Body Piercing FAQ

How painful is getting a piercing?
The amount of pain involved in getting pierced is dependent on the area of the body being pierced, and the pain tolerance and mindset of the individual. The actual piercing process is relatively quick, so while it may hurt, it will usually only hurt for the moment that you are being pierced.

Do you reuse your piercing needles?
No! All needles are single-use only. All needles and piercing equipment are processed and sterilized in sealed pouches prior to use; jewelry is sterilized immediately prior to piercing. Needles are immediately discarded into a sharps container after the procedure.

Do I need to make an appointment to get a piercing?
Piercings are done by appointment and can be scheduled online. Be sure to check out the ID requirements before booking.

Can I bring my own jewelry to be pierced with?
For quality control, we cannot pierce with jewelry that is purchased outside of our studio. All of the jewelry we carry is implant-grade and of the highest quality and standards for your safety. We will change out healed piercings with jewelry purchased outside of our studio provided the jewelry is of acceptable quality. Call us if you have questions about this.

How should I prepare before I get pierced?
Get a good night’s sleep and have something to eat before coming in. Do not drink alcohol, take illegal drugs, or ingest aspirin or NSAIDs prior to your piercing. Alcohol, aspirin and NSAIDs are blood thinners that will promote excessive bleeding during your piercing. We will not pierce you if you are drunk, high or evidently hungover.

What should I bring with me?
Provide your government-issued photo ID (i.e., driver's license, military ID or passport).

Piercing clients under 18 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian and provide all of the following:

  • Birth certificate for the minor (in the case of legal guardianship, the court guardianship document is also required).

  • Valid photo ID for the minor (i.e., driver’s license/permit, state ID, military ID, passport or student ID).

  • Valid government-issued photo ID (i.e., drivers’s license, military ID or passport) for the parent/guardian.

All identification documents must be original; no photocopies accepted in person. There are no exceptions to our ID policy. If you have questions, call the studio prior to your visit.

My child is under 18 and doesn’t have photo ID.
For clients under 18 who do not have a valid photo ID, we suggest getting a non-driver state identification card. The process is simple; more information can be found at the following links:

Can I bring my other child/children with me to the piercing appointment?
If you are bringing your child to get pierced, please do not bring additional children that are not getting pierced. We allow one parent/adult in the piercing room with the child. If you are bringing more than one child to get pierced, please make sure there is another parent/adult to watch the child waiting to be pierced; our staff cannot do so.

Should I tip my piercer?
Tips are not expected, but are always appreciated.

How should I care for my new piercing?
The piercer will provide both verbal and written aftercare instructions during your appointment. Aftercare varies depending on the type of piercing. Aftercare solution is available for purchase at the studio.

How is my piercing fee handled when I book online? What is your cancellation policy?
The fee you pay when booking an appointment online goes directly toward your piercing service. If you need to reschedule or cancel, please contact us at least one hour before the start of your appointment or the piercing fee will be forfeited.

  • If you do not reschedule or cancel at least one hour before the beginning of your appointment, and fail to be present at the time of your appointment, the piercing fee will NOT be refunded.

  • If you are late to your appointment, the piercing fee will NOT be refunded.

  • If you do not bring the required identification to your appointment, we will reschedule it for another time. The piercing fee will NOT be refunded.

If you believe you are entitled to a refund of your piercing fee and have not received it, please contact us at bethesdatattoo@gmail.com or 301.652.0494.