Frequently asked questions
At The Piercing Urge, we know getting a piercing is more than just a service. It’s a personal journey, a moment of self expression, and an experience you want to feel confident about. We’ve gathered answers to some of the most common questions our clients ask, designed to help you feel informed, reassured, and inspired every step of the way.
What makes The Piercing Urge Melbourne’s most trusted piercing studio?
For over 30 years, The Piercing Urge has defined what safe, ethical, and expertly executed piercing should be. Clients return to us (and refer their friends) because they know our reputation is earned, not claimed. Every appointment is handled with anatomical precision, thoughtful guidance, and open respect for the individual. We don't just deliver results. We create experiences that truly feel elevated and respectful.
Is it normal to feel nervous or worried before getting pierced? And does it hurt?
Yes, it's completely normal to feel nervous, whether it's your first time or your twentieth. You'll feel a moment of discomfort, but most people find it's over far more quickly than expected. Our team is calm, communicative, and here to make sure you feel supported and informed every step of the way.
Can I bring someone with me for support during my appointment?
Absolutely. You’re welcome to bring a trusted friend or family member. Having someone with you can make the experience more comfortable, and we’ll do everything we can to make sure you both feel informed and at ease.
Do I need to book an appointment, or can I walk in?
We recommend booking ahead so you can have dedicated time with our team. Walk-ins are always welcome when we have availability, and we’ll do our best to fit you in. For more advanced services, consultations, or curated styling sessions, an appointment is your best option. Click here to book one now!
What is your cancellation or rescheduling policy?
We ask for a minimum of 12 hours’ notice if you need to cancel or change your appointment. Cancellations or no-shows within this window incur a fee. You can read our full policy here, or reach out if you have questions, we’re happy to help.
How do you ensure everything is sterile, hygienic, and safe?
Safety is at the centre of everything we do. Our equipment and procedures follow strict sterilisation protocols that are informed by industry best practise and exceed minimum health requirements. Any studio can make a claim that they are sterile and hygienic, but not every studio explain to you what that even means. We’re proud to be the studio that helps train others, and even advise on safety practices at a regulatory level. When you come to us, you're truly in experienced, trusted hands.
Do you use piercing guns or needles? And why does it matter?
We never use piercing guns or similar handheld devices. They cause unnecessary trauma to the tissue and make healing more difficult. Instead, we use single use, industry leading piercing needles, designed for precision. This ensures the cleanest possible process, the smoothest healing, and the best long term result for your body.
What kind of jewellery do you use? Can I bring my own?
We proudly only use jewellery that has been through an in depth verification process to prove that it meets the safety standards it claims to. Our range of verified implant grade titanium, solid 14k nickel-free gold and other premium materials are sourced from industry leading manufacturers. Every jewellery design is chosen for your comfort, safety and lasting quality. To maintain the highest possible standards, we do not install jewellery purchased elsewhere. This protects your health and ensures the results we’re known for. Want to know more about jewellery?
At what age do you pierce children’s ears? How do you make it a positive experience?
We offer earlobe piercing for children aged six and up. Every appointment is approached with patience and a focus on informed consent. Our team is trained to make the process feel empowering, calm, and even fun for both the child and the parent. We’ll talk you both through the whole experience and make sure your child feels safe and supported during this special moment. Read more about our children's services here.
Do you pierce both ears at the same time for children?
Yes, for clients aged 6 to 15, we use two experienced piercers to perform both earlobe piercings at once. This reduces anticipation, keeps the moment smooth and quick, and helps children feel more confident and relaxed. Tandem piercing is offered by default for all children in this age group, so there is no need to make a special request. Read more about our children's services here.
How long will my piercing take to heal, and what should I expect?
Healing time varies depending on the placement, but most piercings take anywhere from 3 to 12 months, sometimes more. During your appointment, we’ll talk you through the specific healing timeline for your piercing and make sure you leave with clear, personalised aftercare instructions. We’re also here to support you well beyond the day of your appointment if you have any concerns or questions along the way.
What should I do if I experience concerns, irritation, or issues while healing?
Don’t wait, reach out to us. We specialise in troubleshooting and are often called on to assist with concerns from piercings done elsewhere. Our piercers are highly trained and experienced in dealing with a whole array of piercing troubles. Whether it's a small irritation or something more persistent, we’re here to help you find the kind of personalised clarity you won't find on a search engine or community group.
What aftercare products or practices do you recommend?
Keep it simple, gentle, and consistent. We recommend cleaning with sterile saline and avoiding touching or twisting your jewellery. Let your body lead the healing and contact us any time if something doesn’t feel right. You can read our full aftercare guide here, and we’re always happy to answer questions, check in, or guide you through healing with care.
Do you offer inclusive services for all genders, bodies, and abilities?
Yes. Inclusion isn’t just a value here. It’s a standard. We welcome people of all genders, backgrounds, bodies and lived experiences.
Inclusion shows up in the details, such as jewellery sizes many studios leave out of their "standard" ranges, thoughtful and neutral language centered around anatomy and never shaming, and in how we tailor each appointment to the individual, including those with anxieties, disabilities or trauma histories.
Many of our clients tell us this is the first studio where they’ve felt truly seen. We don’t take that lightly.
How do I choose the right piercings or jewellery to match my style or build a curated look?
That’s where our team shines. We’ll work with you to understand your anatomy, your aesthetic, and your goals. Whether you’re building a fully styled ear curation or getting something more simple, we're here to assess and guide, and create something that is right for you.
Still have questions? We're here.
Every piercing journey is different and sometimes, what matters most isn’t on a FAQ list.
If there’s something you’re unsure about, our team is ready to assist you.
Let’s talk about what’s possible.