Frequently asked questions

  • Cancellations, rescheduling & runing late.

    Life can get in the way sometimes, and accidents happen that can cause interruptions to our regular schedules. If you think you are going to run late for an appointment then please contact the studio as soon as you suspect this and we can discuss if it’s possible to still fit you in or if the appointment will need to be re-arranged. There is a 5 minute gap in between each appointment slot to allow time for clients to enter and leave without overcrowding the studio.

    If you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment we ask that you contact us as soon as possible so that alternative arrangements can be made.

  • Can i bring my own jewellery?

    No, I will not pierce with jewellery bought from outside the studio.

    Once a piercing has fully healed you can purchase jewellery from Set Sail Tattoo Studio and have it fitted.

    If you purchase jewellery from another piercer and would like assistance in having it fitted then you must be able to provide details of the studio / piercer it was purchased from, and a full receipt with details of the manufacturer of the jewellery.

  • Jewellery sales & returns

    All jewellery sales are final. Jewellery cannot be returned once it has been fitted for hygiene purposes. If you are unsure on sizing, or require more information before making a purchase then please contact me for assistance.

    We (Set sail tattoo studio / Esther) cannot be held responsible if jewellery is lost by the wearer.

    Jewellery is guaranteed to be free of any defects or damage at the time of purchase. If you come across any issues regarding the surface finish, the security of the attachment to the post that’s being worn, or notice that decorative attachments or stones are loose in their settings then please get in touch as soon as possible to discuss a repair or replacement.

  • Can you get pierced when you're pregnant?

    No. We cannot do any piercings on you when you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

    Although it’s rare that an infection would occur from a safely preformed body piercing, it is a risk that can come with getting any cosmetic procedure and this can cause harm to both parent and child.

    In regards to nipple piercings, it is advised to wait at least 6 months from the last day of breastfeeding before having this area pierced.

  • Piercings before or after surgeries.

    If you have recently undergone any form of medical or cosmetic surgery. We suggest that you wait until your body has fully recovered and has healed before having a piercing done. Even if the piercing is not on, or around the area of the treatment site, it’s best to be in top form so that your piercing has the best opportunity to heal.

    When considering getting a piercing done near, or on the site of a surgery then you should consult your doctor for advice before making a booking.

    If you have an upcoming surgery or are likely to have regular treatments in the near future, then it is not advised to get a new piercing until your treatments are completed. You will likely be asked to remove all your body jewellery before going in for a surgery or medical scan.

    Removing jewellery from a fresh piercing (under 3 months old) for any longer than a few minutes can cause irritation and it will be a struggle to fit jewellery back into a piercing channel that isn’t fully healed. Doing so on a regular basis will cause long term issues which can have a permanent negative effect on the piercing overall.

  • Wheelchair access & accommodating disabilities

    The piercing procedure room, reception lounge and an area adjacent to the piercing reception where some of our tattoo artists work is a wheelchair friendly zone.

    There are disabled parking bays close to the back entrance of the studio, and a ramp leading to the back door. If you are using the back entrance, please let us know in advance so we can clear the area and have the door unlocked in time for your appointment.

    We are happy to accommodate your needs as best we can to make your visit to the studio stress free. If there are any preparations we can make in advance of your visit, please let us know!

    Follow this link to find a google maps pin to the car park at the back of the studio.

    Click here for car park

 

Hi, i’m Esther. Your local friendly octopus enthusiast! Here are two photos of myself with and without a face covering so you can easily identify me when you come into the studio for a piercing.

 

Layout of the piercing area at Set Sail Tattoo Studio. (Photo taken Aug 2024)

The piercing reception area at Set Sail Tattoo Studio, this is separate to the main reception area when you enter the studio. (photo taken Aug 2024)

 

Photos of the step-by-step process of a piercing. Top left is a photo of the equipment used to preform this piercing, bottom left is a photo of markings that were made to let this client choose their placement, and finally on the right is a picture of the fresh piercing.

What happens when i come to Set Sail for a piercing?

 

Upon arrival you will see notices at the front door stating that an appointment is required to enter the studio. Throughout the main and piercing reception areas you will see notices stating that all clients must provide photo I.D. Please make sure you have it with you! We ask that during this time all clients wear a face covering when entering the studio. We cannot serve clients who are exempt from wearing a face covering.

When entering the main reception area, you will be greeted by our studio manager, Victoria. She will give you directions to the piercing reception area. Even if you have visited the studio before, please take time to say hello to Victoria and let her know which artist you are here to see. It helps to keep us all organized!

Once you’ve made your way through to the piercing reception, you will be greeted by myself (Esther), I’ll ask for your name, and what it is you’re looking to get pierced today. This helps me to confirm your booking, and be able to show you what jewellery from our stock would be best suited for your piercing.

Picking out jewellery is the HARDEST part of the entire piercing process, we have a great selection of pieces available that all vary in price. At this stage we can discuss what materials, colors, themes or ideas you would like to work with. If you find a piece that is outwith your budget please don’t hesitate to say, I can show you other similar styles that are a different price, but equally as cute.

After picking out what piece of jewellery you’d like to be pierced with, you will be asked to fill out our online consent form while your jewellery is being sterilized. The sterilization process takes around 10 minutes, and usually by this time the consent form is completed and i have set up my room to preform a piercing.

When you are done filling out your consent form, let me know and we’ll confirm all your details then head to the piercing room!

You’ll be asked to place any personal belongings into a small box beside the door, and take a seat on the procedure table in the centre of the room. I’ll put on some additional PPE to protect us both while we’re in close proximity and begin opening packaging containing the necessary equipment for your piercing into a ‘safe zone’. Please do not touch any equipment that’s laid out on this table, as you will contaminate it rendering it useless and it will have to be disposed.

Once our safe zone is set up, I’ll make a selection of markings on the area being pierced and get you to check them and confirm that you’re happy with the placement.
If you’re happy to continue then you’ll be asked to lie down on the piercing bed. We’ll do a short breathing exercise together which is followed by a sharp sting and some warmth around the piercing site, then that’s the scary part is all over!

When we’re all done, you can sit for a few minutes to make sure you feel alright, and finally, go check your gorgeous new adornment in the mirror!

If you would like to leave at any point or if you change your mind at any stage of this process please let me know and I’ll stop what I’m doing. There is no charge if you choose not to follow through with a piercing and jewellery can be re-processed as long as it hasn’t been in or around your body.