FAQ’s, please see answers below.
A professional piercer should be courteous, and welcoming. Not much reason in giving your money to someone who treats you poorly. A piercer should always be transparent about their studio’s asepsis techniques, jewelry materials, and licensing. We at Onyx Piercing Studio welcome any and all questions regarding the procedure and/or aftercare. A piercer should of course pay close attention to detail and the individual anatomy of every client we help.
Yes we are. All piercers at Onyx Piercing Studio are licensed by the State of Nebraska. We are also permitted by the Lincoln/Lancaster Department of Health and Human Services.
Both of our piercers, as well as guest artists that join us from time to time, have had apprenticeships under other piercers. Both of our piercers maintain training in First Aid, CPR for infants, children and adults, AED, and Bloodborne Pathogens. Our piercers also take advantage of other educational opportunities through the Association of Professional Piercers Conference and their Camp Retreat.
In short: The Association of Professional Piercers (APP) is an international health and safety organization. It is a nonprofit voluntary alliance dedicated to the dissemination of information about body piercing. Governed by a voluntary elected Board of Directors, the APP is a united group of piercing professionals that freely shares information to help fellow members, piercers, health care professionals, legislators, health inspectors, and the general public get the best and most up-to-date information about body piercing.
Piercers at Onyx Piercing Studio are A.P.P. members because we believe in constantly working towards bettering ourselves as piercers and providing the safest and most up to date information, techniques, and technologies in the body piercing industry.
For more information on the A.P.P. please visit http://www.safepiercing.org/publications/brochures/what-is-the-app/#!/~/product/id=23786255
Onyx Piercing Studio is located inside of Big ‘O’ Tattoo at:
1640 ‘O’ Street, Suite 1
Lincoln, Nebraska 68508
There are plenty of on street parking spots available. The City of Lincoln allows multiple methods of payment at many of its meters. For more details on parking, visit http://parkandgo.org/ .
The sterilization process starts with a thorough cleaning. Previously used tools that are not disposable start with a debridement and disinfection process using enzymatic cleaners and hand washing. This process is followed by a cycle in an ultrasonic cleaner with enzymatic detergent. New jewelry is steamed prior to autoclave sterilization to remove any oils and debris instead of being placed in an ultrasonic cleaner. These items are then sterilized in our Statim 2000 or our Statim 2000 G4 prior to storage in packaging that maintains sterility or stored for later use after being sterilized again. This process is tested weekly with a spore test performed by an independent testing facility as well as Class 5 Integrators in every piercing cycle. Our testing results are available upon request.
We have 2 autoclaves that we use. We have a Statim 2000 and a newer state-of-the-art Statim 2000 G4. Our autoclaves are tested weekly by Mesa Labs, instead of monthly as the state of Nebraska requires. All piercing cycles also have a Class 5 Integrator inside of the sterilization cassette during sterilization.
At least 18 years of age without parental consent. Some piercing services are offered for minors with proper ID and parental consent. Please refer to our POLICY ON PIERCING MINORS section for all information regarding minors.
You will need a state or federally issued photo ID with birth date. You must present a hard copy; photos, copies, and emails are not acceptable. School IDs will not be accepted. Examples of acceptable IDs include but are not limited to:
Driver’s license
State identification
Passport of any nation
Military identification of any nation
Tribal photo ID
State issued photo ID with birth date
Federally issued photo ID with birth date
Foreign issued photo ID with birth date
If you are under the age of 18 and would like to get piercings or other procedures from Onyx Piercing Studio (Know Piercing L.L.C.), valid state or federally issued photo identification with birth date must be presented from both the minor and parent / legal guardian of the minor. Additionally, a birth certificate or other Linking Document to prove guardianship of the minor, must be shown. We require consent from ALL customers regardless of age. We reserve the right to refuse services, to any person, for any reason, at any time.
Both the minor and the parent/legal guardian must each present one of the following:
Driver’s license
State identification
Passport of any nation
Military identification of any nation
Tribal photo ID
State issued photo ID with birth date
Federally issued photo ID with birth date
Foreign issued photo ID with birth date
*** STUDENT ID CARDS ARE NOT ACCEPTED FORMS OF IDENTIFICATION ***
Linking documents:
Birth certificate
Adoption record
Court issued guardianship record
Ear lobes (5 and up)
Jewelry insertions
Jewelry removals
Ear lobes
Ear cartilage – inner and outer
Eyebrow
Nostril
Septum
Lips
Tongue
Navel
Jewelry insertions / removals
Stretching
Ear projects – including standard industrials
Surface piercings – including surface barbells and surface anchors
Nipples
Genitals
Jewelry, insertions or removals for nipples or genitals
Some healed piercings can be hidden and often with better result than on fresh piercings. As with fresh piercings, it will be dependent on the location of your piercing and requirements for work and play. It is important to note that no jewelry will completely hide a piercing, it will only make it less visible. Please consult your work or school’s dress code policies before talking to us about whether or not we can help hide your piercing.
It is important to keep in mind that there is no single material that every person can wear in his/her piercing. Individual biochemistry plays a large role in what metals our body can and cannot tolerate. By using the safest materials that we know of as our standard, we rule out a lot of possibilities for metal allergies and reactions.
Onyx Piercing studio uses the following metals for initial piercings:
-
- Implant-grade stainless steel: 316LVM (ASTM F-138)
- Implant-grade titanium: 6AI4V ELI (ASTM F-136)
- Implant-grade titanium: Ti6Al7Nb ELI (ASTM F-1295)
- Niobium
- 14kt & 18kt SOLID gold
- Platinum
- Glass
We also have mill certificates and SDS sheets that state the origin of the metal and its molecular composition. This helps us ensure that the metal is implant grade or other appropriately approved materials. If you would like to see mill certificates or SDS sheets for jewelry please ask us.
We will always check the quality of the jewelry, just like if it were for a piercing, but it does not have to be brand new. If it meets our standards, then we will process the jewelry and sterilize it for you. There is a fee for jewelry processing, cleaning, and sterilization. All jewelry must meet APP Jewelry standards.
Of course. We love to custom order jewelry for clients! This is a great way to get the exact piece you’ve been looking for, and to avoid mistakes that can happen when ordering by yourself online. We place custom orders with our quality jewelry manufacturers once a month.
It depends on several factors. The material that the jewelry is an important factor as is the machine being used to scan for metal. The size of jewelry, location, and number of piercings will all have an effect. If this is a concern, there are several types of non-metallic jewelry available. Please stop by so we can discuss options.
Most piercings are a $40 service plus the coast of the jewelry you select. Multiple piercings of the same type get a ten dollar discount on every service after the first (e.g. a pair of lips is $70 in services… $40 for the first, $30 for the second) Industrial piercings are the same type of pricing, relative to the total number of piercings performed during the procedure. Please call the studio for further information on pricing.
We have a basic piercing fee that covers the cost of labor and disposable supplies. We charge a separate fee for jewelry because we have multiple options for every piercing. Some piercing have over 100 options available at Onyx Piercing Studio. Our standard jewelry for some piercings starts at $15, whereas premium options can cost several hundred dollars. We try to keep options available for people with varying tastes and budgets.
Jewelry can range from as little as $15 for our standard implant-grade materials, and can vary anywhere up from there. We also offer precious gems and metals, so the sky’s the limit!
Different studios charge different prices for different reasons. For some the reason is as simple as low quality jewelry that isn’t healthy or safe. Many studios also choose to cut corners when it comes to cleaning supplies, equipment, and testing.
Here at Onyx Piercing Studio we use only the safest jewelry available. We also choose to use single use disposable supplies and sterile gloves in order to make your piercing experience even safer.
Yes, we do sell gift certificates. We can make them for any amount. Gift certificates are redeemable as cash for all piercings, jewelry, and merchandise purchases.
We offer group discounts for groups wishing to get 10 or more piercings. Discounts are based on the total number of piercings and are given in the form of free piercing credit or a percentage off. Appointments must be made in advance.
We accept cash, and all major debit and credit cards.
Due to the nature of body jewelry, we cannot offer exchanges or refunds on any jewelry worn or unworn. We do, however, replace and repair jewelry that has a lifetime guarantee against manufacturer’s defects.
We take walk-ins when we can. However, we highly recommend appointments.
No, Onyx Piercing Studio does not require a deposit to make appointments. However, we will take a small deposit to hold a specific piece of jewelry for your appointment if you wish to reserve a selected piece.
It is recommended to get a good night’s sleep before the day of getting pierced. It is important to get a meal beforehand as well. Remember to bring your ID with you, and if you want to bring a friend along, bring someone who is encouraging and supportive.
Most procedures start with a discussion about placement and jewelry. Identification cards are collected to start the paperwork as well. After jewelry is chosen, the piercer will prepare a setup for sterilization that includes the jewelry, needle, and any other tool involved in the process that needs sterilizing. Aftercare for the piercing is discussed while the setup sterilizes. Once in the piercing room, the area and perimeter around the piercing is prepped with alcohol first to remove gross debris, followed by marking where the piercing will go with a dot of gentian violet (a dark purple surgical ink). Once a placement is agreed upon, the area is prepped a second time with iodine. The piercing is then performed, followed immediately by insertion of the jewelry. Once the jewelry is secure, the area is wiped down with sterile saline to remove excess iodine. This is the process for most piercings, with the exception of some genital piercings, which require slightly different prepping. We also have alternate skin prep for those who have sensitivity concerns.
Some new piercings can be hidden. This will be dependent on the location of your piercing and requirements for work and play. It is important to note that no jewelry will completely hide a piercing, it will only make it less visible. Often times, jewelry in fresh piercings may have a little extra length as well. Please consult your work or school’s dress code policies before talking to us about whether or not we can help hide your new piercing.
Due to health and safety concerns, we will not pierce with jewelry from outside of the studio.
Yes you can. People of all ages are welcome at Onyx Piercing Studio. Not only do we pierce a large number of children, we also understand that many people need to run errands with their children. Our requirement is that all guests act in a calm and appropriate manner, regardless of their age. Those who cannot will be asked to make arrangements for childcare and return at a later date.
Of course you can. We try to offer a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere, but we understand that friends can be a big help in staying relaxed. Getting piercings can be a wonderful bonding experience with friends and family. Please bring a friend that is encouraging and fun.
No, for health and safety concerns, we do not allow vaping inside Onyx Piercing Studio.
Yes, non-alcoholic beverages are allowed in Onyx Piercing Studio. We do request that your beverage has a cover or cap. Please let us know if a spill occurs so that we may clean it up as soon as possible.
Service animals, as allowed by Federal Law. No other pets or animals are allowed in Onyx Piercing Studio.
Unfortunately, there is no way to properly numb you that doesn’t involve a shot of localized anesthesia, which is another needle as well. Our opinion is that one needle per piercing is enough.
There are many things wrong with a piercing gun. First of all, there is no way to properly sterilize the instrument in an autoclave, because the tool is mostly plastic and would melt. The part of the tool that acts as the needle isn’t really a needle meant for piercing skin. It is more of a rounded “point” that makes more of a rupture (the culprit of the “popping” noise) rather than a gentle incision made from a proper piercing needle. This means guns are more painful, and take longer to heal. There are also many areas on our bodies that a gun simply doesn’t fit into in order to pierce.
There are many misconceptions about microdermals (dermal anchors or single point surface piercings). The 2 biggest misconceptions are that they are illegal to perform in the state of Nebraska and that they must be removed surgically by a doctor with a scalpel. Both of these statements are false. In the state of Nebraska, these types of piercings are classified as body piercings and are completely legal both at a state and local level. If a customer decides to retire a microdermal, they can easily be removed by our staff, regardless of who installed them for you.
Over the years, our aftercare has gotten easier and easier. It’s important to keep in mind that everyone’s body is unique, and therefore the healing process can be experienced differently. The majority of piercings can be properly cared for simply with periodic rinsing. This can be with warm water coming from the shower, or sterile saline from a spray can. Most people do the majority of rinsing in the first week of being pierced, when there is something to rinse away, like the crusty fluid that secretes from a fresh piercing. After the first week or two, rinsing is more of an “as needed” kind of thing. We say if it looks crusty or dirty, give it a rinse, otherwise leave it be. As long as you have jewelry in your piercing, even years after healing, you should still rinse it at the end of every shower to ensure there isn’t a build-up of dust, dirt, or soap. For complete aftercare information, please refer to our AFTERCARE section, or stop by and ask a piercer.
Initially, you can expect some soreness and redness the day of getting a piercing. The next morning is most often the height of the swelling and soreness, and it usually dissipates throughout the day/week. The majority of the healing that’s visible takes place in the first week. After that, the piercing looks fairly healed on the outside (little to no redness or swelling), but it is still healing on the inside. Piercings heal from the outside inward, so it is recommended to keep jewelry in at all times during this period. Full healing for any wound takes about a year. For complete aftercare information, please refer to our AFTERCARE section, or stop by and ask a piercer.
For complete aftercare information, please refer to our AFTERCARE section, or stop by and ask a piercer.
It is recommended that most piercings do not get submerged during the first couple months into healing. Submersion in a body of water will not necessarily cause issues, but it does raise your risk of complication. If you must go into the water, be aware of how clean the body of water appears to be, and always carry a can of sterile saline with you to rinse the piercing afterwards.
If you come to us to have your jewelry changed or downsized, then in most cases you are okay to do so after 1-2 months of healing. Some piercings can benefit from being be switched earlier than that. Please consult our list of healing times. (Insert link to healing times list)
All piercings hurt to some degree. Some are merely a moment or two of being uncomfortable, while others can be fairly intense. However, no piercing is too painful for someone to handle. It is nothing more than a controlled and tiny puncture wound that your body is more than capable of healing. We pride ourselves in making the entire process as easy and gentle on you as possible.
It usually takes a full year of healing before jewelry can be left out for longer than a few moments such as a work shift, for example.
Onyx Piercing Studio will NOT piercing anyone who is pregnant.
Onyx Piercing Studio recommends waiting three months postpartum before getting pierced, assuming there are no current complications nursing.
Not always. Most piercings are completely fine during and after pregnancy. It is not uncommon for some piercings to swell. If this is the case, please come in so we can fit you for a better fitting piece temporarily. Some piercings such as navel may require removal. In these cases, they can usually be reinserted after pregnancy.
Unfortunately, flexible jewelry is not flexible enough to avoid place pressure on your piercing during pregnancy. Onyx Piercing Studio recommends letting us remove your navel jewelry before pressure starts. The jewelry should be able to be reinserted post-partum.
No, it is dangerous for the child, and potentially damaging to your piercing. Please remove nipple jewelry and rinse the area before and after nursing.
That is up to you. We recommend care and communication with your partner. Please remember that it is an open wound. This make the piecing susceptible to both tearing and bacteria. We recommend the use of a non-chemical product designed to reduce the chance of STDs. Your new piercing may be sensitive to specific lubricants and other products. If issues occur, wash your piercing and discontinue use.
As always, if you are having trouble, don’t stress yourself out. Just come in and have us help you. We are happy to assist. For jewelry you are comfortable handling, always start by washing your hands and the jewelry/piercing. Different styles of jewelry come apart differently. Most styles will either screw apart or pull apart. For a full, in-depth description on different jewelry styles, please refer to the APP page on jewelry. (http://www.safepiercing.org/publications/brochures/healed-jewelry/#!/~/product/id=23786898)
Absolutely! As long as it meets our standards for acceptable jewelry, we are happy to assist you with jewelry installation. We will always help you take jewelry out as well.
We are always eager to show you how your jewelry works, and practice with you until you are comfortable to handle it yourself. We would much rather you practice in our clean room under our supervision rather than getting frustrated by yourself and possibly ruining or losing jewelry.
We can help you purchase jewelry online. It can be difficult to determine which manufacturers make jewelry of an appropriate quality for your body, and many websites use confusing language to make low quality jewelry seem nicer than it is. Whenever possible, we encourage you to come in so that we can place the order for you to avoid mistakes or confusion.
It all depends on the jewelry, where it is located, and what part of your body is being scanned. If we sold you the jewelry, we can tell you exactly what metal it is made of so that your technician can determine its safety. We can also provide you with a card that states what material your jewelry is made of. Much of the jewelry we sell is made from implantation certified materials that are known to be safe for all medical procedures. If your jewelry is of a safe material, it will be up to your technician to determine if your jewelry will interfere with the picture they are taking.
Step number one is to come in to see us as soon as possible. Often times what a customer feels is a problem is normal healing. Sometimes it minor irritation. If you come in we can address your concerns by asking some simple questions and taking a look. Solutions are often times very simple and straightforward. Sometimes we can help you decide when it is necessary to see a doctor.
Stretching is a misleading term, because the piercing isn’t JUST stretching. When we stretch a piercing, we are making tiny little tears in the fistula (the tube of scar tissue that is your piercing) and rebuilding tissue in their place. This is why we recommend giving yourself at least 2-3 months in between sizes to give yourself enough time to grow that tissue and ensure a smooth transfer to the next size. It is also recommended to never skip sizes, and going up in millimeter increments is encouraged to make the gap even smaller in between sizes. Please feel free to come in so we can give you a free stretching lesson. This will help to avoid problems and earn you a 10% discount on a custom order.
***All advice is based on years of research and experience. It should not, however, be substituted for the advice of your doctor.***