About the piercing studios with online booking
A piercing studio pierces with a sterile single-use needle and fits an initial piece of jewellery, usually implant-grade titanium, designed to let the piercing settle well. The most requested are the lobe, the ear cartilage (helix, tragus, conch, daith), the nose and the lip. Many studios also do navel, eyebrow and tongue and, separately, jewellery changes and check-ups of piercings done elsewhere.
When choosing a studio, look at the jewellery it uses (titanium, 14- or 18-carat gold, internally threaded or threadless ends), how it describes the cleaning of its equipment and the photos of its work, especially if you want a curated ear with several piercings. If you are not sure which piercing suits you or whether your anatomy allows it, book a consultation, where the piercer looks at the area and suggests what to do and with which jewellery.
As for timing, a lobe is about 15 minutes between marking, piercing and explaining aftercare. A cartilage or nose piercing, 20 to 30. A jewellery change, 10 or 15 minutes. Settling time is another matter. A lobe takes around two months and cartilage can take over half a year, and until then it is best not to change the jewellery.
On the day, come rested and fed and, if you want several piercings, say so when booking so they give you enough time. Tie your hair back if it is an ear piercing and skip make-up on the area if it is on your face. If you cannot make it, cancel from the link in your email.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a lobe piercing and a cartilage piercing?
The lobe is soft, takes seconds to pierce and settles in about two months. Cartilage (helix, tragus, conch) is harder, the piercing itself is a little slower and it takes six months to a year to settle, so you wear the first jewellery for longer.
What is a piercing consultation for?
For the piercer to look at the area, tell you whether the piercing you want fits your anatomy and suggest the jewellery. It is useful for unusual cartilage placements, for planning several piercings on one ear or if you simply have doubts.
How long does a piercing take?
A lobe, about 15 minutes including the aftercare explanation. Cartilage or nose, 20 to 30. A jewellery change, 10 or 15. If you want two or three piercings in one visit, book them together.
What jewellery goes in a new piercing?
An initial piece slightly longer than usual, almost always implant-grade titanium, which leaves room for the piercing to settle. Once the recommended time has passed, it is swapped for a snug one at a jewellery-change appointment.
Can I go to the studio to change jewellery I got somewhere else?
Yes. Book a jewellery change or a check-up. The piercer looks at how the piercing is doing and changes the piece. You can bring your own jewellery or choose one from the studio.
When can I change the jewellery in my piercing?
Once the piercing has settled, which is about two months for a lobe, six months to a year for cartilage and nose. If in doubt, book a check-up before changing it.