Studio Opening Times:
- Plymouth Mon-Sat: 10:00-16:50 / Sun: 10:30-15:40
- Torquay Mon-Sat: 10:00-16:50 / Sun: 10:30-15:40
Common Questions
Does it hurt?
A question asked by almost everyone who comes into the shop for a piercing, and as much as we like to reassure our customers at Tribal Voice we do like to point out… of course it hurts. You consent having something unnaturally put into your skin, there is going to be a level of discomfort but it will vary piercing to piercing and person to person. Even our own members of staff have conflicting opinions on the same piercings! But it’s not all bad, it will look rad and for the 1.5 second of pain… it’s totally worth it.
Parents, if you are bringing in your children to have their ears pierced, the best thing you can do is be realistic with them. Try not to reassure them that it doesn’t hurt because they will find out that it does. We’ve seen some real tough cookies come into our studio and still not been very happy because it’s an uncomfortable feeling that they have never experienced before. Be honest, so they can decide if it’s what they really want.
How can I be sure of hygiene in the studio?
Hygiene and Safety are an imperative part of the piercing procedure and Tribal Voice take this responsibility very seriously.
Tribal Voice is registered with Plymouth City Councils Health and Safety department and is subject to yearly inspections. The Council ensures that the studio and practice within, comply with their code of conduct. Therefore no establishment should be practicing Body Piercing without this.
The Body Piercers at Tribal Voice are all experienced and qualified to carry out the piercing procedure and again take this responsibility very seriously. A few examples: the studio is cleaned daily with a thorough weekly clean, the piercers always wash their hands before and after each piercing as well as wear gloves during the procedure. All instruments are sterilised and a disposable, sterilised needle is used for each piercing.
Plymouth City Council license Tribal Voice to carry out Body Piercing procedures.
What type of jewellery is used for my piercing?
We use only Titanium in our studio. We may allow some exceptions with biosafe PTFE for some things but 99% of what we use is only Titanium.
We use Titanium as it is VERY rare to have an allergy to it. Some feel they may have an allergy but later found any issues have been from aftercare not the metal.
We will only use our jewellery to pierce with. If you bring us something else, we will not use it. Our jewellery is pre-sterilised and therefore reassures us what the material is, the quality of it and will further reassure you, your piercing will be fine during the healing process.
Do I have to book and appointment for my piercing?
We have introduced an Online Body Piercing Consent Form and Appointment System, therefore no more messy paperwork, whilst also adding to our green ethos! Every customer must complete the Consent Form and book an appointment within 24 hours of each other, otherwise we will terminate the application. Appointments are available 1 week in advance.
Our last available appointment online is 4.50 weekdays and 3.50 Sundays. This is so we can make sure we have enough time to sterilise the studio properly.
Note: Before attending your appointment, you must have eaten a full meal within the last 4 hours, not taken any blood thinning medication (non-prescribed), recreational drugs or alcohol*
- Whilst booking your appointment, you must choose your body piercing. Jewellery will be shown on the day & piercing prices will also be confirmed on the appointment day, as this may vary depending on the jewellery chosen.
- Please notify us of any changes in circumstances or if you’re running late, as soon as possible.
- Any late/missed appointments without notifying us beforehand, will be cancelled and you will have to re-book.
- Photo ID will be required during your appointment, please make sure to bring this with you*
- If Parental Consent was required (for Under 16’s and those without Photo ID), the parent/guardian must be present in-store during the appointment.
- Parent/Guardian’s must have their own Photo ID and a copy of the applicant’s Birth Certificate (or other proof of guardianship) during the appointment*
If you want to make an appointment you can find the Appointment system here.
*We have the right to refuse anyone, under our own discretion, no matter the reason.
What do I use to clean my piercing with afterwards?
Our Body Piercers at Tribal Voice will explain to you in detail how to look after your piercing before you leave the studio, and you will also receive an email stating the aftercare procedures when you book your appointment online.
There are 2 ways we recommend to look after your new piercing:
Premade saline solution (sold in store): most recommended. You cannot go wrong with it as it is perfectly balanced for your new piercing.
Homemade saline: This method needs careful attention to be made right and be safe for your piercing.
We do not recommend using any other solution than this due to the strength of chemicals in others such as TCP, Tea Tree Oil or Savalon. Your piercing is a small puncture in your skin and your body will react to this and heal the piercing appropriately. Just ensure that your piercing is clean and leave it alone to heal, your body will do the rest!
Once you have left the studio it is your responsibility to look after you’re piercing and important that you follow the aftercare advice emailed to you after your visit.
How long will my piercing take to heal?
Healing times will vary depending on the piercing that you have had done. Some piercings can take a few weeks and others can take months. Soft tissue such as lips and genitals will only take 4-8 weeks and surface piercings such as a navel piercing can take as long as 6-9 months!
The following reflects each piercing and its expected healing period:
Piercing Healing Time
Ears (Lobes) – 6-8 Weeks
Ears (Cartilage) – 4-6 Months
Nose – 2-3 Months
Eyebrow – 6-8 Weeks
Lip – 6-8 Weeks
Tongue – 6-8 Weeks
Nipple – Male – 4-6 Months
Nipple – Female – 2-3 Months
Navel – 6-9 Months
Surface – 6-9 Months
Genital – 4-8 Weeks
What should I do if I’m worried or can’t change the jewellery myself once my piercing has healed?
If you have any problems at any point with your piercing – new or old – you can:
Book online. The deposit covers the price of 1 fitting. More than 1 will be £3 each after.
You can call on the morning of the day you want to come in. This reserves you a “walk in” space so you know you will be seen. By telling us how many things you want changed and if you need jewellery, we can book you an appropriate time slot.
School/Work don’t like me wearing my piercing, is there anything I can do to make it more discreet?
Tribal Voice would recommend that you buy a Retainer if you want to make your piercing more discreet.
A Retainer is plastic see-through piece which works well and is available in all forms i.e. Barbell, Labret etc.
Please note: this isn’t to be pierced with. This would only be for healed piercings.
Can I film/photograph my piercing being done (or a friends)?
It’s always good/polite to ask our piercers first before whipping out your camera. Please don’t be offended if we say no. This could be because we prefer not to be filmed, we may feel it’s not appropriate for it to be filmed or we’re just having a bad hair day (just kidding we never have bad hair days here at Tribal Voice!)
How much is a piercing somewhere else?
We politely ask that you don’t ask this question as it is a little rude. After all, we are well aware we’re not the only place in our city piercing, but it is not in our interest to know others prices or what they might do differently in their practice. We respect other piercers so please respect that we are our own business.
We also ask you don’t put down other businesses in our studio. It’s rude and it’s not getting anyone brownie points for doing so. You wont get us joining in as it’s not our business, we have no opinion in the nicest way. We focus our efforts on our own skills, techniques, care, experience and quality.
