:: Urban Piercings’ story

One of the first piercings studios in the country to open its doors to the public was Hardware in Reading, opened in the early 90’s by Ruth. This was at a time when body piercing was still a very underground practice, most piercings being performed by either tattoo artists, or at home.

Meanwhile, in 1993, a fashion accessory shop called Strawberry Fields starts offering lobe piercings, which soon progresses to body piercings in 1995. Its’ owner, Pete, getting deeper involved in the body piercing industry. Forward a couple of years to ‘96 and Ruth joins the staff of Strawberry Fields, offering more specialist piercings and bringing their two different client bases together.

Shortly after this; Pete decides to open what would become the respected, professional hub in Reading for all things body piercing. . .

About us

Urban Piercings was established in 1998 as one of the few studios dedicated solely to body piercing and the sale of body jewellery. Since then, Urban Piercings has maintained a high level of professionalism, cleanliness, aftercare support, expertise and customer service, resulting in our well earned reputation as one of the forerunners in the industry. While Ruth is focused on other work and Pete has bowed out from behind the needle to run our internet business, our two piercers; Adam and Lian now handle all the needle work. But more on them later. . .
As well as the whole spectrum of body piercings, we also offer dermal anchors, skin divers and genital piercings, all performed by experienced, knowledgeable piercers. We offer full aftercare information and products, as well as our staff being available for checkups and any queries. All piercings are fitted with either surgical grade, UK manufactured titanium body jewellery (except for the anatometal surface bars, those come from the States), or flexible P.T.F.E. Our jewellery and equipment are cleaned, run through ultrasonics and then autoclaved. Our needles are all single use and disposed of safely. We are also fully registered with Reading Borough Council, if you want to contact them directly please call the Consumer Protection Team on 0800 626 540.

Our Piercers

Adam

Adam joined Urban Piercings in 2004 as a part time member of staff, but was soon offered a full time apprenticeship under Ruth. He has been piercing full time, ever since. Adam is an advocate of the freehand method of piercing; understanding that less trauma to the piercing site will always start a speedy healing process. He specialises in, and enjoys the more intricate and time consuming piercings, getting huge satisfaction from projects involving more than one piercing and careful placement. As well as being first aid trained and holding an enhanced CRB clearance, he is also our specialist body piercer, offering dermal anchors, skin divers and genital piercings, but has always been more interested in the client than their modification.

“I like it when people come to me without attitude; it leaves room for better understanding and a stronger flow of ideas. That’s when I can get my best work done, that’s when the creative stuff can happen.”

Lian

Lian started her apprenticeship in 2008, training with Adam. She now pierces full time and is known for her patience and kind manners. Lian has always been conscious of her customer; their comfort and aftercare, exercising the “client over mod” ethos that has always underpinned our work ethic. She enjoys careful placement and piercings that compliment, rather than distract from the features. Lian also prefers the freehand method of piercing as she says it allows for greater accuracy.

‘I think my favourite part of working as a body piercer is getting to know your customers. What kind of look they want, how they feel about it, and being able to speak honestly about what you feel will work for them individually. Generally people are happy to share their feelings with you, without any bravado, it’s quite natural to be scared, I still feel it myself! But it’s nice to see people come around, when they start to relax, and to see that grin in the mirror when it’s all over.’