FAQ

A: Yes! I accept credit cards, Apple Pay, and Android Pay. OokySpooky is a cash-free studio – I do not accept cash payments!

A: Yes. If you would like to do so you can do so here: http://ookyspooky.as.me

Unlike many piercing studios, I run by appointment only. There is a great reason for this! I take pride in ensuring that each and every client has a proper amount of time devoted to them so that I can answer all questions, thoroughly explain aftercare instructions, assist in the selection of jewellery, as well as perform the piercing itself! This ensures that you do not feel rushed and you have a wonderful experience. Some piercings and clientele require privacy for a variety of reasons and operating on an appointment only basis allows for this. However, if you would like an appointment on the same day, you can check availability directly through my booking website here: http://ookyspooky.as.me

I am the only artist at the studio and if I am with a client I may not be able to answer the phone or reply to a message on the OokySpooky Facebook page, so please leave a message with your contact details and I will ring back or reply as soon as I can! The best way to contact me is via e-mail (vesper@ookyspooky.uk) or via the OokySpooky Facebook Business page (http://facebook.com/ookyspooky). I do tend to reply faster to Facebook Business messages and e-mail, as my business phone is in the studio and I cannot pick it up if I am not at the studio (such as on days that I am closed). If you message on Instagram – I will NOT see it! Instagram messaging is disabled.

A: No. Jewellery is purchased separately and final cost will be dependent on the jewellery options selected at your appointment.

Basic ASTM-F136 Implant Grade Titanium jewellery from Anatometal, Industrial Strength, NeoMetal, or Inari Organics starts at £25.

I stock a large variety of implant-grade (ASTM-F136) titanium, 14ct gold, and niobium jewellery in the studio from a variety of luxury body jewellery brands. I’m always happy to help you select the perfect piece for your piercing! Prices range from £45 – £450 for rings and £20 – £450 for attachments. I can also order pieces in especially for you.

One of the things I have always striven for is providing the highest quality and safest piercing and/or modification experience at the best value for money and price I can possibly offer. Please be cautious of compromising quality for a lower price. This is your body and piercing is a cosmetic implant that should not be taken lightly. Not all piercers are the same, and not all body jewellery is made equally…always research your piercer to see if they are right for you.

A: I ONLY use blade needles. Guns are incredibly dangerous. For more information, please see the blog post here: https://ookyspooky.uk/news/2020/03/02/needle-piercing-vs-gun-piercing-why-i-refuse-to-use-guns/

A: Per my insurer’s requirements if you are 16+ and coming on your own or 18+ requesting an age restricted piercing you must have your own photo ID with you. Acceptable forms of ID include either provisional or full driving license, UK citizenship card, Passport, Validate UK Card, and anything with a holographic PASS logo. Photocopies or photographs are not accepted.

A photograph and date of birth are required on the ID. College cards, etc. unfortunately do not meet the necessary criteria.

If you are under 16 you MUST have a parent or legal guardian accompany you regardless of the type of piercing. They must have their ID with them. Phone calls will not be accepted – your guardian must be physically present in the studio.

Scarification is age restricted to 18+ ONLY. ID will be required at the consultation prior to the booking being made.

Age limits on all piercings and services are Non-negotiable. To view the varied age limits on services please review them here: https://ookyspooky.uk/prices/

A: No, I am no longer offering freezing spray.

The reasons for this is that the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health has advised all piercers to stop using ethyl chloride, which is the “numbing spray” commonly used by piercers. Some of the side effects of using ethyl chloride that have come out in a recent study include additional swelling, itching, bruising, risk of frostbite, and delayed wound healing. Not only can it can cause the skin to contract which makes it more difficult to pierce overall, but the contracted skin can cause placement markings to move meaning that the piercing may end up in the wrong position.

For these reasons, I am no longer offering freezing spray. However, even with a freezing spray, piercings do hurt – it does not make them painless and to be honest, the amount of difference that freezing spray makes in pain level is minimal compared to the risks that it presents.

A: No. Unfortunately I can’t use jewellery for any piercing, either healed or fresh, that is not purchased through my studio.

The suppliers I use are certified by various industry boards and organisations and are required to meet certain metal quality standards and industry requirements that ensure the health and safety of clients. All suppliers that I use have both XRF and mill certificates available that can prove the origin of the metal as well as the exact composition.

There are no exceptions to this policy.

A: One of the questions I am asked most frequently is if I can pierce nostrils, some cartilage, lips, and nipples with a ring rather than a labret stud, nostril screw, or barbell.

The answer: Yes, I can…but I highly recommend against it.

Nostril, lip, nipple, and some cartilage piercings heal far faster and with fewer complications when they are initially pierced with a straight piece of jewellery. Rings can encourage scarring and in some cases can even cause the piercing to migrate. However, it is still your body so if after taking my recommendations and experience into account you would still prefer a ring it is something we can discuss in further detail at your appointment.

A: No. Children’s ear piercings are available to children over the age of 6 who can verbally tell me that they understand that the piercing will hurt and that they want it on their own volition – their parents are not forcing them to have the piercing done. Babies and infants cannot consent to a modification procedure on their own so I feel that forcing them into it is unethical and immoral. Plus, earlobes grow so what might look cute and symmetrical now could end up uneven or wonky in a few years!

A: Due to hygiene reasons, jewellery cannot be returned or exchanged.

Many of the jewellery manufacturers I use offer lifetime warranties, so in the case of defect or damage a piece will be exchanged per each individual manufacturer’s replacement policy. In order to redeem the guarantee, the defective piece must be brought to the studio so that it may be returned to the manufacturer per company (not studio) policies. Without the piece being brought to the studio, the guarantee cannot be honoured.

Jewellery pre-orders and special orders are non-refundable after the order is placed with the manufacturer. Once placed, that piece belongs to the client who paid for it and will not be sold on for any reason. There are no refunds given for to changing one’s mind or no longer wanting a piece.

A: A jewllery downsize is when jewellery is changed from the larger piece that the piercing is performed with to a shorter piece so that the healing process can continue. All piercings are performed with jewellery that is slightly longer than the final piece will be to allow for any swelling that will take place after the piercing is performed.

Downsizing jewellery is incredibly important in order to change the initial jewellery after the initial swelling has reduced (this timeframe varies with piercing location and how you heal as an individual). This will help to avoid any potential complications, such as irritations, bumps, or migration (odd angles) as your piercing continues to heal.

Being aware of and following through with downsizing can make all the difference in the long-term success of your piercing. I like to frame it this way: getting a piercing is a long-term project. Time and dedication are absolutely essential to ensure the success of the piercing for many years to come.

Performing the downsize within the recommended timeframe is highly recommended to help prevent any potential complications. Should you decide not to have the piercing downsized at the studio, OokySpooky is not responsible for any issues that may arise due to failure to downsize the jewellery or from using inferior quality jewellery from any other source.

A: First responders, military personnel, and NHS staff receive a £5 discount on the Service Fee with ID. This discount does not apply to jewellery purchases.

There are no discounts available when multiple piercings are performed.

I do run a few specials throughout the year, so checking the OokySpooky Facebook page (http://facebook.com/OokySpooky) is the best way to keep abreast of any promotions that are happening!