How old do I have to be to get pierced?

Ear Piercings:

• Minimum age: 7 years old

• Requirements:

  • Under the age of 18:

    • Parental or legal guardian consent (must be present during procedure)

    • Child’s birth certificate /legal guardianship papers

    • Legal guardian’s government issued photo ID

    • We only pierce children who are mature enough to sit still and follow basic aftercare instructions.

Body Piercings (e.g., nostril, navel, industrial):

• Minimum age: 15 years old

• Requirements:

  • Parent or legal guardian consent (must be present during procedure)

  • Client’s government issued photo ID with birth certificate/legal guardianship papers

  • Legal guardian’s government issued photo ID
    

Nipple and Genital Piercings:

• Minimum age: 18 years old

• Requirements:

  • Client’s government issued photo ID
    

If you are 18 years old or older a valid government issued photo ID is only required for any piercing

Why are there age restrictions for piercings?

We follow strict age requirements to ensure:

• The client is mature enough to handle the procedure and aftercare

• Legal compliance with state laws and regulations

• Proper development of anatomy for specific piercings

Do you take walk-ins?

We always do for piercings! 11am-7pm

Can I bring someone with me?

Of course! Bringing a trusted friend or family member can help ease nerves. We ask for guests to respect the studio environment by keeping noise levels low and avoiding unnecessary distractions.

What kind of jewelry do you use for piercings?

We only pierce with internally threaded implant grade titanium, solid 14kt gold, 18kt gold, ASTM B392 compliant Niobium, Borosilicate glass.

Using high-quality, biocompatible materials reduces the risk of irritation, allergic reactions, or infection. Lower-grade metals, such as surgical steel or plated jewelry can contain nickel or other allergens that cause complications.

Implant-Grade Titanium (ASTM F136 or ASTM F1295):

Titanium is hypoallergenic, lightweight, and free of nickel, making it ideal for sensitive skin. It’s the same material used in medical implants, meaning it’s proven safe for the human body and encourages faster, smoother healing.

Niobium:

Another hypoallergenic and corrosion resistant metal, niobium is soft, safe, and great for those with sensitivities.

High-Quality Gold for Luxurious Safety

Solid 14kt-18kt Gold:

Only solid, nickel-free gold is used to prevent irritation or allergic reactions. Gold-plated or vermeil jewelry isn’t suitable for healing piercings because the outer coating can wear off, exposing the base metals underneath.

Borosilicate Glass for Unique Style and Safety

This type of glass is non-porous, biocompatible, and perfect for individuals with severe metal sensitivities.

Can I get pierced with a hoop?

We prioritize your safety, comfort, and the proper healing of your piercings. While hoops or rings are a popular jewelry style, they are not ideal for initial piercings. Here’s why we recommend starting with a straight stud instead of a hoop:

Hoops Move Too Much

• Excessive Movement: Hoops tend to rotate and shift more than a stud. This movement can irritate the fresh piercing and prolong the healing process.

• Trauma: Hoops are more likely to catch on clothing, hair, or towels, which can cause painful irritation or even damage to the piercing.

Hoops Put Pressure on the Piercing

• Uneven Pressure: Hoops naturally curve, which can put pressure on the sides of a fresh piercing. This may cause swelling, discomfort, or the formation of bumps (like hypertrophic scarring).

• Improper Healing: The pressure from a hoop can prevent the piercing from healing straight, potentially leading to an uneven or crooked result.

Studs Provide Stability

• Straight Path for Healing: A flat-backed stud or barbell allows the piercing to heal in a straight and stable position, reducing irritation and promoting faster recovery.

• Easier Aftercare: Studs are less likely to move during cleaning, making it easier to follow proper aftercare instructions.

Hoops are Better After Healing

• Hoops are a great option once your piercing is fully healed. By waiting until the healing process is complete, you reduce the risk of irritation, swelling, and other complications.

Can I get a piercing if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?

No, you cannot get a piercing while pregnant or breastfeeding. Your body is more susceptible to infections, and there is a small risk of bacteria affecting your health or your baby’s.

Do you pierce with a gun?

No, we never use a piercing gun to pierce with, only sterile single-use hollow needles.

Here are some reasons why we won’t pierce with piercing guns:

• Hygiene Concerns: Piercing guns cannot be properly sterilized between clients, increasing the risk of infection or cross-contamination.

• Tissue Damage: Guns force jewelry through the skin using blunt force, which can crush the tissue and lead to longer healing times, irritation, or scarring.

• Improper Jewelry: Guns often use low-quality jewelry that’s not designed for healing piercings, which can lead to complications like allergic reactions or embedded jewelry.

Why are needles better than guns?

• Precision: Hollow needles create a clean, controlled incision, minimizing trauma to the tissue and allowing for faster healing.

• Hygiene: We use hollow single-use, disposable needles that are sterilized and discarded immediately after use, ensuring a safe and sanitary experience.

• Comfort: Needle piercings are less painful and cause less swelling because they don’t crush the surrounding tissue.

Aren’t piercing guns faster or easier?

While guns may seems faster, they compromise safety and healing. Our professional piercing process is quick, precise, and focused on your long-term health and satisfaction. A little extra time for proper technique is worth is to avoid unnecessary complications.

Do you pierce kid’s ears with needles?

Yes, we pierce children’s ears with sterile, hollow needles to ensure a safe and comfortable experience. We believe every client—no matter their age (at least 7yrs to be able to get pierced)— deserves the highest standard of care.

Can you help me change out my jewelry?

Yes! Of course! We will gladly assist you with jewelry changes if your piercing is healed enough to be able to. If you are having complications with a piercing it may be necessary to change the jewelry sooner with the assistance of our piercer.

What does APP mean?

At Atomic Valkyrie, we’re proud to be members of the APP (Association of Professional Piercers). Being APP-certified means we uphold the highest standards of safety, cleanliness, and professionalism in the piercing industry. Here’s everything you need to know about the APP and why it matters:

What is the APP?

The Association of Professional Piercers (APP) is an international nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting safe body piercing practices. The APP provides education, sets industry standards, and ensures that its members follow strict professionalism.

What does it mean to be APP-certified?

Being APP-certified means that our studio meets or exceeds the APP’s strict requirements for:

• Sterilization and Cleanliness: We use state-of-the-art sterilization techniques to ensure every tool and surface is safe.

• Jewelry Quality: We only use high-quality material like implant-grade titanium, niobium, solid gold (14kt or 18kt) and lead-free glass such as borosilicate glass.

• Training and Expertise: Our piercers undergo extensive training and education to stay current with the latest industry standards.

• Professional Standards: We follow the APP’s ethical guidelines to ensure your safety and satisfaction.

Why should I choose an APP-certified studio?

Getting pierced at an APP-certified studio ensures:

• Safety: We prioritize your health and take every precaution to prevent infection or complications

• Quality: We use the best tools, jewelry, and techniques for a professional experience.

• Peace of Mind: You can trust that your piercing will be performed by a skilled professional in a clean, sterile environment.

How can I verify if a studio is APP-certified?

You can check the APP’s official website at www.safepiercing.org to confirm if a studio is a member.