FAQS

Find the Answers Here

Were are you located?

Needles and Dreams is located in Fox'n'Roses Tattoo and Art Gallery tattoo studio based in Weston-Super-Mare.

16 The Center, BS23 1UW

How old do I need to be to get pierced?

We do have a strict ID policy for all of our piercing procedures.

If ID is forgotten, we will not be able to perform your piercing. This is to ensure your safety and ages are in line with our ethics and our insurance policy guidelines. ID is non negotiable and will need to be a physical document with name, photograph, and date of birth. Examples of acceptable ID are: Passport, Driving License, Citizen Card. In the case of young children, birth certificate and supporting documentation with a matching surname.

Earlobes: 8+ (Photo ID of both parent and minor + parent must be present at the procedure).
Helix, Conch, Tragus, Rook, Flat: 16+ (with valid Photo ID).
Industrial, Daith, Snug, Anti-Tragus: 18+ (with valid Photo ID).
Nostril: 14+ (Photo ID of both parent and minor + parent must be present at the procedure.
Septum: 16+ (with valid Photo ID).
Lip, Eyebrow: 16+ (with valid Photo ID).
Navel: 16+ (With valid Photo ID).
Nipple: 18+ (With valid Photo ID).
Bridge, Surface/Microdermal Piercing: + 18 (With valid Photo ID).

Can I reserve jewellery or Bring my own Jewellery?

We do not insert any jewellery bought online or in another studio.

We only perform fresh piercings with never before worn jewellery purchased at Needles and Dreams on the day of your piercing.
If you would simply like your jewellery changed in a healed piercing we can do that for you as long as the jewellery was purchased at Needles and Dreams.

Jewellery available on our website can be purchased and collected and fitted in our studio.

I am pregnant/breast feeding. Can I still get a piercing?

Your body is working really hard to safely and healthy grow a life and it is important not to take any risk when doing so, as such we do not pierce anyone who is pregnant or breastfeeding.

What jewellery do you pierce with?

We pierce strictly with Medical Grade Titanium ASTM:F-136.
We have a wide variety of high-quality body jewellery to initially start with, all made from this material as Titanium has almost no allergy issues and is the most biocompatible material (this is why they use it in Hospitals for hip replacements and pins etc!)

We cannot pierce you with your own jewellery as we need to ensure we know exactly what it is made of, that it has no micro tarnishes from being previously worn etc. so that we can ensure your piercing has the best chance of being happy, healthy and healing well.

How long will my piercing heal for?

Everyone heals differently and your new piercing needs to be left alone to heal. Any unnecessary pulling, turning and touching could result in opening the wound which increases the risk of infection or longer healing time. An earlobe piercing takes about 2-3 months to heal, earlobe right next to cartilage takes about 3-8 months and a cartilage piercing takes about 6-12 months. Healing is very individual, therefore, we simply recommend taking good care of your piercing for the best healing process.

What should I clean my piercing with?

We recommend that you use sterile saline solution on your new piercing. Spray on the pierced area for 10 seconds, wait for one minute, and spray again. Dry the piercing with kitchen towel paper. We recommend using Neilmed Saline solution for piercings, but if this is not available, then a sterile saline solution from the pharmacy is also suitable.

What do I do if my piercing gets infected or swells up a lot?

Should you, contrary to expectations, experience any problems, complications, excessive swelling or anything else, we are ready to help you. First, take a look through our care guide. If you are in doubt about something, feel free to contact us for further inspection. It is possible to book a consultation our piercer. Typical signs of infection include but are not limited to:  - Feeling unwell - High temperature - Cloudy, green or foul-smelling discharge - Continual or increased pain - Increased redness - Additional swelling - Increased heat sensation in the pierced area.   No matter what you are experiencing please do not remove your piercing jewellery before consulting a piercer or medical professional.

When should I change my back post/labret?

When you get a new piercing, you will always get pierced with a longer back post (around 7-8mm), as there needs to be space for swelling. This will also help the healing process. After a month, you have to book a follow-up appointment with a professional piercer, in order to see if your back post needs to be downsized. This will help the healing process of your new piercing, as well as minimize irritation.

Do you take drop-ins / walk-ins?

We do! However, we cannot guarantee that we are able to accommodate any walk-ins. We advise you to pre-book an appointment to make sure we have time to pierce you. We get fully booked quite quickly so do not hesitate to book your appointment when you feel the urge to get blinged up.

Should I book an appointment for downsizing of my back post?

Yes! It is a good idea to book a follow-up appointment, if you want to get your back post downsized. By booking an appointment you will make sure our piercers have time to help and guide you.

Why do you pierce with a needle and not a piercing gun?

First of all, it is less painful and what’s not to like about that? Secondly, it is safer in regards to cross-contamination and, lastly, it is less invasive to the ear tissue. Using a piercing gun can damage the tissue. Using a needle makes it possible for our highly educated piercers to achieve the best possible look for your uniquely shaped ear, also taking into consideration any characteristics unique to you.

Why don’t you pierce with silver jewellery?

The silver metal is too soft to pierce with. It can easily get scratched which can cause a bacterial infection. There is a risk of silver oxidizing which can cause discoloration to the skin. When your piercing is fully healed you can change it into any silver jewellery you like.