About Us

What sets us apart from other piercing studios?

We are the only piercing studio in Pierce County, Washington with members of the Association of Professional Piercers (APP).
This means we follow extremely high standards when it comes to safety, sterilization, jewelry quality, and overall procedure.
APP membership requires extensive experience, knowledge, and strict compliance with industry-leading standards.
More about Association of Professional Piercers (APP) here: https://safepiercing.org

What do you provide for your clients?

Every client can choose their piercing placement and jewelry with guidance from our team.
We offer high-quality, implant-grade jewelry from APP-recognized brands such as Anatometal, Neometal, Industrial Strength, BVLA, and more, with a wide range of price points available in-store and in our shopping website: https://tacomasbestpiercing.com/collections/all-our-products
We also provide ongoing support throughout your healing process, you’re always welcome to reach out by text or email with any questions.
All new piercings include 8 weeks of free check-ups. If your piercing is older or you’re experiencing issues, we also offer troubleshooting appointments to assess and help resolve any concerns.

Can you tell from a photo if I’m a good candidate for a piercing?

We can’t accurately assess anatomy from photos.
We recommend booking an “anatomy consultation” appointment so we can assess your anatomy in person.

What sets us apart from other piercing studios?

We are the only piercings studio in Pierce County,Washington that houses members of the Association of Professional Piercers! This means we have very high standards when it comes to cleanliness and procedures. Why are there no other studios in Pierce County that have members of the Association of Professional Piercers employed? The standards are high and generally unattainable without serious dedication; experience, knowledge, and environmental wise.

Aftercare

How should I clean my piercing?

  • Use sterile saline only, 1–2x daily
  • Do not use alcohol, peroxide, or harsh soaps
  • Do not twist or rotate the jewelry
    Cleaning is best done after showering, when buildup is softened.
    Let the saline sit for 5–10 minutes, then gently wipe with a clean paper towel.
    Keep the area as dry as possible and exposed to air when you can (for example, tie hair away from ear piercings).
    It’s normal to see some clear, white, or light-yellow discharge, along with buildup from oil, dead skin, or debris.
    Keep it simple, overcleaning can cause irritation.

Here’s our online after care guide: https://tacomasbestpiercing.com/pages/aftercare

When can I swim after getting a piercing?

Avoid swimming in pools, lakes, rivers, and the ocean for at least the first half of your healing time.
Only clean running shower water should come into contact with your piercing during healing.
If your piercing is exposed to other water, rinse it as soon as possible and follow with sterile saline.

How long does it take for a piercing to heal?

Healing times vary depending on the piercing and your body.
General guidelines:

  • Earlobes: 3–4 months
  • Oral piercings (lip, tongue): 3–4 months
  • Septum: 3–5 months
  • Nostril: 6–9 months
  • Eyebrow: 6–9 months
  • Navel: 6–9 months
  • Cartilage: 6–12+ months
  • Nipples: 9–12+ months
  • Surface/Microdermal: ~6 months
    Proper aftercare, jewelry, and lifestyle all impact healing.

More detail information: https://tacomasbestpiercing.com/pages/aftercare-healing-times
 

Can I sleep on my piercing?

Not recommended, this can cause irritation and migration.
Tip: Use a travel or piercing pillow (available in studio).

Can I use makeup, ChapStick, or cream near my piercing?

Avoid all products near the piercing while it heals.
For lip piercings, coconut oil works best if your lips become dry or cracked.
Vitamin E oil can be used as an alternative.

Can I exercise after getting a piercing?

Yes, but avoid friction, impact, and pressure on the area.
Avoid intense or contact activities for at least 1 week, then ease back in gradually.
Always shower and clean your piercing after exercising.
 

What should I do if I get a bump?

  • Do not remove jewelry
  • Continue using saline
  • Warm or cold compresses may help
  • Reduce irritation sources (pressure, friction, etc.)
    If it doesn’t improve, contact us or book a troubleshooting appointment so we can assess and help resolve the issue.
     

How can I tell if my piercing is infected?

Normal: mild redness, swelling, light discharge
Possible infection:

  • Increasing pain
  • Spreading redness
  • Heat or excessive swelling
  • Dark yYellow/green discharge
  • Odor
    These signs are general guidelines and not a medical diagnosis.
    If you’re experiencing these symptoms, contact us or book a troubleshooting appointment so we can assess and guide you on the next steps.
    Avoid ointments, they can trap bacteria and delay healing.
     

Appointment

Minor & Infant Piercing Documentation + Jewelry Info (0–17yo)

A parent or legal guardian must be present for all minor appointments (0–17yo), and both the minor and guardian must bring valid IDs to confirm identity and guardianship.
For parents/legal guardians sharing the same last name as the minor, valid IDs are typically sufficient. If last names do not match, a birth certificate may be required. In cases of legal guardianship, official court/legal guardianship documentation must be provided.
Please carefully review our policies before booking:
Minor Piercing Policies
Appointment Policies + ID Requirements


For infant earlobe piercings, we only pierce babies ages 0–9 months old. Children ages 10 months to 5 years old are not pierced for safety reasons. Ages 6–17 are seen under our minor piercing policies.


Infant appointment availability and waitlist: Click Here

 

Infant earlobe piercing appointments include basic/initial implant-grade titanium body-safe jewelry, the piercing service, aftercare guidance, and saline solution for healing for $130.00 + tax. You can view examples of the “included jewelry” here: Included Jewelry Examples
 

Jewelry upgrades are also available in the studio at a higher price.


For children ages 6–8 receiving earlobe piercings, we typically perform them tandem (both piercings done at the same time by two piercers) to help make the experience quicker and easier. Ages 9+ may also request tandem for earlobes if preferred, but we ask that you please call or send us a text message ahead of time to confirm availability.
For safety reasons, we generally cannot use outside jewelry for new piercings, especially for infants and babies. We only use implant-grade jewelry appropriate for initial piercings. Outside jewelry may only be accepted if it comes from an APP verified company, can be properly verified with proof of purchase/receipt, and meets our studio safety standards.


If you are unsure about documentation or jewelry requirements, please contact us before your appointment.

Why do you encourage booking an appointment instead of walking in?

Appointments allow us to provide a more personalized, tailored experience from start to finish.

Walk-ins are welcome when availability allows but may not receive the same level of dedicated time.
You can easily book here: https://tacomasbestpiercing.com/pages/appointment-selection

What does “appointment-based” mean?

Appointments always take priority.
We accept walk-ins when time allows on a first-come, first-served basis.
Please note that we do not accept walk-ins for children under 13.

Why do you require a card on file when booking?

A card on file helps us enforce our cancellation and no-show policies.

This ensures fairness and accountability for appointment times reserved by our clients.

More information: https://tacomasbestpiercing.com/pages/appointment-policies

What is downsizing and when should I do it?

A downsizing appointment is when we replace your initial jewelry post with a shorter, better-fitting piece once swelling has gone down.
This helps:

  • Improve healing and reduce movement
  • Prevent snags, irritation, and bumps
  • Protect teeth and gums (for oral piercings)
  • Allow us to check your healing progress


Downsizing is typically recommended between 4–10 weeks, but healing varies for everyone.
We offer free check-ups within the first 8 weeks to help determine the best timing.

Most single piercing downsizes (flatback post): ~$30 + tax
This appointment can also be your first jewelry change, depending on healing. Let us know if you’d like to upgrade your top/end.

 

General healing timelines:

  • Most piercings: 3–9+ months
  • Cartilage & nipples: 6–12+ months
    Professional jewelry changes are strongly recommended during your healing time. We do not recommend changing your own jewelry early.
    More details:
    https://tacomasbestpiercing.com/pages/aftercare
     

What if I have a medical procedure, sports, or event?

If jewelry needs to be removed (MRI, surgery, sports, etc.), we recommend booking a “retainer installation” appointment.

We use glass or silicone retainers to keep your piercing open while making it less visible and/or using materials that are compatible with certain medical procedures.

Can I book a group piercing appointment?

Yes, but group bookings must be coordinated directly with us.
Please text or email, our system does not allow group scheduling.
You can also self-book back-to-back appointments if you prefer to organize your group on your own.
We recommend staying with the same piercer for group appointments, but it’s not required.

Appointment Policies (Key Info)

Accepted IDs:
• Driver’s License
• State ID
• Passport
• Birth certificate (for minors)


We do NOT accept:
• Military IDs
• Social Security cards
• Tax returns
• Insurance cards
• Expired, punched, or damaged IDs


Release form:
• Valid ID is required at the beginning of the appointment
• Minors must be accompanied by a parent/legal guardian and provide documentation


Scheduling:
• Please cancel at least 3 hours in advance to avoid a fee
• You can reschedule at any time with no charge


Card on file:
• Card is held on file only no charge at booking
• Payment is made at the end of your appointment
• Fees apply only for late cancellations or no-shows

Payment Methods

We currently accept the following payment methods:

  • Cash
  • Debit / Credit Cards
  • Cash App
  • Afterpay
  • Shop Pay Installments (Buy Now, Pay Later)

If using payment methods such as Cash App, Afterpay, or Shop Pay Installments, please make sure your account/app is already set up and functioning properly before your appointment.

Jewelry

What type of jewelry do you use?

We follow APP standards and only use implant-grade, body-safe jewelry that is biocompatible and safe for healing piercings.
Materials include implant-grade titanium and solid nickel-free gold.
We use internally threaded and threadless jewelry only, never externally threaded jewelry, as it can damage the piercing and is not considered safe.

What style of jewelry will I be pierced with?

This depends on the piercing and what is best for healing.
Some piercings require studs, rings, and some curved jewelry.
We always start with the safest and most appropriate option for healing.
We support informed consent, if you have a specific preference, we will explain the pros and cons and work with you when possible.

Can I bring my own jewelry for a new piercing?

No, outside jewelry is not permitted for new piercings under any circumstances.
Per APP safety protocols, all initial piercings must be performed using verified implant-grade, body-safe jewelry provided by our studio to ensure proper sterilization and compliance with safety standards.
This helps ensure a safe procedure, supports optimal healing, and minimizes the risk of complications such as infection or rejection.


Exception (studio-purchased jewelry only):
• We may be able to use ends/tops originally purchased from our studio
• Posts/bars cannot be reused for new piercings
• Ends must be properly reprocessed and sterilized
• Jewelry must be dropped off at least 3 hours prior to your appointment to be processed and properly sterilized
This policy applies to all clients, including adults, minors, and infants.

What is your return and exchange policy?

All jewelry is placed in individually heat-sealed bags at the time of purchase.
Returns or exchanges are only accepted if the jewelry is brought back in the original unopened, sealed bag.
Once the seal is broken, we cannot accept returns due to contamination and safety concerns.


For more details:
https://tacomasbestpiercing.com/pages/what-are-our-return-and-exchange-policies

Do you offer jewelry repair or warranty?

Most of our jewelry includes a lifetime manufacturer repair warranty (excluding glass retainers and plugs).
If a piece is damaged (such as a stone falling out or a broken pin), we can send it to the manufacturer for repair. Jewelry is repaired, not automatically replaced, and replacements are rare and only approved on a case-by-case basis by management and/or ownership.


Process:
• Complete a repair form and provide proof of purchase
• Bring in or ship the jewelry to us
• We send it to the manufacturer


Timing:
Repairs may take several months and timelines are not guaranteed.


Temporary option:
• 50% off basic titanium jewelry if needed
The jewelry must be physically returned to us, lost jewelry is not covered.

More details: https://tacomasbestpiercing.com/pages/what-are-our-return-and-exchange-policies

Can I place a custom jewelry order?

Yes! You can submit a custom order request here:
https://tacomasbestpiercing.com/pages/custom-order-request


You’re welcome to include inspiration photos, we’ll source similar pieces from our manufacturers and provide a quote with pricing and estimated delivery time.
Submitting a request does not place an order. Once you receive your quote, an invoice will be sent if you choose to move forward. Your order is only placed after payment is completed.


Please note:
• Custom requests are not monitored in real time
• Orders may take several weeks depending on the item and brand
• All custom orders are final sale

I want to change jewelry but don’t know my size, what should I do?7

Book a “jewelry change” appointment and we’ll size you properly and help you choose the best option.

What jewelry is included with my piercing?

Every piercing at Tacoma’s Best Piercing includes basic implant-grade titanium jewelry, sterilized and ready for safe healing.
Depending on the piercing, the setup may vary, some use a base with decorative ends (such as a flatback post, barbell, or labret with one or two ends), while others require curved bars or ring-style piece like a septum or daith.
Your piercing price includes a properly sized implant-grade titanium setup suitable for healing. You’re always welcome to upgrade to gold, gemstones, or other premium options during your appointment, we’ll simply adjust the jewelry cost accordingly.


For more detailed information:
https://tacomasbestpiercing.com/pages/included-in-piercing-fee
 

Get in touch with Tacoma's Best Piercing

Visit our Tacoma Location:

Email our Customer Service Team:

Give us a call or text:

BOOK NOW!

SUBSCRIBE!