Piercing FAQs

Here are some answers to common piercing FAQs. If you have additional questions, feel free to reach out to Solanatattoo@gmail.com.

What is the service charge?

Any non-piercing appointment, such as a piercing change. Our service charge is $15 to cover the sterile packs and tools that we use, specific to each service based on gauge and exact sizing. We collectively spend hours sterilizing every single taper, tool, and piece of jewelry. 

What does your 90-day post-treatment care include? 

• Free cleanings

• Bead replacement

• Upgrade tops with zero service fee

  
  

Can I get pierced with a hoop (ring)?

It depends on the piercing. The piercings that are typically started with a ring are daith, septum, and select below-the-belt piercings. For most other piercings, we advise against starting with a hoop. Why hoops are usually not recommended for initial piercings:

• Straight piercings vs. curved jewelry: Many piercings are performed straight initially. Placing curved jewelry (like a ring) into a fresh straight piercing puts tension on both ends of the piercing. This can lead to persistent irritation, excess bleeding, and additional swelling.

• Rings rotate: Rings can turn or rotate within the piercing, whether the piercing is fresh or healed. When the jewelry rotates, bacteria that comes into contact with the portion of the ring outside the body can eventually enter the piercing channel.

• Hinges and openings can trap bacteria: Any complete ring has an opening or hinge. These areas can trap bacteria and are impossible to fully clean without removing the jewelry, which we advise against until the piercing is completely healed.

• The hinge can irritate the piercing channel: As the ring rotates, the hinge or opening may pass through the piercing channel. This can cause irritation or micro-tears, which may prolong healing. In some cases, the hinge or opening could even get stuck inside the piercing, and the piercing may begin closing around it.

• Proper sizing is difficult with fresh piercings: Initial jewelry needs to allow room for swelling, which means starting with a larger diameter ring. Because of this, the ring won’t sit snug to the area and is more prone to snagging during the healing process.

Are there exceptions?

If a client specifically requests a ring, we may potentially make an exception after advising them of the risks and what to watch for during healing.

The conch piercing can be particularly challenging in this situation. Starting jewelry must be larger to accommodate swelling, and we may not always have the appropriate size in stock. Rings for healed conch piercings are already among the largest sizes we typically carry, and they are often a larger gauge, which can make initial placement more difficult.

When should I come in for a downsize?

We recommend waiting at least 30 days after your initial piercing before downsizing, and no longer than 60 days for that first change.

How much you downsize depends on your preference — some people like a slight gap, others prefer a snug fit. Either way, all changes should be gradual — one size at a time. Swelling must be fully gone, and the fistula (healed channel) should be healthy and established before switching to shorter jewelry. Keep in mind that cartilage piercings take longer to heal due to lower blood flow.

For gauge (thickness) changes, go one size at a time with about 60 days between adjustments to allow proper tissue adaptation. Tapering may be tolerated up to around 10g, but beyond that, dead stretching is the only safe method, with size increases spaced about every three months.

Do you stretch gauges? 

Yes, up to 6g. 

When should I switch out my conch jewelry?

Solana Tattoo Company suggests downsizing cartilage piercings after a minimum wait of 30 days. However, we suggest you do not wait more than 60 days before downsizing.

How young will you do facial piercings/nose piercings? 

13 and older with parents present and proof of relation. No tongue or surface piercings for minors, however.

How many piercings can I get in one session?

We will do up to four piercings on the same person per session. Let them all heal for 30-60 days minimum before getting more to assure proper healing. 

Is your jewelry flat back?

Yes, with internal threading. Our basic jewelry has a 3mm bead. 

Can you pierce the ears of a baby?

No, the youngest we will pierce is age 5. A baby isn’t old enough to consent to a procedure, and we consider consent sacred. 

Do you do antibrow piercings? What type of barbell do you use?

Yes. The bar we use is flat in 14 gauge. We use implant titanium with 14g tops in a variety of options. 

Can I bring my own jewelry in to get pierced with?

Yes, if it is appropriate for the piercing you are getting. We will still provide you with some of our basic starter jewelry. If you bring your own jewelry, it doesn’t change the price of the installation.