General Body Piercing Care

Twice a day, lubricate the piercing with a healing solution or sea salt water. Move the
jewellery gently to loosen, then dry the area with a clean tissue.

Normal bathing is permitted although you should not lie in the bath too long or your piercing will go soggy. Showering is better.

• Whilst showering or bathing, move the jewellery
          Do not move it whilst it's dry!
• After bathing, dry the area thoroughly.
          Always use a tissue, not cotton wool or towels.
• Healing times are between four to eight weeks for most piercings.
          Do not remove the jewellery until the piercing has healed completely.
• Always allow air to circulate around the piercing and never cover the piercing with plasters.
          Any external pressure or knocks can lead to distortion of
          the piercing or even cause the piercing to grow out.
• In the event of infection, treat the area with a solution of equal parts water and hydrogen peroxide.
          Do not remove the jewellery.
          Do not use hydrogen peroxide for more than one week.
• Do not overclean. Overcleaning is like overwatering a plant

New Body Piercings

We shall always talk you through the process before your piercing and you will leave with comprehensive instructions as to how best you should care for your piercing afterwards to ensure it gives you no trouble, particularly in the first few weeks. Your piercing should heal within 6 - 8 weeks, if looked after properly. However, healing times can vary, person to person.

Ear Piercings After Care

Naturally, ear piercing is popular with all our customers but particularly with children and their parents.

• Keep the piercing studs in for at least 6 weeks (the longer, the better).
  Do not take them out at all. After this, always wear earrings.
• It is better to wear earrings at all times after the initial healing period as the piercing can close down if left open.
• Make sure your hands are clean before touching the earrings or ears.
• Apply one drop of ear care solution or sea salt water to the ears twice a day.
• After wetting the ears, turn the studs a little, from the front only.
• Dry the area thoroughly with a piece of tissue.
• Never use cotton wool on your new piercing.
• Try to avoid pressure on your ears, as this can affect the healing process.
• Do not remove the jewellery, even if you have problems.
• If you do have problems with your ears then do come back to The Piercing Shop or ring for advice.

Responsible attitude to age. We do not pierce anything other than ear lobes on anybody under the age of 13 and we do not pierce anyone under the age of 16 without parental consent. If we doubt a person's age, we shall always insist on proof in the form of a photo identity.

Nose Piercings After Care

• Do not remove the stud for eight weeks.
• Do not keep touching the stud unnecessarily.
• Morning and night, gently clean the piercing using a wet tissue, then dry with a tissue.
  
• Apply one drop of care solution or sea salt water inside and out. Do not use anything else. Dry thoroughly with a tissue. Never use cotton wool on your new piercing.
  
• Nose piercings can close over within hours, so never leave the piercing without jewellery
  
• The special nose stud is designed to be worn with the stem pointing up the nose. This is not normally uncomfortable. If it does irritate, move the stud slightly until a comfortable position is found.
• If the stud causes persistent irritation, then contact The Piercing Shop for advice and adjustment.

Please note that if you 'play' with the stud or attempt to change the stud before it is healed then you may cause a red lump to appear.!!!

Responsible attitude to age. We do not pierce anything other than ear lobes on anybody under the age of 13 and we do not pierce anyone under the age of 16 without parental consent. If we doubt a person's age, we shall always insist on proof in the form of a photo identity.

Tongue Piercings After Care

• The tongue usually heals in two to three weeks. During that time, it can swell
  considerably. The barbell that has been inserted is 50% longer than the thickness of the tongue to allow for this.
  
• When the tongue returns to normal a shorter bar should be fitted so as not to knock the teeth.
• During the first few weeks, suck ice cubes and eat ice cream to reduce swelling. Keep talking to a minimum.
  
• Try to avoid smoking.
  
• Eat softer foods as sharp foods such as crisps can irritate.
  
• Several times a day, especially after eating, wash the mouth with an antiseptic mouthwash or sea salt dissolved in warm water.
  
• The jewellery should be checked periodically to make sure that the balls have not worked loose.
  
• Always wash hands before touching your piercing.
  
• If you have any problems then you should contact The Piercing Shop for advice or ring us. We are always happy to help.

Responsible attitude to age. We do not pierce anything other than ear lobes on anybody
under the age of 13 and we do not pierce anyone under the age of 16 without parental consent. If we doubt a person's age, we shall always insist on proof in the form of a photo identity.

Once a week, all piercings should be cleaned with solution or
sea salt water. Internal surfaces need looking after as much as external.