Question 1

What are the age restrictions?

Accepted Answer

For lobes, we pierce from the age of 12, with a consultation first for our younger customers and their parents to explain everything.

For navel, nose and flat ear cartilage piercings, the minimum age is 16.

For lips, tongue, genital piercings, surface and dermal, the minimum age is 18.

From the age of 16 for the allowed piercings, you are welcome to come by yourself with a valid ID.  If you are under the age of 16, a parent (or legal guardian) must attend the appointment with you.

Question 2

Can I walk in or is it appointments only?

Accepted Answer

We recommend booking an appointment as it can get quite busy. However, we always try to accommodate everyone so if we have space we will try and fit you in.

Question 3

When is the piercing service available?

Accepted Answer

Our piercing service is currently available by appointment from Tuesday - Saturday.

Question 4

Can I use my own jewellery?

Accepted Answer

No. We only pierce with our jewellery. We also do not change jewellery to externally purchased pieces. This is for health and safety purposes.

Question 5

I have an MRI/Surgical Procedure coming up, can I swap my piercings?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Our jewellery is certified implant grade titanium, which means it is safe for MRIs.

However, if the MRI is for your upper body, we can also replace them temporarily with glass retainers for complete peace of mind. They can be switched back once the procedure has be done.

Question 6

Is your jewellery certified?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the certification is available on request.

Question 7

Do you change jewellery?

Accepted Answer

We do offer this service, however we do not change jewellery purchased outside the studio. This is primarily because we don’t know the origin, quality and safety of the jewellery.

Question 8

What material do you use for jewellery?

Accepted Answer

All our jewellery is mainly implant grade titanium. We also sell 14kt gold and niobium.

Question 9

What is a downsize?

Accepted Answer

When you are pierced initially, it is with a slightly longer post to allow for swelling. After a few weeks (depending on which piercing), your piercer will advise you to come back to shorten the bar. This is an important part of your piercing healing process as keeping a longer bar could cause the following risks:

Catching it
Irritation
Piercing bumps due to movement or bacteria coming in
Piercing Migration

It will also feel a lot more comfortable and look better.

Question 10

I lost my jewellery, will the piercing shrink?

Accepted Answer

If the piercing jewellery is removed, the hole will tend to shrink. Depending on how long the piercing has been done for, it will shrink faster/slower. A fresh piercing will tend to shrink quite fast. We always try our best to fit the jewellery back without having to re-pierce so make sure to pop in as soon as possible.

If you have lost only the attachment, you can also try to fit the flat back part backward with a plaster on it to keep the hole open until we can fit it back for you.

Please note that there is a fee for this service.

Question 11

Can I bring a guest?

Accepted Answer

You can bring a guest but they have to wait in the reception area during your service.

Question 12

Can I bring my children?

Accepted Answer

Unsupervised children are not allowed in the studio. If you are bringing your child for a piercing, then of course, that’s no trouble.

Question 13

Do you use needles or a gun?

Accepted Answer

We only use needles as gun are not a safe way to get pierced.

Question 14

Can I get a cartilage piercing in both ears at the same appointment?

Accepted Answer

When it comes to cartilage piercings (helix, flat, tragus, etc), we only pierce one side at the time. You can get up to three piercings on the same ear in one appointment but we will ask you to leave it for a few weeks before getting the other side pierced. This is because the healing process is a bit longer than for lobes and therefore you need to make sure you do not sleep on a fresh piercing.

Question 15

Can I order jewellery through the studio?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. If you have a piece in mind that we do not have in the studio, we are happy to order it for you. We will always try to find the safest and highest quality alternative if it isn’t a piece that we can find directly at our suppliers.

Question 16

What is jewellery anodisation?

Accepted Answer

It is the process of changing the titanium jewellery’s colour through electricity. It is safer than coating for several reasons:

Hypoallergenic (less likely to cause irritation or allergic reactions)
Durability
Biocompatibility
Colour options

Question 17

Can you pierce with rings/hoops?

Accepted Answer

At the exception of a few piercings (such as daith or septum for example), we do not pierce with rings to start with. You must allow for the piercing to heal before switching to a ring. Switching to a ring too soon will most likely delay the healing process and potentially cause irritation bumps. If you're unsure whether your piercing is ready, check with your piercer first!

Question 18

Can I remove my piercings temporarily?

Accepted Answer

Jewellery should not be removed at all until the piercing is fully healed. That includes removing it for sports, work or school.

Question 19

Do you do the snake eyes piercing?

Accepted Answer

No.

Question 20

Do you do surface and dermal piercings?

Accepted Answer

Yes we do. We always remind our customers that those piercings are typically temporary as your body will push it out over time.

Question 21

What if I need to reschedule my appointment?

Accepted Answer

If you can no longer attend your appointment, please let us know as soon as possible so we can reschedule you without losing your deposit.

XOTICA TATTOO COMPANY

FAQs - PIERCINGS