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FAQS
Are you looking for answers about piercings, bookings, piercing healing times, our store and more?
We cover everything from piercings, aftercare and our studio, so you can feel confident in choosing us for all your piercing needs.
If you have any further questions, don't hesitate to get in touch with us.
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Do I need to book an appointment or can I walk-in?We welcome walk-ins, but they aren't always guaranteed, especially on weekends when wait times can be up to an hour. To save time and secure your spot, we recommend making a booking. It’s the best way to ensure a smooth experience! Book here now...
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How old do I have to be to have a needle piercing?For clients 16 years and over: No parental consent is needed. Proof of ID is required for everyone 16 and over. For clients under 16: Parental or legal guardian consent is required. Clients 14 or younger must have a guardian present during the procedure. Proof of ID is required for the guardian. Our Adorn policy includes strict age requirements with no exceptions: Nipple Piercings: 16+ Dermal Piercings: 16+ Tongue Piercings: 15+ Navel Piercings: 14+ We ensure all clients understand the aftercare process, and we may decline the service if a minor can't follow instructions or causes distress. Refunds are assessed case by case, based on time and materials used. We offer free check-ups for all piercings and recommend downsizing after swelling has reduced to prevent complications. Your safety is our top priority—feel free to contact us with any questions!
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What is included in the price of the piercing?All piercing prices include: SS316L surgical steel jewellery The piercing itself Free check-ups to monitor the healing process Your first downsize fitting to ensure proper healing (jewellery is not included) We also offer the option to upgrade to implant-grade titanium jewellery for an additional $10-$40, which our professional piercers highly recommend for added comfort and safety. Aftercare solution is available to help promote a smooth healing process.
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Is afterpay available?Afterpay is available at all locations. We accept Visa, MasterCard, and offer PayWave. Our Takapuna studio is cashless. Please note, surcharges apply to PayWave and credit card transactions. For afterpay refunds, please notify us immediately at the time of the transaction. Gift vouchers can be purchased in-studio.
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My piercing is becoming irritated or infected, what should I do?Our studios are open 7 days, if you have any concerns you are welcome to visit the studio or call for one on one advise. Aftercare is VERY important with any piercing. Piercings are prone to irritations and infections during the first two phases of healing. An aftercare plan was explained and given to you at the time of your appointment as well as being available on our website here Please ensure you are following the instructions carefully. Remember that any touching, twisting, turning or picking at the piercing can cause irritation or infection. For information on infections or irritation/piercing bumps see our website here Not downsizing your piercing can also cause irritation. For information on downsizing your piercing see our website FAQs section here All piercings are performed under strict sterile conditions using single-use, pre-sterilised needles and equipment. Please see our safety policy here for more information on our processes. If at anytime you are concerned about your piercing please call or visit our studios, we are open 7 days! Contact us or see our locations here
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Do you pierce children's lobes?Adorn Piercings for Children At Adorn, we respect the cultural significance of piercings, including those for young children. Our expert piercers are trained to ensure precision and safety, using sterile equipment and strict sanitation protocols. We understand that younger clients may need extra time and care, and we’re here to support them throughout the process. Important Information: Double Lobe Piercings (Needle) for ages 12 and under. A detailed consent form must be completed by the parent at the time of booking, and ID will be required. Ears are pierced simultaneously by two piercers. $100 includes basic silver titanium flat-back jewelry and piercings. Your child must be calm and willing; we won’t proceed if they are upset or unwilling. Prepare your child by ensuring they are well-rested, fed, and hydrated. No refunds or credits for a change of mind, but sterilized equipment can be stored for later use. Appointments are 20 minutes. Extended appointments may need to be rescheduled. Not available Saturdays and Sundays from 12-4 PM. Bookings during this time will be canceled. For more details, please contact your local studio.
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I have excessive swelling, what should I do?Swelling is a common experience after getting a piercing. We use jewellery that allows for normal amounts of swelling, if you find the swelling uncomfortable, take action. You can ice the area, elevate your head while sleeping (if you have a face or ear piercing), or take over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication like ibuprofen or voltaren. If you are experiencing painful swelling or if your jewellery is sinking into your piercing, call us or visit the studio immediately Auckland 09 250 4004 Christchurch 03 365 2255 To avoid any excessive swelling, it's important to not touch, twist, pick, or play with your piercing. Do not to sleep on your piercing. Make sure to follow the aftercare instructions carefully. Infections, poor aftercare, and reactions to jewellery can also cause excessive swelling, so it's important to be vigilant. Tight jewellery can cause an infection to develop. Once the excessive swelling has subsided, it is important to downsize your jewellery. See more information on excessive swelling here
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When should I downsize my piercing?At Adorn, we understand the importance of downsizing certain piercings to prevent irritation, migration, or rejection. This is why we always recommend downsizing your piercing once the swelling has subsided. Regular check-ups and downsizing fittings are available for free at Adorn. Our knowledgeable piercing professionals can help you determine when your piercing is ready to be downsized, as incorrect sizing in can lead to further complications. Book your free downsize fitting here - Please note jewellery is not included.
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I'm worried about the pain. Can I use numbing cream or anaesthetics?It’s completely normal to feel nervous before a piercing, especially if it’s your first! Rest assured, our team is highly trained and experienced, and most clients find the pain very manageable and the process quick. As a policy, we do not pierce individuals who have applied numbing creams. Numbing creams can distort the tissue around the piercing site, leading to crooked or uneven piercings. Plus, the cream doesn’t reach the deeper layers of skin, so discomfort may still occur. If you’ve applied numbing cream before your appointment, we may be unable to proceed with the piercing. Trust our team to make your experience as smooth and comfortable as possible. If you have any concerns or questions, feel free to contact us in advance!
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Can I bring my own jewellery?No, in accordance with the Ministry of Health we can not pierce you with jewellery you have bought somewhere else or have previously used, we pierce with our own high quality jewellery to avoid risk the chance of infection, irritation and to promote healing.
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Do you sell gift vouchersYes, we sell gift vouchers in-store only. These can be redeemed at any of our Auckland and Christchurch locations. For those outside our area, we also accept pressie cards.
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What jewellery is available?At Adorn, all piercing prices include a standard SS316L surgical steel option. However, we highly recommend upgrading to our premium titanium jewellery, which is known for its superior quality and high resistance to irritation and wear. If you want the best possible healing experience and durability, our implant grade titanium jewellery is a great choice. In addition to our standard piercing options in surgical steel and titanium jewellery options, we also offer a wide range of high-quality pieces for you to choose from for your healed piercings. Our extensive range of jewellery encompasses various styles, and allows you to personalise your piercing and accent your unique style. Whether you're looking for statement earrings, classic hoops, or unique studs, you will find something that suits your style at Adorn. We believe that finding the perfect piece of jewellery to match and complement your piercing is an essential part of the overall experience, and that's why we're proud to offer such a comprehensive selection. To comply with the Health and Hygiene laws Adorn does not give refunds on jewellery purchased in-studio. Please see our refund policy for more information
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Do you use guns (cartridge) to pierce, what is the difference between cartridge and needle piercings?Cartridge style piercings are strictly for 12 years and under. Only in our Christchurch Studio Needle piercings are performed by professional piercers using a hollow needle that creates a clean, high-quality piercing. A piercing needle is sharp, single-use, and sterile, reducing the risk of infection and ensuring a safe piercing experience. Needle piercings provide a higher level of precision and are a more professional and safer method, especially if you’re seeking a specific placement or style of piercing. Our lobe needle piercings start from $40, including your piercing and flat-back jewellery. Gun piercings (cartridge) can vary in quality depending on the skill of the piercer. While gun piercings are often faster and cheaper than needle piercings, making them more favourable for younger children, they carry a higher risk of infection and can cause skin damage if not performed correctly. Guns use a sharp-tipped earring to pierce the skin, which can be more traumatic to the tissue than a piercing needle, leading to longer healing times and an increased risk of scarring. The butterfly-backed earrings used at some locations do not allow for swelling. At Adorn, we are aware that gun piercings are accessible at most chemists, some Lovisa outlets, and piercing stores for a very low price. We also understand that some clients are needle-phobic and prefer this type of piercing. The Ministry of Health Guidelines for Safe Piercing of Skin requires the use of guns only on the soft tissue of the lobe. Unfortunately, some Lovisa outlets, chemists, and piercing studios will still pierce the hard cartilage of the ear and nose with this equipment, which can cause trauma, excessive swelling, irritation, and scarring. Therefore, at Adorn, we only pierce the first and second spaces of the earlobe with this equipment, and only for Christchurch clients 12 years and under. Our cartridge-style piercings use surgical steel or titanium studs with a longer post to allow for swelling. The butterfly backs are not locked into position, allowing them to be adjusted to accommodate swelling. Each cartridge is individually packaged and pre-sterilised. Unlike a gun, there is no spring mechanism; the cartridge is used with a swift hand pressure movement, allowing for more accurate placement. The cartridge is then disposed of, eliminating any risk of cross-contamination. We do not load cartridges into instruments like guns, as they cannot be sterilised between clients. Simply wiping down a gun will not kill contaminants. In conclusion, while needle piercings are safer and more precise than gun piercings, it's important to choose a reputable studio with experienced professional body piercers who can provide you with high-quality service and personalised advice on the best option for you. If you have any concerns about a particular method or specific piercing, we encourage you to speak with our body piercers to discuss your options and find the best solution for your needs.
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How long will the session take?Piercing sessions can take 10-15 minutes, please allow an additional 10-15 to choose your piercing and to fill out your consent forms beforehand. If you’d like to make a booking now, see here...
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Can I bring a note from a parent?No, if you are under 16, your parent/guardian will need to provide consent in person or over the phone for those who are 15-16 years old. ID is required for the consenting parent or person over 16.
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I’m not allowed visible piercings at school, what can I do?"Adorn offers Bio compatible, flexible bioplast jewellery, in most cases we can pierce with this jewellery to allow for better healing instead of removing a new piercing for school each day.
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Can I bring my friends along?14 and under must have a parent or guardian present while the piercing is performed. This is to ensure both parties understand the aftercare instructions. You may bring a parent, guardian or friend but please limit yourself to one support person as our premises are small and our piercers require concentration. Please also note that this is at our piercers discretion. We require concentration and may only allow the person being pierced in the piercing areas. Please also note we do not allow filming of our piercings as we need to concentrate.
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How long will my piercing take to heal?Healing times vary with different piercings and how long your own body takes to mend. Typical piercing healing times will be told to you during your consultation and can be seen here in our aftercare guide.
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Can I be pierced if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?Yes, if you are comfortable, healthy and understand the aftercare there is no reason why you can't have a piercing while pregnant. It is recommended that you wait for 9-12 months + to have a nipple piercing once breastfeeding has stopped.
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How many piercings can I get at once?Depending on placement, we will perform up to 3 piercings in one session. More than 3 fresh piercings at once can be difficult to care for and compromise your bodies ability to heal in a timely manner.
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