Frequently Asked Questions

All appointments are required. We're a private, one-on-one studio — no walk-ins. This ensures you get our full, undivided attention and the unhurried experience you deserve. Book online through our booking page to see available times.

We recommend arriving well-nourished and hydrated, and avoiding alcohol and blood thinners for at least 24 hours before your appointment.

Not every placement works for every ear — and that's a beautiful thing. Anatomy varies, and what looks incredible on someone else may not work for your ear (or vice versa). During your consultation, Holly will assess your anatomy honestly and help you find placements that will heal well, sit beautifully, and stand the test of time.

Absolutely! You're welcome to bring up to two support people to your appointment — whether that's a parent, partner, or best friend. If you're bringing a larger group, consider booking a private piercing party — we'd love to host your whole crew.

Yes! We welcome clients of all ages, including infants as young as 6 months old. We follow CDC guidelines and require that infants have received at least their first DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis) vaccination — given at 2 months — before their appointment. Please bring proof of vaccination. This is a firm safety requirement.

All clients under 18 must have a parent or legal guardian present with a valid government-issued photo ID plus proof of guardianship (birth certificate or passport).

We specialize exclusively in earlobe piercings — single, pair, second lobe, third lobe, and stacked lobe looks. We do not offer cartilage, nose, lip, navel, or other body piercings. Our singular focus on lobe piercings means we do this one thing exceptionally well, with the right tool, the right jewelry, and the right expertise every single time.

First: it is not a piercing gun. A traditional spring-loaded gun uses uncontrolled force, cannot be fully sterilized between clients, and causes unnecessary blunt trauma to tissue.

The Inverness System is a hand-pressured piercing instrument — quiet, smooth, and a world apart from the spring-loaded guns you may have experienced elsewhere. Here's what makes it different:

◇ Zero contamination: The jewelry arrives pre-loaded in a sealed, single-use sterile cartridge. It goes directly from that cartridge into your ear — never touched, never transferred.

◇ Full piercer control: Unlike spring-loaded guns, the speed and pressure are entirely in Holly's hands at every moment — for precise, intentional placement.

◇ Right tool for the job: Needles are designed for cartilage and body piercings. For soft earlobe tissue, they're overkill. Our device is purpose-built for lobe piercings — one clean, one-step motion with no extra instrument handling.

◇ Safe for all ages: Including infants 6 months and older. The process is fast, gentle, and over in seconds.

The result? A safer, cleaner, more precise piercing experience than what you've likely had anywhere else.

Honestly? A little — but it's very brief. Most clients describe it as a quick pinch or pressure that lasts a second. The anticipation is almost always worse than the actual piercing. The Inverness System is quiet, gentle, and designed to minimize discomfort — most people report feeling no discomfort at all. Holly's technique is calm and intentional, and she'll guide you through the whole process.

We pierce with three body-safe materials: implant-grade titanium (nickel-free), solid 14K gold, and medical-grade stainless steel that meets the most stringent global standards for nickel release requirements. All are appropriate for fresh piercings and sourced from trusted vendors with material certifications. We do not use mystery alloys, plated jewelry, or acrylic. If you have known metal sensitivities, let us know at your consultation and we'll recommend the best option for your body.

We only pierce with jewelry from our own curated collection — no exceptions. This ensures the metal quality, sizing, and style are appropriate for a fresh piercing. Once your piercing is fully healed, you're welcome to come in for a jewelry change with a piece of your own — we're happy to swap it safely.

Earlobe piercings typically take 6–9 months to fully heal — though they often feel comfortable much sooner. Healing is a process, not an event. Even when a lobe feels fine, the tissue continues to mature internally for months. Holly will give you personalized guidance at your appointment.

We recommend sterile saline wound wash (like NeilMed Wound Wash) twice daily. Spray directly onto the piercing and let it air dry. That's it — simple is better.

Things to avoid: touching the piercing with unwashed hands, rotating or twisting the jewelry, sleeping directly on the piercing, submerging in pools/hot tubs/lakes/open water, using alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or tea tree oil. Don't over-clean — less is more.

Wait until your piercing is fully healed — even if it looks and feels fine on the outside, the internal tissue takes longer to fully mature. Not sure? Book a jewelry change appointment and let Holly assess your piercing before making any changes.

Don't panic — some redness, tenderness, and clear/white discharge are completely normal, especially in the first few weeks. If you notice unusual swelling, thick yellow or green discharge, significant pain, or a bump that isn't going away, reach out to us right away. We're always here to support your healing journey and would rather you contact us early than wait and wonder.

We ask for at least 24 hours' notice for cancellations or rescheduling. Late cancellations and no-shows will result in forfeiture of your deposit. We understand life happens — just let us know as soon as you can and we'll do our best to accommodate you.

Yes — all clients complete a consent form prior to their appointment. You'll receive a link to complete it digitally when you arrive.

Yes! Gift cards are a beautiful gift for birthdays, holidays, or any occasion. Reach out through our contact page or ask at your next appointment and we'll get you set up.

We'd love to hear from you! Send us a message through our contact page, or find us on Instagram at @emeraldandopalpiercing. We try to respond within 24 hours on business days.