The Ultimate Piercing FAQs

The price of a piercing varies depending on the type of piercing and where you get it done. On average, in the UK, ear piercings can cost anywhere between £20-£60, depending on whether it’s a simple lobe or more intricate cartilage piercing. Some piercing studios may offer deals or free piercings if you buy jewellery— for example, Claire’s offers free ear piercings when you purchase earrings. Belly button and nose piercings usually range from £25-£50. Prices can fluctuate based on the studio, the location, and the quality of the jewellery you choose. To get a better idea of pricing, you can read our Celebrity-Inspired Ear Piercings Guide for more insights into various piercings.

Healing times vary depending on the type of piercing and how well you take care of it. Lobe piercings generally take about 6-8 weeks to heal, while cartilage piercings like the helix, tragus, or conch can take up to 6-12 months. More complex piercings, such as septum or tongue piercings, can take several months to heal completely. Follow your piercer’s aftercare advice to ensure a smooth and quick recovery, and always be patient with the healing process.

Cleaning your piercing is crucial to prevent infection. Use a saline solution— either store-bought or homemade— by mixing 1/4 teaspoon of non-iodised sea salt with 240ml of warm water. Clean your piercing twice a day, gently applying the solution with a cotton pad. Avoid using alcohol or hydrogen peroxide, as these can irritate the area. For a more in-depth look at cleaning and aftercare, refer to our Piercing Gun vs Needle Guide.

The general rule is to wait until your piercing is fully healed before changing your jewellery. For lobe piercings, this can take 6-8 weeks, while cartilage piercings and more complex piercings like the tongue or nose can take 3-6 months. Changing your jewellery too soon can lead to irritation or even infection, which could prolong healing. When in doubt, consult your piercer. For more guidance on this, check out our Guide to Helix Piercings.

Nose piercings generally take about 2-4 months to heal, though this can vary depending on how well you care for it and your body’s natural healing process. Avoid touching or twisting the jewellery during the healing process, and ensure you follow proper aftercare. If you develop a bump around the piercing, it’s important to treat it promptly— we’ve covered the details on how to get rid of a piercing bump.

Wait until your nose piercing is completely healed before changing the jewellery. For most people, this is around 3-6 months. Changing the jewellery too soon can irritate the area and potentially cause infection, which could extend the healing time. Make sure you clean the piercing properly before and after making the switch.

Use a saline solution to clean your nose piercing twice daily. Avoid using harsh chemicals like alcohol or hydrogen peroxide, which can dry out the skin and slow down the healing process. Gently dab the solution around the piercing with a clean cotton pad or gauze. Our detailed Septum and Daith Piercing Guide covers nose piercing aftercare in more depth.

Belly button piercings usually take anywhere from 6 months to a year to heal. Given its location, this type of piercing can be more prone to infections, as it is often covered by clothing. Make sure to wear loose, breathable clothes and follow a strict aftercare routine to avoid irritation. We’ve provided further tips in our Belly Button Piercing Guide.

In the UK, belly button piercings generally cost between £25-£40. The price may include the initial jewellery and an aftercare solution. Be sure to inquire with your piercing studio about any additional fees.

If your belly button piercing shows signs of infection— such as redness, swelling, or discharge— it’s important to clean the area with a saline solution and consult your piercer or a healthcare professional. Don’t remove the jewellery, as this can cause the wound to close and trap the infection. For a more detailed look at infection treatment, you can explore our Infected Piercing Treatment Guide.

Helix piercings, being on the cartilage, take longer to heal than lobe piercings. Expect the healing process to last anywhere from 3-6 months. To avoid complications, ensure you don’t sleep on the pierced side and keep the area clean with saline solution.

It’s best to wait at least six months before changing the jewellery in your helix piercing. Prematurely changing the jewellery can cause irritation or even infection, potentially prolonging the healing process.

Helix piercings typically range from £20-£40 in the UK, depending on the studio and the quality of the jewellery. Always opt for a reputable piercer to ensure a clean and safe experience.

A tragus piercing goes through the small piece of cartilage that partially covers your ear canal. It’s a discreet yet stylish option for those looking for something unique. Tragus piercings can be beautifully complemented with other ear piercings to create a bold ear stack. Explore our Stacked Earrings Collection for inspiration on how to style this piercing.

Like other cartilage piercings, a tragus piercing typically takes 3-6 months to heal. Be sure to clean the piercing with saline solution and avoid sleeping on the side with the new piercing.

Tongue piercings are one of the fastest healing piercings, usually taking about 4-6 weeks. However, the first week can involve significant swelling, so it’s essential to stick to soft foods and maintain excellent oral hygiene. Rinse your mouth with a non-alcoholic mouthwash after meals to prevent infections.

Tongue piercings generally cost around £30-£60 in the UK. As always, choose a reputable piercer to minimise the risk of complications and ensure a professional procedure.

The conch piercing is located in the inner part of the ear, near the ear canal. It’s ideal for those who want a bold, statement piece of jewellery, like hoops or studs, in their ear stack. Pair it with pieces from our Stacked Earrings Collection for a stylish layered look.

A conch piercing usually takes 6-12 months to heal due to its placement in the thick cartilage of the ear. Avoid sleeping on the side of your piercing and clean it regularly with saline solution to promote healing.

A daith piercing passes through the innermost cartilage fold of your ear and is said by some to help relieve migraines. While there’s limited scientific evidence, many people swear by it. Learn more about this piercing and its benefits in our Septum and Daith Piercing Guide.

Daith piercings take anywhere from 4-12 months to heal fully, similar to other cartilage piercings. As with all piercings, it’s essential to follow proper aftercare to avoid infections.

Standard lobe piercings usually heal within 6-8 weeks, while cartilage piercings like the helix or conch may take anywhere from 6-12 months.

In the UK, ear piercings typically cost £20-£40. Claire’s, for example, offers free ear piercings with the purchase of earrings, but prices may vary depending on the studio and type of jewellery used.