FAQs
At Metal Fatigue Piercing in Bournemouth, we know choosing the right piercing shop can come with lots of questions!
We still remember what it was like getting our first piercings and the questions we had!
So, if it’s a question about your first ear piercings, a nose piercing or anything in between, our FAQs cover everything you need to know!
Before your piercing
How much does a piercing cost at Metal Fatigue Piercing?
Click here to see our current price list
The price of a piercing at Metal Fatigue Piercing in Bournemouth includes:
Hypoallergenic titanium jewellery. NeilMed® Piercing aftercare spray. Your first jewellery change!
Everything you need for a happy, healthy piercing!
Do you take walk ins?
Yes, we take walk-ins!
However, we are a busy piercing shop so we’ll always prioritise our booked appointments.
If you want to guarantee getting a piercing, it’s always best to book!
Do I need to book an appointment?
You don’t always have to book an appointment at Metal Fatigue Piercing in Bournemouth, but we do recommend that you book.
Booking ensures you get the piercing you want, when you want.
Plus, if you book, you’ll get an email reminder when its time to change your jewellery!
How do I book an appointment?
Booking an appointment at Metal Fatigue Piercing in Bournemouth is easy!
The best way is to book online here.
You’ll be able to see all the free slots for each day, and get SMS and email confirmations, booking reminders and a jewellery change reminder!
Alternatively, you can call us on 01202 315 315, or visit our shop in Bournemouth.
We recommend booking in advance to secure your preferred time slot!
Do I need to book an appointment to have my ears re-pierced/re-opened?
No, you might not need to book an appointment to have your piercing re-pierced/re-opened.
If the piercing was in for a long time, the hole might still be there, even if you have trouble putting jewellery in yourself!
If you want a piercing redone, it’s always best to pop in and see us first. We’ll take a look and be able to tell you if the hole is still there.
If it is, we’ll send you to our jewellery shop, Paradox Body Jewellery. You can then choose some new jewellery and we’ll fit it for you!
If the holes have definitely closed up, we can then either pierce them for you then if there’s space in our calendar. Otherwise we can book you in to have them done at a later date.
How old do I have to be to get a piercing?
How old you need to be to get a piercing at Metal Fatigue depends on the specific piercing you want.
Check out the list below for more information:
Earlobes: From age 11+ with a parent present, or age 16+ with valid photo ID
Helix: From age 13+ with a parent present, or age 16+with valid photo ID
Belly Button (Navel): From age 14+ with a parent present, or age 16+ with valid photo ID
Nostril: From age 14+ with a parent present, or age 16+ with valid photo ID
All other Ear, Mouth and Face piercings: From age 16+ with valid photo ID
Surface piercings: From age 16+ with valid photo ID
Dermals: From age 18+ with valid photo ID
Nipples: From age 18+ with valid photo ID
Venom (paired tongue): From age 18+ with valid photo ID
Genital Piercings: From age21+ with valid photo ID
ℹ️ Please be aware that our age restrictions might differ from those of other studios.
Do you pierce babies ears?
No, we don’t pierce babies ears or those under the age of 11 – even with parental consent.
At Metal Fatigue Piercing in Bournemouth, consent is incredibly important to us. It’s crucial to us that anyone getting pierced actively wants to get pierced.
We believe they must be able to understand the risks and implications of getting a piercing and be able to fully comprehend and follow the aftercare instructions for themselves.
As well as this, piercing a baby’s ears often means that the piercings move as the child grows, end up in the wrong place and them having to be pierced again in the future.
Can I get a piercing whilst pregnant or breastfeeding?
No, you can’t get a piercing whilst pregnant or breastfeeding.
This is because whilst you are pregnant, your body is directing much of its energy into growing your baby. This means that you may be at higher risk of complications and infection, which might be passed onto your baby.
The same applies for breastfeeding – your body is working hard to produce milk that your immunity may drop and you may be more susceptible to complications during the healing process.
Additionally, hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy and breastfeeding can change your immune system and can even have an effect on piercings that were previously fully healed for years.
All this means that a new piercing wouldn’t have the best chance of healing successfully.
Do you have a female piercer?
No, we don’t have a female piercer at Metal Fatigue Piercing in Bournemouth.
However, we are very professional and experienced. You’re very welcome to bring in a friend with you whilst you get pierced too.
How should I prepare for a piercing?
Being prepared for a piercing is easy and it’ll help you feel more relaxed at your appointment 😃
Here’s a simple list of things to do before you arrive at your appointment:
✅ Get a good night’s sleep
✅ No recreational drugs or alcohol the night before or the day of your piercing
✅ Eat and drink at least 4 hours before you arrive
✅ Wear some loose fitting clothing if you’re having a body piercing.
✅ Bring a hair tie if you’re having an ear piercing and you’ve got long hair
✅ Bring photo ID if you’re over 16
✅ Bring a parent if you’re under 16
✅ Bring a friend if you want some support
At your appointment
What forms of ID do you accept?
We accept the following forms of ID:
✅ Passport
✅ Driver’s license
✅ College Photo ID
✅ Sixth Form Photo ID
✅ University Photo ID
✅ Post Office PASS card
✅ Citizen card
We don’t accept:
❌ Photos of ID
❌ Birth certificates
We will not pierce anybody who looks under 25 years old and does not provide the correct ID.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept:
✅ Debit cards
✅ Credit Cards
✅ Apple Pay
✅ Google Pay
✅ Amex
✅ Cash
✅ Metal Fatigue Gift Cards
What happens at my appointment?
Please arrive a few minutes before your appointment time.
- When you arrive we’ll firstly check your ID if you’re over 16 or check you’re with a parent if you’re under 16.
- We’ll then ask you to fill out some paperwork, so we know about any health conditions you have that might affect your piercing.
- Once you’ve paid, you’ll get your NeilMed® Piercing aftercare spray and cleaning instructions.
- When the piercer is ready, they’ll call you into the piercing room.
- They’ll talk through the piercing with you and you can ask any questions you might have.
- They’ll then mark the spot so you can check in the mirror that you’re happy with the placement.
- When you’re ready, the piercer will then perform the piercing.
- The piercer will talk you through the aftercare of your piercing and answer any further questions you have.
The whole appointment usually takes about 5 to 10 minutes, but the piercing itself takes just seconds!
Can I get multiple piercings in one appointment?
Yes, you may have up to 3 or 4 piercings done in one sitting – as long as you have booked enough time for each piercing.
That this is at the discretion of the piercer and depends on several factors, such as your chosen piercings and your general health & wellbeing.
Can you pierce me with my own jewellery ?
No, we can’t pierce you with your own jewellery.
We’ve carefully selected jewellery that:
Has been sterilised Is hypoallergenic Allows for any normal swelling to occur Allows air to get to the piercing site Has no traps for dirt to accumulate
This means your new piercing has the best chance of a smooth, easy healing process.
Also, by law, we must use sterile titanium of a certain grade (Implant Grade 23). This is to comply with the 1994 Nickel Directive, which ensures safety in piercing in the UK.
Titanium jewellery is included in the price of every piercing, along with a can of NeilMed® Piercing aftercare spray and your first jewellery change!
Do I need to pay extra for the jewellery that you use?
No, hypoallergenic plain titanium jewellery is included in the price of every piercing! You’ll also get a can of NeilMed® Piercing aftercare spray and your first jewellery change!
If you want to upgrade to our gold PVD titanium, there is an additional charge of £10 per piercing.
What jewellery do you pierce with?
We only ever pierce with sterile, hypoallergenic silver coloured titanium or Gold PVD titanium jewellery.
It’s the same metal that would be used if you had surgery and had metal implanted in your body so adverse reactions are incredibly rare.
We purposefully choose jewellery that allows air to get to the piercing to promote healing, is longer to allow for any swelling that might occur and has minimal nooks and crannies for dirt to build up on, that could potentially lead to infection.
With most piercings, you’ll need to change to smaller, more fitted jewellery in about 6 to 8 weeks, so you’ll be able to choose something more decorative then!
What is Gold PVD jewellery?
Our gold jewellery is hypoallergenic titanium covered with real gold using a method called PVD.
Physical vapour deposition is a method of coating metal that is more durable and hard wearing than gold plating.
This means the coating will last much longer and have the appearance of pure gold but be a much more economical option.
Whilst gold is generally well tolerated, we’d still recommend that anybody with a known metal allergy get pierced with plain titanium at first and then trialling gold PVD and checking their reaction.
Do you use numbing cream?
No, we don’t use any kind of numbing for any of our piercings.
Our years’ of experience mean we work so quickly and efficiently that your piercing would be done before the numbing cream had taken effect!
Can I bring a friend or family member in with me when I get pierced?
Yes, you can bring a friend or family member in with you whilst you get pierced!
Well behaved kids are OK too.
If you’re under 16, we’ll need a parent or legal guardian to be in the piercing room with you when you get your piercing.
After your piercing
How long will it take for my piercing to heal?
For most piercings, the initial healing process is around 6 to 8 weeks. At this point you can change the jewellery.
This period is where you will experience the majority of swelling, discomfort and clear discharge around the piercing.
Full healing will take around 2 to 6 months for soft tissue piercings (e.g. earlobes, lip, nose).
Cartilage piercings can often take up to a year to fully settle down. The same goes for nipple piercings, belly button piercings, etc.
The healing process for cartilage piercings isn’t linear. You might have flare ups occasionally if the piercing is knocked or caught. This is completely normal and not something to be worried about, as long as there are no signs of infection.
If these flare ups do occur, we recommend going back to using NeilMed® aftercare spray and following our aftercare instructions.
Click here to read our piercing aftercare instructions.
Please note that these healing timeframes are just guidelines and that healing times differ from person to person.
What should I do after getting a piercing?
✅ Do wash your hands thoroughly with soap & water before touching your piercing.
✅ Do use clean kitchen roll or medical gauze to clean your piercing.
✅ Do clean & dry your piercing at least twice a day.
What should I not do after getting a piercing?
❌ Don’t use oils (e.g. tea tree oil) on your piercing. These can suffocate the piercing.
❌ Don’t use anything alcohol-based (e.g. surgical spirits) to clean your piercing. They can dry out the piercing.
❌ Don’t use cotton buds or cotton wool to clean your piercing.
❌ Don’t switch out your starter jewellery until you are past the initial healing period.
❌ Don’t pick at the build-up around your piercing during the day.
❌ Don’t play with your piercing.
❌ Don’t touch your piercing unless you’re cleaning it.
When can I change my jewellery?
In most cases, you can make the switch from your starter jewellery in around 6 to 8 weeks.
However, this is just a guideline.
The wait can be longer in cases of complications and problematic healing.
If you think your jewellery is ready to change, visit our jewellery shop, Paradox Body Jewellery, so that our team can take a look at your piercing and provide you with new body jewellery that will fit correctly.
How does the free jewellery change offer work??
Our free jewellery change offer is simple.
Just need to bring in your new jewellery and your aftercare sheet and we’ll do the rest!
No appointment is needed.
Jewellery changes are done on a first come, first served basis, and are done around our booked piercing appointments.
Do I need to book an appointment for a jewellery change?
No, jewellery changes don’t need an appointment, you can just walk in.
Please be aware that we fit jewellery changes in around our booked piercing appointments.
This means there may be a wait for jewellery changes on busy days – especially on Saturdays.
How soon after getting my piercing can I go swimming?
We’d recommend avoiding swimming for at least a week after getting your new piercing and for as long as possible until you’re healed.
After that, swimming is fine.
You must clean your piercing, as per your aftercare instructions, when you get out of the pool or sea.
Avoid saunas and hot tubs, as these environments are perfect breeding grounds for bacteria which could lead to infection.
Is my piercing infected?
Piercing infections are rare, but they can happen if our aftercare instructions are not followed correctly.
Symptoms of an infected piercing include a thick, green/yellowish discharge (different to the usual clear/pale yellow fluid that forms around a healing piercing), often accompanied by a strong odour, excessive swelling, the area feeling hot to the touch, swollen lymph glands and significant pain.
There are many factors that may affect the healing of your piercing: sleep, diet, hormone fluctuations, stress, incorrect jewellery and poor aftercare.
If you’re concerned that your piercing is infected, don’t hesitate to get in touch so we can advise you.
Do I need to book an appointment for advice about a piercing?
No, piercing advice doesn’t need an appointment, just pop in.
Please be aware that we offer advice around our booked piercing appointments.
This means there may be a wait for advice on busy days, especially on Saturdays.
Can I keep in the jewellery I was pierced with?
No, in most cases you’ll need to change to a more fitted piece of jewellery after 6 to 8 weeks.
We pierce with jewellery that has room for any swelling that might occur during the healing process.
This means that you might find the jewellery isn’t as fitted, and therefore as comfortable, as you’d like once you’re healed.
In some cases, such as helix piercings pierced with a stud, leaving the initial jewellery in too long can lead to issues if left in too long.
We’ll let you know at your appointment if it’s advised to downsize your jewellery once your initial healing is complete.
It’s important to note that being able to change your jewellery for a more fitted piece, doesn’t mean your piercing is fully healed.
Can I get advice on a piercing if it was done elsewhere?
Yes, we’re happy to offer advice on piercings that were done elsewhere.
Just pop in and we can take a look. No appointment needed.
Please be aware that we offer advice around our booked piercing appointments.
This means there may be a wait for advice on busy days, especially on Saturdays.
Can I get a jewellery change on a piercing that was done elsewhere?
Yes, we’re happy to change jewellery on piercings that were done elsewhere.
Jewellery changes cost £5 – for up to three pieces of jewellery.
Can you help me change my jewellery?
Yes, we can help you change your jewellery.
Jewellery changes cost £5 – for up to three pieces of jewellery.
Jewellery changes are done on a walk in, first come, first served basis. No appointment needed.
Remember if you were pierced by us, your first jewellery change is free!
You’ll just need to buy the new jewellery and bring it into us with your aftercare leaflet.
Check out our jewellery shop, Paradox Body Jewellery, if you’re looking for a new piece!
Can I buy extra NeilMed® Piercing aftercare spray if I run out?
Yes, we sell cans of NeilMed® piercing aftercare spray.
NeilMed® is also great if want to keep your existing piercings fresh and clean!
Can you help me take out my jewellery before an MRI?
Yes, we can help remove jewellery for you before an MRI.
Just pop in, no appointment needed.
If you need more than two or three pieces to remove, please give us a call so we can block some time out in our diary for you.
Our studio
Is there parking available?
Yes, there is street parking available on Old Christchurch road, Bournemouth opposite the shop.
Alternatively, there is a BCP multi-storey car park just a 5 minute walk away called Madeira Road car park.
Do you sell body jewellery?
Yes, we sell body jewellery at our jewellery shop, Paradox Body Jewellery – just four doors down from us!
Paradox sell a wide range of high quality body jewellery, in a variety of different styles & materials, so you’re sure to find your perfect piece of jewellery!
What safety measures do you follow?
Your safety and comfort are our top priorities.
We adhere to the highest safety standards including hospital grade sterilisation, spot disinfection and single-use needles.
Our piercers are first aid trained and fully licensed by Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole council.
Are children allowed in the studio?
Yes, well behaved children are allowed in the studio.
Is Metal Fatigue Piercing wheelchair accessible?
Yes, our waiting room and piercing room are both wheelchair accessible.