Piercings

Q. Do I need an appointment to get pierced at your shop?

Booking is definitely recommended. We take appointments over the phone or in person, and can often be booked solid a few days in advance (especially during holiday periods). Walk-ins are still welcome but are subject to availability - appointments take precedence so we may not have time in our schedule for anything extra.

Q. Does it Hurt?

All piercings hurt for a few seconds, some more than others. Generally speaking your imagination is far worse than the actual piercing. It is always better to expect the worst and be pleasantly surprised. There are also numbing products available over the counter at chemists that you can use on most piercings to help reduce the pain.

Q. HOw long does the piercing take?

A piercing generally takes a couple of seconds and fitting the jewellery takes a few seconds more. Once you are in the room most of that time is used for setting up and marking the position.

Q. Can you numb the area for me?

We are unable to sell or apply numbing agents for you before the piercing procedure due to them being restricted pharmaceutical products. We can only give you rudimentary information on what to get, how to use it, and how long to leave it on for. We do however recommend consulting with your pharmacist if you have any specific concerns or questions regarding the use of these types of products.

For more information about numbing products click here.

Q. How long will my piercing take to heal?

Piercings do not heal in a couple of days or even weeks, they can take months and in some cases a year or more to completely heal. Being sick, having an impaired immune system, or sleeping on or bumping the piercing can prolong the healing process. It is important to continue cleaning and caring for your piercing for as long as possible, even if it looks healed.

Q. How soon after the initial piercing can I change my jewellery?

It is recommended that you wait at least 8 weeks or longer before changing the jewellery for the first time. The exceptions to this are tongue piercings which should be downsized after 2 weeks, and lip/cheek piercings which can be downsized from 4-6 weeks if your long jewellery is getting caught frequently once the swelling has subsided.

It is important to remember the hole may be stable enough to change jewellery but your piercing is NOT fully healed at this time. When changing your jewellery, ensure you clean the piercing and your new jewellery thoroughly before taking it out and changing. We also provide a change service for a small fee.
 

Q. Why should I wait to change my jewellery?

Changing a piercing early can irritate and reopen a piercing. This can cause the piercing site to bleed, swell again, and become inflamed. If the proper care isn't taken you may introduce dirt, germs or bacteria into the piercing which can lead to infection. If you do change your jewellery early, ensure you clean your hands, the piercing site, and your new jewellery thoroughly before taking out and changing. Take care to select jewellery suitable for long term wear. We also provide a change service for a small fee.

Q. I’m having surgery/an MRi and need to remove my piercings. What can I do to prevent them closing?

We have clear bioplast options available for almost any piercing which is a flexible body-safe plastic that will not interfere with medical scans. We can help you with fitting the jewellery and suggest you confirm with your doctor beforehand whether non-metal jewellery is allowed during your surgical procedure, as some piercings may not be able to have jewellery in them due to surgery type. Some piercings close very fast, such as nipple and nose piercings, and you may find them difficult to put back in if left out during your procedure. We offer reinsertion services for a small fee.

Q. Can I bring my own jewellery to be pierced with?

Absolutely! However you must arrive minimum of 1 hour prior to your piercing so the we can assess the jewellery's suitability for the initial piercing and ensure it is adequately sterilised before the procedure.
We have a duty to sterilise all jewellery in a process that involves high temperature steam and heavy pressure, and takes a full 60 minutes to complete. If there is any doubt that your jewellery will withstand this process undamaged, we will recommend selecting an alternative piece.
 

Q. Why do I have to be pierced with longer jewellery?

We use longer jewellery initially to allow for the swelling and inflammation of the piercing site that follows a new piercing for anywhere between 2 - 12 weeks. Applying ice or an ice-cold cloth regularly on the area in the first couple of weeks can accelerate the reduction of this swelling. Once the swelling has started to subside you may need to look at shorter jewellery to help reduce potential for catching and snagging the longer jewellery.
 

Q. Do you pierce ear lobes with a needle?

Yes, we offer earlobe piercing services with your choice of a needle or the newest Studex piercing device. There are pros and cons to each option but the Studex system should only ever be used on earlobes and all other piercings (including some upper lobe piercings) are always performed with a needle. It should also be noted that older versions of the Studex system (often referred to as the "Piercing Gun") are never appropriate and are potentially dangerous, even in lobe piercings.
 

Q. CAN LOBE PIERCING BE DONE WITH 2 PIERCERS (I.e. ONE ON EACH SIDE)?

Yes, we almost always have a second piercer who can assist in providing this service. We usually reserve this option for earlobes with the device only, as needle piercings require specific head position that won’t work for two piercers simultaneously. 

Q. Can I use a ring as my starting jewellery?

Yes. A ring is generally not recommended for most first time piercings as it can impact and lengthen the healing process. Remember you initial jewellery must allow for swelling so you are unlikely to get a neat cuffed look like most people desire as a larger ring must be used.
 

Q. What should I look for when choosing a piercing shop?

 When selecting a piercing studio you should look for clean and well maintained walls/floors/countertops, prepackaged and sterilised jewellery, prepackaged and sterilised tools, disposable needles, and knowledgeable staff who can provide information about jewellery, piercings, and healing. In addition to this both the store and piercer should have the relevant certifications in Personal appearance and body services, and infection control standards and practices.
 

Q. Does cost matter? Isn't a piercing a piercing?

Not all cheap piercings are bad and not all expensive piercings are good. That's why it's important to ask questions, ensure the piercer is knowledgeable, and you know exactly what is included or excluded in the price. While price isn't the only determining factor it is important to remember that a higher price point allows your piercer to spend more time with you and offer more assistance. Charging less means more piercings need to be done to earn the same amount, so there are usually sacrifices made in either time, quality or jewellery. 

 If you are on a strict budget let our staff know so they can suggest some options that are easier on your wallet.

AfterCare

Q. Does this look infected? My piercing isn't healing as expected, what do I do?

If you are concerned by your piercing at any point during the healing process, we recommend you contact us as soon as possible to assist you. We do our best to provide you with advice over the phone or via our Facebook page, as well as other social media, but will be of most help to you if you book an in-person check up.

Until you can speak to a piercer, avoid touching or removing the piercing and continue to clean and ice your piercing as if it were freshly pierced.
 

Q. What can I do to make healing easier?

For the best results clean your piercing regularly with the appropriate products and avoid touching/turning/playing with or applying pressure to your new piercing. To reduce swelling apply ice to the area for ten minutes each day. Keep in mind that these are general guidelines. We recommend you consult your piercer and follow the instructions on the piercing specific care sheet provided on the day.

Q. How often should I clean my new piercing?

We encourage you to keep cleaning your piercing two to three times a day during the initial healing period and at least once a day after that. Cleaning daily may sound like a chore but maintaining hygiene on an open wound is important to prevent infection. A little care goes a long way!
 

Q. What do I use to clean my piercing?

We recommend our custom piercing wash, saline (saltwater), or a low alcohol cleaning solution (such as EarCare or EasyCare) in a bottle or spray form. Biotine or alcohol-free mouthwash is recommended for oral piercings. Each product has pros and cons that makes them more or less suitable for different piercings and people. 

Q. Do i need to turn my piercing? Can my skin grow onto the piercing?

No, you cannot heal into your jewellery and turning it will do more harm than good. Moving, turning, or playing with your piercing increases the likelihood of tearing, inflammation, and infection. All piercings are performed with non-porous, high polished metal so there is no risk of your new skin attaching to it. You may wish to gently move your piercing (with clean hands) to allow you to clean the area better but that is the most you should do. No turning or removing required!

Our Store

Q. How long have you been Open?

We have been running now for 28 years. The Store opened in Elizabeth Arcade in 1994, making The Piercing Shop the first dedicated piercing shop in Brisbane. After 13 years the store front moved to its current location on the second floor of The Wallace Bishop Building in the Queen Street Mall.
 

Q. How many piercers work in the store?

We currently have two fully qualified piercers on staff, Ana and Jackie, but usually only one piercer working each day. We also have apprentices who can perform some piercings by appointment at a discounted rate - training piercings will change regularly as we progress, so feel free to inquire about which ones are currently on offer.
 

Q. How experienced are your piercers?

Ana has been piercing since 1998 and Jackie has been piercing since 1994 with both boasting high levels of experience in a wide range of facial and body piercings.
 

Q. Do you pierce children and babies ears?

Yes, we can pierce both children's and infant's lobes. We understand that there are varying cultural traditions around when children's lobes are pierced and are able to assist with this in a safe, sterile environment. We recommend using a numbing cream as it not only lessens the discomfort but can help alleviate a young person’s fear, making the process less intimidating. 
 

Q. How old do you need to be to get pierced ?

Legally, there is no minimum age for piercing in Queensland and it is up to shop discretion (with the exception of nipple and genital piercings). While minors do not require parental permission or accompaniment, we recommend parents are informed or involved in the piercing process and school dress codes be kept in mind. While there is no legal issue, we want to be in trouble with your parents as little as you do. It is in no-one's interest for you to spend $50 and endure the pain only to go home or to school and be forced to remove your new piercing.
 

Q. Why do I have to show you my ID before a nipple or Genital piercing? Don't you trust me?

Please consider it a compliment! Similar to the sale and service of alcohol if you look 25 years of age or under we are required to verify your age with a legally valid physical copy of photo ID, or state approved digital ID. We prefer to check everyone’s ID for these services regardless of apparent age, just to be on the safe side.

Q. I'm under 18 can I get Nipple/Genital piercing if I have parental permission or am classed as INDEPENDENT?

No, minors under the age of 18 are not permitted to undergo any nipple or genital piercing procedures. Valid photo identification must be provided as proof of age, prior to any nipple or genital piercing. This is in accordance with the "Vagrants Gaming and Other Offences Act 1931". The piercing of a minor's genitals or nipples is a legal offence and the maximum penalty is 40 penalty units ($3000) or 6 months imprisonment. 
 

Q. I’m having trouble with a piercing I had done elsewhere, can you help me?

Of course. If possible (and comfortable) we recommend contacting the store or piercer you received the piercing from initially also. This way they are aware of the difficulties and may be able to assist you. If you are unable or would feel more comfortable visiting us we provide check-up services for a small fee that includes two follow up visits and an appropriate treatment plan.

Q. Do you do Gift Certificates?

Yes, we provide gift certificates for any desired amount. We recommend at least $45 as this is the average price for most of our piercings including basic jewellery. Best of all, our gift cards do not expire so they can be used at a time that suits you.

Q. Do you do Tattoos?

No, just piercings.

Q. Can I return or Exchange my jewellery?

Unfortunately we cannot accept returns or exchanges of jewellery if you change your mind, once the jewellery has been inserted/left the store it is yours to keep. If you’re unsure of sizing, we offer a changing service to help ensure the fit is correct. If you think the product may be faulty, please return it for inspection - we may be able to exchange faulty pieces, but conditions apply.