Body Piercing in Salem and Manchester NH
Licensed by the State of New Hampshire
FAQ
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Got questions? We've got answers. If you don't see the information you're looking for, feel free to reach out—we're always happy to help!
Do I need to book an appointment, or do you accept walk ins?
We are a walk-in only piercing studio—no appointment is required! Simply stop by during our business hours, and we'll be happy to assist you. Please note the following exceptions: Children under 10 years old: We require two professional piercers to be present for all piercings on children under 10. Please call us before your visit to confirm that both piercers are available. Requesting a specific piercer: If you'd like to be pierced by a particular member of our team, we recommend calling ahead to check their schedule before coming in. Our goal is to provide every client with a safe, comfortable, and professional experience.
Can I get pierced with my own jewelry?
No. For your health and safety, we only perform piercings using jewelry purchased directly from our studio. Because we cannot verify the quality, material, manufacturing standards, or sterilization of jewelry from outside sources, we are unable to use it for initial piercings. We exclusively use high-quality jewelry that meet the strict standards recommended for fresh piercings. To give your piercing the best possible start, your piercer will professionally select the ideal gauge, length, and style of jewelry tailored specifically to your anatomy and healing needs.
Do I need to bring a photo ID or sign a waiver ?
Yes. Every client must present a valid, government-issued photo ID before receiving a piercing. We accept a driver's license, state-issued ID, military ID, passport, or other government-issued photo identification. All clients are also required to complete and sign a consent waiver before any piercing service is performed. This helps ensure that you understand the procedure, aftercare, and important health information, allowing us to provide a safe and professional experience for every client. If the client is a minor, a parent or legal guardian must also be present with their own valid photo ID and any a birth certificate for the minor.
How should I prepare for my piercing?
To ensure a safe, comfortable, and successful piercing experience, we recommend the following: Eat a full meal within 4 hours of your visit to help maintain healthy blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of dizziness or fainting. Stay well hydrated before your piercing. Bring a valid, non-expired government-issued photo ID. Every client must present identification before receiving a piercing. Be prepared to complete and sign a consent waiver before your service. Wear comfortable clothing that allows easy access to the area being pierced. If your child is under 10 years old or you would like to request a specific piercer, please call us before your visit so we can confirm availability. Arriving well-rested, hydrated, and prepared helps us provide the safest, most comfortable experience possible and gives your new piercing the best start for healing.
How long does a piercing take?
The piercing itself only takes a few seconds, and most piercing appointments are completed in 15–20 minutes. During your visit, your piercer will discuss jewelry options, evaluate your anatomy, mark the placement, perform the piercing using sterile techniques, and review aftercare instructions before you leave. Because we are a walk-in only studio, there may be a wait before your service. Depending on the day of the week, time of day, and the number of clients ahead of you, wait times can range from a few minutes to an hour or more. If you're visiting us on a busy day or have a schedule to keep, we recommend allowing plenty of time for your visit so you can enjoy a relaxed, unhurried experience.
Can I bring children who are not getting pierced?
Possibly, but we ask that all children who are not receiving a piercing be accompanied and supervised by another responsible adult throughout your visit. Our procedure rooms require your full attention, and our staff cannot supervise children. Having a separate adult with any non-participating children helps us maintain a safe, calm environment for both our clients and our piercers. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in helping us provide the best possible experience for everyone in the studio.
Can I bring a friend or family member with me?
Yes! You're welcome to bring a friend or family member for support during your visit. To help us maintain a safe, clean, and comfortable environment, we ask that you keep your group small. Our procedure areas have limited space, and minimizing distractions allows your piercer to focus entirely on your safety and the quality of your piercing. If you are bringing children who are not being pierced, they must be supervised by another responsible adult at all times. The parent or guardian accompanying the client must remain focused on the piercing procedure and cannot supervise additional children during the appointment.
Can I take photos or videos during my appointment?
Possibly. Please ask your piercer for permission before recording or taking photos. Depending on the procedure and safety considerations, your piercer may ask that recording be limited or postponed. We also ask that you avoid capturing other clients or staff members without their consent. Our goal is to provide a comfortable, professional environment where everyone's privacy is respected.
Are service animals allowed?
Yes. Trained service animals are welcome in our studio; however, to comply with health and safety regulations, they are only permitted in the shop and waiting areas. Our piercing procedure rooms are maintained as controlled, sanitary environments, so service animals are not allowed inside treatment rooms. If you require a service animal, you must bring a companion or handler who can remain with your animal in the waiting area while your procedure is being performed. For the safety and well-being of the animal, service animals cannot be left unattended, and our staff are not permitted to supervise, handle, or care for them.
Do you offer piercings for minors?
Yes. We offer piercings for minors in accordance with New Hampshire law and our studio's safety policies. All minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian, who must remain present throughout the entire visit. Both the minor and the parent or legal guardian are required to present valid government-issued photo identification, along with any documentation needed to verify guardianship. For children under 10 years old, we require two professional piercers to be on the floor during the procedure. We recommend calling the studio before your visit to confirm that both piercers are available. Not all piercings are available for minors. Our piercers reserve the right to determine whether a piercing is appropriate based on the client's age, anatomy, maturity, and our professional standards. Our priority is always the health, safety, and comfort of every client.
What are the age requirements for different piercings?
For the safety of our clients, we follow strict age guidelines based on our professional standards, anatomy requirements, and New Hampshire regulations. These age requirements are strictly enforced. No exceptions will be made. 4 months – 11 years old: Earlobe piercings only. 12 – 13 years old: Earlobes, ear cartilage, nostril, and select facial piercings. 14 – 17 years old: Earlobes, ear cartilage, nostril, facial, navel, industrial, and tongue piercings. Industrial and tongue piercings are subject to an anatomy assessment and the professional discretion of the piercer. 18 years and older: We offer all piercings, provided the client's anatomy is suitable and there are no health or safety concerns. All clients under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian, who must present valid government-issued photo identification along with any documentation required to verify guardianship. Our piercers reserve the right to decline any piercing if it is not appropriate for the client's anatomy, cannot be performed safely, or is not in the client's best interest.
How do you ensure a sterile and safe piercing environment?
Your health and safety are our highest priorities. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of cleanliness, sterilization, and infection prevention for every client.Here's how we ensure a safe piercing experience: Hospital-grade sterilization: All reusable instruments are thoroughly cleaned, packaged, and sterilized in a medical-grade autoclave. Our sterilization process is routinely monitored and tested to verify its effectiveness. Single-use sterile supplies: Needles, gloves, marking tools, and other disposable items are used once and then properly discarded after each client. Professional aseptic techniques: Our piercers follow strict hand hygiene and aseptic procedures throughout every service to minimize the risk of contamination. Premium-quality jewelry: We only use high-quality jewelry that meet ASTM and/or ISO standards and are appropriate for fresh piercings. Clean, disinfected procedure rooms: Every piercing station and all high-touch surfaces are cleaned and disinfected between each client.
Can I get pierced while pregnant or breastfeeding?
For the health and safety of both you and your baby, we do not perform new piercings on clients who are pregnant or breastfeeding. While piercing is generally a safe procedure, it still creates a wound that requires your body to heal. During pregnancy and breastfeeding, your immune system and body are already under additional demands, and even a minor complication or infection could pose unnecessary risks. We recommend waiting until after your pregnancy and breastfeeding journey is complete before getting a new piercing. This allows your body to heal more efficiently and helps ensure the best possible outcome for your new piercing.
Should I tell my piercer about my medical history, medications, or allergies?
Yes. Before your piercing, please let your piercer know about any medical conditions, medications, allergies, or other health concerns that could affect your procedure or healing. This may include: Allergies to metals, latex, adhesives, or cleaning products. Blood-thinning medications or bleeding disorders. Diabetes or conditions that may affect healing. Immune system disorders or medications that suppress the immune system. Any other medical condition you feel may be relevant. Sharing this information allows your piercer to make informed recommendations, select the most appropriate jewelry and materials, and determine whether it is safe to proceed with your piercing. All medical information is kept confidential and is used solely to help provide the safest, highest-quality care possible. If we believe a piercing could pose an unnecessary health risk, we may recommend postponing the procedure or consulting your healthcare provider before moving forward.
Can I drink alcohol or use recreational drugs before my appointment?
No. For your safety, we will not perform a piercing if you appear to be under the influence of alcohol, recreational drugs, or any substance that may impair your judgment or ability to provide informed consent. Alcohol and recreational drugs can increase bleeding, affect your body's ability to respond to the procedure, and make it more difficult for you to communicate how you're feeling during the piercing. They may also interfere with the healing process. If you arrive under the influence, your service will be declined, and we will ask you to return on another day.
Does getting a piercing hurt?
Yes—but only for a moment. Most clients describe the sensation as a quick pinch followed by mild pressure that lasts only a few seconds. The level of discomfort varies depending on the piercing, your individual pain tolerance, and the area being pierced. Our experienced piercers use sharp, sterile single-use needles and efficient techniques to make the procedure as quick and comfortable as possible. Many clients are surprised by how fast the piercing is over. After the piercing, it's normal to experience some tenderness, warmth, or mild swelling for a few days as your body begins the healing process.
What is the difference between a piercing gun and a needle?
A piercing needle and a piercing gun create a piercing in very different ways. A professional piercing needle is hollow, razor-sharp, and sterile, allowing it to create a precise, clean opening with minimal trauma to the surrounding tissue. This results in a more accurate piercing and typically promotes a smoother healing process. A piercing gun, on the other hand, uses spring-loaded force to push a blunt jewelry stud through the skin. This can place unnecessary stress on the tissue, increasing the likelihood of swelling, bruising, and prolonged healing. For these reasons, professional piercers worldwide consider single-use sterile needles to be the safest and most appropriate method for performing body piercings.
Are your piercers experienced?
Absolutely. Our piercers are highly trained professionals who are committed to providing safe, precise, and high-quality piercing services. Our piercers are experienced in working with clients of all ages and take the time to evaluate your anatomy, answer your questions, and ensure you feel informed and comfortable before every procedure. At Medusa Body Piercing, your safety, comfort, and satisfaction are our top priorities, and every piercing is performed with the highest level of professionalism and attention to detail.
What jewelry do you use for new piercings?
We use only high-quality, body-safe jewelry that is specifically selected for fresh piercings to promote safe, comfortable healing. Our starter jewelry includes: Hypoallergenic ISO-certified surgical steel ASTM F-136 implant-grade titanium Solid 14K gold Your piercer will recommend the most appropriate material based on your anatomy, the type of piercing, and any metal sensitivities you may have. In addition to choosing the right material, your piercer will carefully select the correct gauge, length, and style of jewelry to ensure the best fit for your anatomy and provide the ideal conditions for healing. We never use low-quality or mystery metals, and all jewelry used for initial piercings meets our strict standards for safety, quality, and comfort.
Can I bring my own jewelry for my piercing?
No. For the safety of our clients, we only perform initial piercings using jewelry purchased from Medusa Body Piercing. Because we cannot verify the quality, material, manufacturing standards, or condition of jewelry from outside sources, we are unable to use it for new piercings. Fresh piercings require jewelry that meets strict standards for biocompatibility, finish, and sizing to support proper healing.
Do your prices include jewelry?
Yes. All of our listed piercing prices include your piercing service and a piece of hypoallergenic ISO-certified surgical steel starter jewelry—there are no hidden fees. If you'd like to customize your piercing, you're welcome to upgrade your starter jewelry to: ASTM F-136 implant-grade titanium Solid 14K gold Our piercers will help you choose the best jewelry for your anatomy, lifestyle, and personal style while ensuring it is appropriate for a safe and successful healing process.
How long does a piercing take to heal?
Healing times vary depending on the piercing and your body's natural healing process. Most piercings heal in 2 to 12 months, with some taking longer. Your piercer will provide specific healing expectations and aftercare instructions for your piercing to help ensure the best possible outcome.
Can I change my jewelry during the healing process?
In most cases, it's best to wait. Your starter jewelry is selected to support the healing process, and changing it too early can disrupt the piercing, cause irritation, or prolong healing. Many piercings benefit from a professional downsize once the initial swelling has gone down. If you think your jewelry feels too long, too short, or isn't fitting properly, stop by the studio. One of our piercers will assess your piercing and let you know whether a jewelry change is appropriate. For the healthiest outcome, avoid changing your jewelry on your own until your piercer confirms your piercing is ready.
Do you offer jewelry changes?
Yes. We offer professional jewelry changes for both healed and healing piercings. If your piercing is still healing, we'll first evaluate it to make sure it's ready for a jewelry change or downsize. For the safest experience, we recommend having all jewelry changes performed by one of our trained piercers rather than attempting to change it yourself. Please note: We do not perform jewelry changes on Saturdays. If you're planning to have your jewelry changed, please visit us on another day of the week.
What should I do if I'm having problems with my piercing?
If you're experiencing pain, excessive swelling, unusual discharge, or have any concerns about your piercing, don't remove the jewelry or attempt to treat it yourself. Instead, contact or visit Medusa Body Piercing as soon as possible so one of our experienced piercers can evaluate your piercing and recommend the appropriate next steps. If you develop signs of a serious infection—such as a fever, rapidly spreading redness, or severe swelling—seek medical attention promptly. We're always happy to work alongside your healthcare provider to help ensure the best outcome for your piercing.
What are the signs of an infected piercing?
It's normal for a new piercing to have mild redness, swelling, tenderness, and a small amount of clear or pale yellow fluid during the early stages of healing. These are common signs that your body is healing. A true infection is less common but may include: Increasing pain or swelling that continues to worsen instead of improving. Redness that spreads beyond the piercing site. Thick yellow, green, or foul-smelling discharge. The area feels unusually hot to the touch. Fever or feeling generally unwell. If you think your piercing may be infected, leave the jewelry in place and contact Medusa Body Piercing as soon as possible so we can evaluate it. Removing the jewelry may trap an infection beneath the skin. If you develop a fever, rapidly spreading redness, or other severe symptoms, seek medical care promptly. We're happy to work with your healthcare provider to help you recover safely.