Frequently asked questions
How old do I have to be for a piercing?
You must be at least 16 for most piercings, or 8+ for children’s lobe piercings. If you are lucky enough to look under 25 yrs old ID is required; this is super important so please don’t forget it! We cannot accept photos or copies, and we won’t be able to pierce you, which we don’t want!
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8 to 16 years of age - both the parent/legal guardian and minor will require ID*
*Consenting on behalf of a minor: both the parent/legal guardian and minor will require ID. Birth certificate accepted. In the event the parent/guardian has a different last name and/or address from the child, court documentation is needed to prove the relationship, i.e., divorce papers, a marriage certificate.
**No other family members or friends are permitted to consent on a child’s behalf for piercing.
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Age 16+ ID Required.
Please note we operate Challenge 25 policy, please, please bring your ID
ID Accepted
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Photo driving licence
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Passport,
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Proof of age card, such as the PASS card from the national Proof of Age Standards Scheme.
We cannot accept a photo or photocopy of ID. Please bring the original. Your ID is required as proof of age and must feature your date of birth and a photo that bares your resemblance.
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*Failure to provide photo ID will result in the cancellation of your appointment and a 50% fee being charged.
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To view age restrictions for each individual piercing, click here
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Does getting a piercing hurt?
Everyone’s pain tolerance is different, but most people say it feels like a quick pinch followed by a warm sensation that fades fast. The piercing itself is over in seconds, and any soreness usually doesn’t last long. Our friendly piercing team are brilliant with nervous clients, who are always calm and reassuring, and will explain every step with you!
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Do you use a piercing gun?
No. We use single-use needles. Needles are overwhelmingly considered safer, offer greater precision, are more hygienic, and far less painful than piercing guns because they are sterile, single-use tools that pierce tissue, rather than forcing blunt jewellery through. Needles cause less trauma, allow for faster healing, and can be used on any body part. We do not use Cannulas (catheter needles) either, which use a plastic sheath that can increase trauma and cause Keloids.
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If you have a phobia of needles, let us know, and we will do our utmost to keep them hidden from you!
Healing time?
Piercing healing times vary by location and individual, ranging from 2-3months for fast-healing spots like the tongue to 6-12 months or more for cartilage (i.e. helix, conch, tragus) and navels. Initial healing (surface) often takes 6-8 weeks for lobes and lips. Our expert team are here to offer advice and help and will fully explain all your aftercare and healing requirements. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us!
Can I use my own jewellery for a piercing?
We totally understand the question! For safety reasons, we can only use jewellery that’s been properly sterilised by us. Unfortunately, we can’t use jewellery brought from home or guarantee its quality. The good news is that all our piercings come with free medical-grade, sterilised, titanium jewellery, and a free jewellery change is included in the price once your piercing has healed.
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Aftercare?
We offer full aftercare information and products. You can find out more here on our Instagram or download our complete AFTERCARE GUIDE. Our piercers are always very happy to answer any questions and are available for checkups. All piercings are fitted with medical-grade, titanium body jewellery. All of our jewellery and piercing equipment is sterilised. Using both professional-grade ultrasonic baths and autoclave machines. Our needles are all single-use and disposed of safely. All of this means your new piercing has the best chance to heal quickly. We are also fully registered with Reading Borough Council. If you wish to contact them, please call the Consumer Protection Team on 0800 626 540.
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I got my piercing done somewhere else, and it's gone wrong, can you help?
Whoops, don't worry, we all make mistakes. The good news you found us, and yes, we can generally fix piercings that are badly placed and advise on any infections and aftercare. Click here and select "Correction For Problematic" from the jewellery change menu, or get in touch.
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I'm having an MRI scan, can you help?
Yes, we can. Obviously, powerful magnets and metal do not mix. We can swap your piercing out with safe replacements, stopping your beloved piercing from closing, and making your appointment safe. Please get in touch if you require this service
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Complimentery Jewellery Change
We include a complimentary jewellery change with each piercing, this can be used to insert new jewellery, shorten, size down or to remove the Initial jewellery.
Please note only the jewellery fitting is complimentary, jewellery cost is excluded. We will only insert jewellery purchased from Urban Piercings. If you wish to use another piece of jewellery, we will happily remove the jewellery, but we can not assist in inserting the jewellery due to our insurance restrictions.
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To book your complimentary jewellery change; Click Here and select​ "Complimentary Jewellery Change for Healed and Problematic" from the service menu. A £10 deposit is required to reserve the appointment, which will be refunded at the studio at the time of your appointment
