FAQ - Piercing
Also see our information about aftercare.
What is the minimum age to get a piercing?
The minimum age for piercing is 18 years.
The minimum age with parental/legal guardian consent varies for each piercing. Please call for further details.
What identification is required to get a piercing?
VALID PHOTO ID IS REQUIRED FOR ALL PIERCINGS AND TATTOOS. WE CANNOT ADMINISTER A PIERCING OR TATTOO WITHOUT IDENTIFICATION.
Accepted Identification (if signing for yourself):Can I use numbing cream?
Drivers' License, Passport, Identification Card
Accepted Identification (if signing for a minor):
Parent/Guardian of minor: Drivers' License, Passport, Identification Card
Minor: Drivers' License, Passport, Identification Card, Birth Certificate (must have signing parent's name.)
Identification NOT accepted: School ID, Alberta Health Care, Membership Cards, Social Insurance Cards
No. Numbing creams like Emla creams are not advised. It is not meant to go through deep tissue and may cause complications. If a numbing cream has been applied to your skin we will not be able to pierce you in that spot.
What should I do to prepare for my piercing?
- Make sure you have a full meal within 2 hours of getting your piercing, so as to reduce your chances of fainting while getting your piercing.
- DO NOT consume alcohol at least 24 hours before or after getting your piercing, It thins your blood and may cause the piercing to bleed more, and swell more.
- Reduce your intake of Aspirin or other blood thinners unless directed otherwise by your physician.
- If you are thinking of bringing a friend, keep in mind that we have a limited amount of space so only one or two friends are permitted to come with you. Also, the more people, the more distracted the piercer can become.
- Be sure that you bring a government issued ID with you, such as a drivers' license or passport. School ID's, Alberta health care, and Social Insurance Cards are NOT accepted. Call us at if you have any questions regarding identification.
- DO NOT apply any form of numbing (Emla) cream. It is not meant to go through deep tissue and may cause complications and we will not be able to pierce you in that spot.
- Please make sure not to wear any perfume at the time of your appointment. Some of our staff and other clients have allergies and/or are sensitive to perfume.
- If you are getting a facial piercing, please make sure you keep foundation and makeup at a minimum in the location that you are getting your piercing.
- Keep in mind that you will not be able to go swimming for a minimum of 2-3 months after getting your piercing.
The piercing gun uses a sharpened piece of jewelry and a push or spring loaded device to push the jewellery through the ear. Although this is okay to use on earlobes it is NEVER recommended to pierce noses or cartilage with these devices, as the pressure may cause the cartilage to tear (there is no piercing gun on the market that can pierce cartilage appropriately). These devices cannot be cleaned appropriately and many of the staff that use these devices have inappropriate training and no aseptic training.
A professional piercer uses a sharpened bevelled needle that to contrary belief does not take a hole out of the skin. It actually makes a crescent shaped slit which allows the jewellery to fit in the piercing. Our staff has advanced training in piercing and aseptic techniques. All of our tools are cleaned and sterilized for each client. This limits the opportunity for cross contamination and infection.
Also piercer will give appropriate aftercare information whereas many gun piercings have inappropriate aftercare.
It is always recommended to have your piercing done by a professional piercer with a needle in a clean professional environment.
What metals (materials) are safe?
Materials that are safe to pierce with include Implant Grade Stainless Steel such as code ASTM F 138 or Implant Grade Titanium Grade 23. Some FDA approved products such as BioFlex are also acceptable.
How long do piercings take to heal?
Each piercing varies in healing time. See piercing aftercare for more information.
How do I clean my piercing?
See piercing aftercare.
Can you pierce with my jewelry?
No. We will not pierce with any jewelry that is not purchased from this shop. It is not recommended since we do not know if the jewelry is implant grade or if the quality of the jewellery. Also there could be scratches in the jewellery which could give bacteria a place to grow.
What do I do if I think my tattoo is infected?
If you think your tattoo is infected visit your artist or doctor. It is advised that you talk to the artist who did your tattoo. Other artist may give you inadequate advice as they do not know the exact process that was done on your tattoo. See tattoo aftercare for more information
Can I clean my piercing too much?
Yes, cleaning your piercing too much can keep your piercing raw and reverse the healing process. You should always follow the directions of your aftercare product.
How do I know if my piercing is infected?
Common signs of infection are:
- Hardness or swelling around the piercing.
- Severe redness.
- Throbbing pain.
- Piercing is warm to the touch.
- Thick discharge, yellow or green in colour.
What should I do if my piercing is infected?
Do not remove the jewellery! Removing the jewellery will more than likely cause a bigger problem by trapping the infection and closing off access to the area. Visit your piercer and see what they can tell you, however, only physicians can properly diagnose and treat your infection. Make sure you do something about it. Leaving an infection untreated can lead to even more severe problems in the future.
What can I do if the ball falls off my jewelry?
If you lose a ball we will have them in stock for you, but if for some reason you cannot make it in, although bizarre, clean eraser tops off a pencil work wonderfully as a temporary solution.
What are my options for my piercings if I have to go for a MRI?
Should you need to hide your piercing, or if you are having an MRI or surgery, retainers are available options for you. A retainer is just a clear piece of jewelry you can use to keep your piercing open while also hiding it.
What is rejection?
Not all piercings can be healed effectively. All piercings have the potential to migrate, or grow out. When a piercing rejects, the jewellery may appear to be moving toward the surface, and becoming shallower. Pain is not normally linked with rejection, and it is normally a very fast process, however you may notice the piercing sight becoming red, and a clear discharge may also be noticed. If you are concerned about rejection, it is wise to allow your piercer to inspect your piercing.
