preparation guide

Before Your Piercing

Version 1

Issued 22/10/2026

Draft. Not yet approved by the studio's qualified practitioner. Do not issue to clients.

This guide covers what to expect before a piercing at Rebellious Ink. Your piercer will check your anatomy and suitability on the day. Not every piercing suits every body, and we will always tell you honestly.

Age and ID

Bring photographic ID. Our Age and ID Policy sets out the rules for each age group and each type of piercing.
Online enquiries for piercing are currently for adults (18 and over). If you are under 18, please email the studio before you book so we can explain what is possible.

Jewellery

We pierce with implant-grade titanium or other suitable materials. Your piercer will explain the options, sizes and prices before you decide.
Initial jewellery is deliberately longer to allow for swelling. A follow-up downsize appointment is usually needed after healing begins.
If you know you react to certain metals, tell us. Our Allergies and Patch Tests guide explains more.

Before you arrive

Eat, hydrate and rest. Do not arrive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Arrive clean. For oral piercings, brush your teeth and avoid strong-smelling food just before.
Tell us about allergies (especially metals), skin conditions at the site, bleeding disorders, relevant medicines, pregnancy or anything else that might affect healing. Our Pregnancy and Medical Conditions guide lists what we ask about.
You will complete a short health questionnaire and consent form, and we will check your ID before we start.

Think about your life for the next few months

Work or school dress codes, sports, helmets, headphones, face masks and sleeping position can all irritate a healing piercing.
Swimming and submerging the piercing should be avoided during healing.
Healing takes weeks to months, and some piercings take a year or more. Be ready for that commitment.

Your piercer may decline or suggest a different placement if your anatomy or lifestyle makes a piercing unlikely to heal well. That is about keeping you safe, not about you.

Separate aftercare guides apply for ear and face, oral, navel, nipple and surface, and genital piercings. We will give you the one that matches your piercing.

Practitioner to confirm: that the wording about online enquiries matches the live website setting for the minimum piercing age, and that implant-grade titanium is the studio's standard material.

Questions? Email thedesk@rebelliousink.tattoo. For anything medical, contact NHS 111 or your GP. In an emergency, call 999.