Frequently Asked Questions
Where are you located?
Newbury, West Berkshire.
On the main high-street, Northbrook street, down by Blacks clothing and Metro, over the road is a shop called "Headcase Barbers", walk into there and ask for me, they will direct you.
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When are you open?
Usual hours are Monday - Friday 9:30am - 3:00pm. On certain days I may finish a little earlier or later due to childcare plans. During half terms, it differs, sometimes I'm off, limited time working wise (for explain summer holidays I only work during August 3 days a week). I do on average 1 weekend a month.
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When it comes to social media messages or emails, I will reply during working hours (If I am working that day), once it reaches the end of the day for me work wise, I won't reply until the next working day I am in work. Typically reply during the hours of 9:30am - 3:00pm (unless differs due to half term, illness or being a single parent haven't got the time to).
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Are you wheelchair accessible?
Yes.
Due to being on the ground floor, and the front door being wide with double doors, it's 100% wheelchair accessible.
Also wanted to put here that if you've got a service animal of any kind, they are most welcome within Pearl Collective.
Can I walk in?
I am appointment only.
This is due to being a single parent, it's hard to cater for all but reminder I'm only able to work what/when I can. On appointment bases means I can allocate time for you and myself. I also share a building with other businesses, so it would be unfair for them to keep informing people not to walk in.
Can I request a silent appointment?
Yes.
I totally understand that people don't want to make conversation and at times can be socially exhausted. Of course I will speak to you for verbal consent and while doing the piercing will explain what I am doing. Best way to request this is by writing in the notes of the booking.
Can I get a refund?
For booking service fee, please read T&Cs about that. However it's non-transferable.
All jewellery sales are final, there is no refund at all.
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Can I bring my own jewellery?
No.
I have no idea where or how you got this jewellery; my insurance doesn't cover me using/installing your jewellery, also got to factor in that if it gets damaged in the sterilising unit it's my liability.
I can only for healed piercings.
Do you pierce with the "Gun"? Or use numbing cream?
Simple answer is no to both.
The "gun" is hugely frowned upon in the piercing industry, there are so many issues with it, partly because it's unsafe & unhygienic.
Numbing agent/creams aren't suitable for piercing, mainly it slows down blood flow, causes more swelling and is an absolute pain in the arse to pierce through skin with it on as it hardens the skin, also I don't have a license or insurance to apply/or pierce with numbing/freezing agents.
Please don’t come to your piercing with numbing cream/freezing cream on the site of the piercing area, you will be declined service and will have to pay a new piercing service fee.
Do you pierce people while pregnant/breastfeeding?
While you are pregnant, it’s a big no. Your body is like a temple, it’s protecting yourself but also your baby, so anything that can risk the concentration of your body going from forming/developing a baby to a piercing is just to much of a risk. Once you’ve had the baby, and you aren’t breastfeeding, give yourself at least minimum 2-4 months after having a baby before getting more piercings - this gives your body to relax, chill out and enjoy the little things for the first few months, plus your hormones are way more crazy the first few months and that can most certainly interact with your piercings.
Regarding breastfeeding, I’m happy to pierce as long as it’s been longer than 6 months, or the baby is on solids (following medical professional guidelines). With nipple piercings, it’ll be either when you decide to pump full time or completely stop breastfeeding - as a nipple bar can be a choking hazard.
Can I go on holiday? Or do hot tub?
If you are about to go on holiday, abroad, I would highly recommend waiting until you are back. The pressure when flying can cause intense swelling, and different climates can make a piercing go crazy. If you are going on holiday in the UK then I can recommend piercer/s close by I trust just in case anything happens.
Hot tubs are a NO. The cleaning solution used in hot tubs / spa like pools are so harsh, this can cause a piercing to completely flip (get angry), also some cases there is some bacteria that can be untraceable which can get into a piercing and cause a really bad infection. It’s the same with saunas. Don’t do them while the piercing is healing.
Can I bring my child/children/family?
When it’s a piercing appointment, no. There isn’t enough room to accommodate a person getting pierced and a pram/or someone to hold onto the child while in the room. Also it would be unsafe due to myself using sharps etc. If you haven’t got a choice, then please bring along someone who is over age 18 & over to watch the child/children while waiting in the hallway. If not, then you’ll need to rebook for a day when you are child free.
When it’s a check up or downsize appointment you are welcome to bring the child/children with you.
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Rules on surgery/filler?
If you’ve had any cosmetic surgery, please wait at least a minimum of 12 months before having a piercing done in the site of area you want it done. Scarring takes on average 6-12 months to settle down and remould itself into the tissue around it.
If you’ve had filler in the area you are wanting pierced - you’ll be declined service. I do not pierced through/near filler, and highly recommend not to do it either. If you wish to you’ll need to get the whole area dissolved, wait until you’ve been cleared and allow myself to do a consultation to feel the area before going ahead, once the piercing is healed you can go and have filler. Piercing through filler can cause it to spread into areas it isn’t supposed to “filler seepage”, there is a higher chance of infection due to 2 foreign things being in the body and the body attacks them, and lately rejection, the piercing or even the filler can reject.