Frequently Asked Questions – FAQ

Piercings Works Frequently Asked Questions

General

Can I have my piercing changed in the studio?

Yes. You do not need an appointment to have your piercing changed — you can simply walk in during opening hours.

Please note:

• Changing your jewelry is free for VIP members.

• Non-VIP customers pay €5 per change.

• We only change jewelry that was purchased from us.

• We do not change piercings from other studios, because we have had bad experiences with this in the past.

Can I exercise with a new piercing?

You can exercise carefully, as long as there is no pressure or dirt on the piercing.

Can I return my piercing jewelry?

For hygiene reasons, we do not accept opened packages for return. Unopened, unused products may be returned within 14 days.

Frequently Asked Questions: Piercing Pain & Anxiety

Does getting a piercing hurt?

Everyone experiences pain differently. Most customers describe it as a short, sharp pinch. It usually lasts only a few seconds. Afterwards, you may feel some warmth or pressure, but most people find it very manageable.

What if I am afraid of needles?

You are not the only one. Our team is trained to work with anxiety and nervousness. We explain everything calmly, take our time and work step by step. You can always take a break or bring someone with you.

Can I faint?

It is rare, but it can happen. That is why we provide a comfortable, safe environment and a calm approach. Make sure you eat and drink properly before your appointment to keep your blood sugar stable.

Can I bring someone with me?

Yes! You are always welcome to bring someone with you for reassurance. Please note: for children under 16, a parent or legal guardian must be present.

Which piercing hurts the least?

Earlobe and nostril piercings are often considered the least painful. Cartilage and nipple piercings are more sensitive. Want something gentle to start with? A lobe or nostril piercing is a good choice.

Frequently Asked Questions: Age & Consent

How old do I need to be to get a piercing?

In the Netherlands, you may get an earlobe piercing from the age of 12. For all other piercings (such as cartilage, nose, navel, etc.), the minimum age is 16 with written consent from a parent or legal guardian. From the age of 16, you may decide independently.

Do I need permission from my parents?

Yes, if you are between 12 and 16 years old. A parent or legal guardian must be present during the appointment and give consent. Without this consent, we are legally not allowed to perform the piercing.

Can I get a cartilage piercing at age 13?

No. Cartilage piercings (such as a helix or tragus) are only allowed from the age of 16 with parental consent. For younger children, we only offer safe earlobe piercings.

Will my age be checked?

Yes. Always bring a valid ID to your appointment, including for earlobe piercings. Without ID, unfortunately we cannot help you.

Can I come with my child as a parent?

Absolutely. We take the time to explain everything properly so that both you and your child feel safe. You may stay present throughout the entire treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions: Piercing Aftercare

 

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Can I get a new piercing during pregnancy?

No, we do not perform new piercings during pregnancy. During pregnancy, your hormonal balance changes and your immune system is weakened, which increases the risk of infection or delayed healing. We also want to avoid any risk of stress or discomfort for you and your baby. You are very welcome again after giving birth.

Do I need to remove my existing piercing if I am pregnant?

Not necessarily. Most piercings can stay in as long as there is no irritation or infection, the jewelry does not become too tight due to body changes and the area remains comfortable. For a navel piercing, we recommend a flexible Bioplast bar (pregnancy bar) from the second trimester onwards.

What is a pregnancy bar?

A pregnancy bar is an extra-long, soft and flexible Bioplast bar, specially designed for pregnant women with a navel piercing. It helps prevent pressure and tearing and adapts as your body changes. We offer safe and sterile versions in the studio — with or without a decorative top.

Can I get pierced while breastfeeding?

We advise against getting a new nipple piercing while breastfeeding. The skin is more sensitive and there is an increased risk of inflammation or blocked milk ducts. For other piercings such as ear, nose or facial piercings, it is usually not a problem, provided your immune system is strong and you have enough time for proper aftercare.

Can I breastfeed with an existing nipple piercing?

In many cases, yes. However, it is important to remove the jewelry before every feeding (choking hazard!), clean the area properly and stay alert for signs of blockage or inflammation. Some mothers choose to remove the piercing temporarily. Consulting your midwife or lactation consultant is always a good idea.

When can I get a new piercing after giving birth?

Our advice is to wait at least 3 months after giving birth, and longer if you are still breastfeeding. Your body needs this time to recover properly. Once you feel fit again and your immune system is strong, you are very welcome.

Can I bring my baby to the studio?

Of course! Our studio is baby-friendly. We only ask you to bring someone who can hold your baby while a piercing is being changed or cleaned. That way, you can fully relax — we will take care of the rest.

Technique & Jewelry

Do you use a needle or a piercing gun?

Most professional piercers use sterile needles. We only use a special sterile disposable piercing gun for earlobes, if requested. For all other piercings, we always use a needle for safety and precision.

What hurts more: a needle or a piercing gun?

A needle creates a clean, controlled incision. A piercing gun is faster, but it cannot be used on every area and causes more pressure on the tissue.

Can I bring my own jewelry?

In principle, no. We only use medically approved jewelry made from controlled materials with sterile threading. This guarantees safety, proper fit and healing.

How can you recognize a good piercing studio?

Look for the use of implant-grade titanium, sterilization with an autoclave, GGD approval or a recognized certificate, and a portfolio featuring genuine work performed in the studio.

Labret Piercing

Does getting a labret piercing hurt?

In general, the pain is quite manageable. It is still personal for everyone. It is a short pinch.

Can I have it pierced with a small stone?

Yes, but the bar needs to stay long during the first 3 weeks because the lip will swell.

How long will it stay swollen?

This varies from person to person. Approximately 3 to 10 days.

Will it affect my gums?

There is a possibility, but it varies from person to person and depends on the placement of the piercing. This can be helped by using a Bioplast bar.

How long does a labret piercing take to heal?

Healing takes 6 to 8 weeks. If you do not “play” with it too much, it will heal faster. If you do play with it frequently, healing can take 2 to 4 weeks longer.

How long should I wear the long bar?

Two to four weeks.

What are the risks of a labret piercing?

If you do not care for it properly, your piercing may become infected. If the bar is too short, it can become embedded. A steel bar can potentially damage teeth and gums (this does not apply to a Bioplast bar).

How do I care for a labret piercing?

Clean the outside twice a day with soap. After eating, rinse your mouth with water and sea salt dissolved in water.

Tongue Piercing

Does getting a tongue piercing hurt?

It is often experienced as one of the least painful piercings. The main disadvantage is that there can be a lot of swelling at first. The day after the piercing, the tongue is usually about twice as thick as normal. Keep this in mind.

How long does a tongue piercing take to heal?

It is the fastest-healing piercing. With proper care, healing takes approximately two to four weeks.

What can and can't I do with a tongue piercing?

In general, you can do almost everything. During healing, keep the following in mind: avoid dairy products during the first week (milk produces a lot of mucus and lactic acid in the blood); eat a water ice pop immediately after the piercing to reduce swelling; avoid alcohol during the first few days because alcohol thins the blood and slows healing. Beyond that, it varies from person to person — most people can eat normally, while some are better off taking it easy.

What are the risks of a tongue piercing?

It can be harmful to your teeth and enamel; a bar that is too short can become embedded; scar tissue may form; gums may recede.

How long should I use the long bar?

About 3 weeks, although this varies from person to person. After this period, you can bring your piercing voucher to us and receive a shorter bar free of charge.

Can I smoke with a tongue piercing?

Yes, you can. However, you should rinse your mouth with a sea salt solution after smoking.

Can I kiss?

Yes. Keep in mind that approximately 60,000 bacteria are exchanged. Rinse your mouth well after kissing.

How often per day should I rinse my mouth?

After every type of oral contact: after eating, drinking, smoking, kissing, etc.

Can I get a tongue piercing if I have braces?

That depends on the type of braces. With full braces, it is not recommended. Braces on the inside of the upper teeth are also discouraged. Braces on the inside of the lower teeth are not a problem.

What should I do if my employer does not allow it?

You can use clear acrylic balls. A transparent acrylic or Bioplast piercing may also be a solution. If this is not allowed or possible, it is better not to get a tongue piercing.

Can I perform oral sex on my partner?

No, this can lead to inflammation.

Can I get two tongue piercings one behind the other?

That depends on your tongue — we are happy to assess this in the studio.

 

Does getting an eyebrow piercing hurt?

Based on the reactions of most customers, the pain is manageable. It is comparable to a doctor's injection. Women feel it slightly more than men because women generally have somewhat firmer eyebrow tissue.

How long does an eyebrow piercing take to heal?

Around eight to nine weeks. If you regularly catch it on something, allow a few extra weeks.

Why is the bar so long?

There are two reasons: at first, your eyebrow will swell slightly, and you need to be able to keep the piercing clean and move it back and forth.

How do I care for an eyebrow piercing?

Clean it twice a day with Uni Cura soap: first wash your hands with Uni Cura, then lather the soap in your hands and move the piercing gently back and forth. Rinse thoroughly afterwards so that no soap residue remains.

What are the risks of an eyebrow piercing?

With poor aftercare, you can develop an infection, the piercing can catch on something and tear, and it can grow out.

How high is the risk of infection?

You largely have this under your own control. If you care for it properly, it should not become infected.

Can I swim with an eyebrow piercing?

Not during the first 6 weeks. Swimming in seawater is allowed because the water contains a lot of salt.