang-zijn-voor-naalden/

Stress and its impact on healing

Did you know stress can affect healing? Read how your body responds to tension and recovery:
https://www.piercingsworks.com/nl/blogs/blog-news/waarom-meditatie-kan-helpen-bij-het-genezen-van-je/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

https://www.piercingsworks.com/nl/blogs/blog-news/piercing-zelfzorg-wat-je-piercing-je-probeert-te-v/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Hormonal cycle & pain sensitivity

Your cycle can influence pain and sensitivity. Read how hormonal shifts can change your piercing experience:
https://www.piercingsworks.com/nl/blogs/blog-news/het-lichaam-in-cyclus-waarom-dezelfde-piercing-nie/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

https://www.piercingsworks.com/nl/blogs/blog-news/je-menstruatiecyclus-je-nieuwe-piercing-een-beetje/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Preventing fainting

Afraid you might faint during a piercing? Practical tips to stay stable and relaxed:
https://www.piercingsworks.com/nl/blogs/blog-news/waarom-vallen-mensen-flauw-bij-piercings-en-tatoea/

https://www.piercingsworks.com/nl/blogs/blog-news/faq-voor-je-piercing-alles-wat-je-stiekem-wil-wete/


Intimate Piercings

Professional and safe information about sensitive areas, healing, and intimacy.

Intimacy and piercings often raise questions — here you’ll find safe, practical answers that actually help:
https://www.piercingsworks.com/nl/blogs/blog-news/seks-intimiteit-en-piercings-een-medische-en-prakt/

  • When can you be intimate again?
    Not sure when it’s safe to have sex after an intimate piercing? Read what’s safe during healing.

  • Does sensitivity change permanently?
    Many people wonder if sensitivity changes for good. Discover what’s realistic — and what isn’t.

  • Safety during healing
    What’s safe during the healing period, and what increases the risk of complications? Read the medical and practical explanation here.

  • Risk of tearing or damage
    Can an intimate piercing tear or get damaged? Here’s when extra caution matters.

  • Pregnancy and intimate piercings
    What should you know about pregnancy and intimate piercings? Read the professional explanation here.


Aftercare & Hygiene

Correct aftercare largely determines the success of your piercing.


Materials & Jewelry

Choosing the right material is essential for safe healing.


Medical Situations

In some situations, extra caution is needed.


Anatomy & Professional Placement

Not every piercing suits every anatomy. Experience and correct placement make the difference.


Multiple Piercings & Lifestyle

Practical questions about work, travel, and everyday life.


Tattoo & Body Art

Besides piercings, we also offer professional tattoo services.


Professional Training – PiercingCursus

Want to become a professional piercer?
Discover our recognized training program via PiercingCursus.


Podcast & Education

Listen to our educational podcast where we go deeper into healing, pain, psychology, and real-life studio experience.

(Blog News / General)

Looking stylish is one thing — a well-healing piercing requires attention. Here’s how to keep that balance:
https://www.piercingsworks.com/nl/blogs/blog-news/je-draagt-designer-kleding-maar-je-piercing-komt-v/


Our authority

  • 22+ years of experience

  • Located in the center of Amsterdam

  • 1,800+ genuine reviews

  • Own Piercing Academy

  • Online Piercing Museum

This knowledge guide is continuously expanded and updated based on real practice and professional standards.


Frequently asked questions about piercings

1. How long does it take for a piercing to heal?
Healing time depends on placement. Ear piercings often take around 6–12 weeks, while cartilage, navel, or intimate piercings can take several months. Healing is rarely linear.

2. Is redness after a few weeks normal?
Mild redness can be normal during recovery. Persistent swelling, throbbing pain, or worsening symptoms are signals to improve aftercare or consult a professional.

3. What’s the difference between irritation and infection?
Irritation is often caused by friction, pressure, or incorrect care. An infection usually involves increasing pain, swelling, and possibly fever. If in doubt, professional advice is smart.

4. When can I change my jewelry?
Only change jewelry once the piercing is fully healed and stable. Changing too early can disrupt healing.

5. Which materials are safest for a new piercing?
Implant grade titanium is widely considered one of the safest materials for first placement because it’s nickel-free and biocompatible.

6. Can I work out or swim during healing?
Working out is usually possible if you avoid excess pressure or friction. Swimming in public pools or the sea is not recommended in the early healing phase.

7. Is it safe to get a piercing with medical conditions?
With conditions like diabetes, blood thinners, or chemotherapy, extra caution is required. Always consult a doctor and an experienced piercer.

8. What should I do if my piercing isn’t healing well?
First, check your aftercare and avoid unnecessary touching. Ongoing issues can point to wrong jewelry length, pressure, or anatomical tension.

 

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