We know that getting a piercing — whether it’s your first or your tenth — comes with plenty of questions. And that’s a good thing. Asking questions is part of making informed, confident decisions about your body.
This month, we’ve gathered the 10 most frequently asked piercing FAQs at Flux, along with clear answers from our experienced team. Whether you’re preparing for your next visit or simply curious, here’s what you need to know.
❓ 1. Does it hurt? Be honest!
This is easily one of our most asked piercing FAQs — and completely understandable.
Pain varies from person to person. Everyone has a different threshold, and your mindset going into the appointment can genuinely influence how it feels.
Some piercings feel like a sharp pinch. Others feel more like pressure or a brief scratch. Cartilage can feel sharper than softer tissue. However, most clients say the same thing afterwards:
“That was over much quicker than I expected.”
Above all, your comfort is our priority. We talk you through every step, work with precision, and keep the process smooth and efficient. You’re in experienced hands.
🏊♀️ 2. How long should I wait before swimming?
Swimming is best avoided for 6–8 weeks minimum, although healing time varies depending on placement and your individual healing ability.
Pools, oceans, lakes, and hot tubs all contain bacteria, chlorine, or salt that can disrupt healing and increase infection risk. Even a short swim can set your healing back.
If you have a holiday or regular swim routine planned, it’s always wise to schedule your piercing around those activities.
🤰 3. Can I get pierced while pregnant or breastfeeding?
While there’s no law preventing it, we do not perform piercings on clients who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
During pregnancy and postpartum, your immune system is more sensitive. If complications arise — such as infection or allergic reaction — the risks can be greater.
We believe this period should focus on recovery, bonding, and wellbeing. Your piercing can wait — and we’ll be here when you’re ready.
👧 4. Do you pierce babies’ or children’s ears?
We maintain a strict minimum age of 8 years old.
Young children’s ears are still developing, meaning placement can shift as they grow. Additionally, infants cannot manage aftercare independently, increasing the risk of irritation and infection.
There’s also a safety consideration: loose jewellery can become a choking hazard.
By waiting until a child can understand the process and participate in the decision, we ensure a safer and more empowering experience.
🖋️ 5. Do you do tattoos as well?
No — and intentionally so.
Flux Piercing Studio has been piercing-only since 2001.
We specialise. Our piercers dedicate years to studying anatomy, jewellery materials, sterilisation protocols, placement angles, and healing science. Piercing is not a side service here — it is our craft.
💎 6. Can I be pierced with my own jewellery?
Unfortunately, no.
Even if jewellery was originally purchased from us, once it leaves the studio we cannot verify how it has been stored or handled.
We pierce exclusively with implant-grade titanium or solid 14kt+ gold that meets strict biocompatibility standards and that we sterilise in-house immediately before use.
Even minimal contamination can cause complications. Therefore, we only pierce with brand-new, certified jewellery we prepare ourselves.
⚕️ 7. What if I have a medical condition?
In many cases, piercing is still possible — but it depends on your condition.
On your consent form, we ask about medical history so we can assess whether healing may be affected. Conditions involving immune response, circulation, clotting, or skin integrity may require additional consideration.
Occasionally, we may recommend GP approval. This isn’t about refusing service — it’s about ensuring your body has the best chance to heal safely.
🩹 8. What if I think my piercing is infected?
First: do not remove the jewellery.
Removing jewellery during infection can trap bacteria inside the channel, potentially worsening the issue.
Instead, book a check-up with us. Irritation and infection can look similar, but they require different approaches. Many concerns resolve with a simple jewellery adjustment or aftercare correction.
If a genuine infection is present, we’ll guide you on appropriate next steps.
💫 9. Can I start with a ring instead of a bar?
Unless you’re having a septum or daith piercing, we do not start with rings.
Rings move more than straight bars. That movement can cause irritation, delay healing, and sometimes lead to piercing failure — especially in ears.
We typically recommend waiting 3–6 months before switching to a ring, depending on placement and healing progress. Patience protects the final result.
🧴 10. Can I make my own saltwater solution?
DIY saltwater used to be common. However, we now strongly recommend pre-packaged sterile saline such as NeilMed Piercing Aftercare.
Homemade solutions are inconsistent. Too much salt dries tissue. Too little does nothing. More importantly, sterility cannot be guaranteed.
Sterile saline offers controlled concentration, convenience, and reliability — all of which support proper healing.
💬 Still Have Questions?
If your question wasn’t covered in these piercing FAQs, we’re always happy to help.
You can:
• Pop into the studio
• Book a consultation
• Message us on Instagram or email
• Explore our in-depth piercing guides online
We’re passionate about helping you feel informed, safe, and confident throughout your piercing journey.
Your safety. Your body. Your story.
The Fluxy Girls 💖