FAQ
Have questions about getting pierced at Tru Piercings? Our FAQ section provides answers to some of the most common inquiries, from the types of piercings we offer to how to care for your new piercing. Whether you’re curious about our jewelry selection, piercing safety, or what to expect during your appointment, we’re here to help you feel confident and informed. Explore our FAQs below to learn more about our custom piercings, curated ear designs, and professional services.
Piercing FAQ San Antonio
Custom piercings FAQs
Safe piercings San Antonio
Piercing aftercare questions
Jewelry selection FAQ
Ear piercings FAQ
Body piercings FAQ
Nose piercing FAQs
Septum piercing FAQs
Professional piercing studio FAQs
What to expect during a piercing
Piercing consultation FAQ
FAQ
Do you accept walk-ins or are you by appointment only?
We happily accept walk-ins whenever we're available, but appointments always come first. Booking ahead guarantees your spot and gives us the time to give you our full attention.
We do require a credit card to reserve appointments. If you need to cancel, please give us at least 24 hours' notice to avoid a cancellation fee.
Where are you located?
We’re tucked inside Prestige Collective Tattoo, right by Wonderland of the Americas Mall—super easy to find! Just look for the big "TATTOO" sign and the street sign that says "PIERCINGS." If you see South Garden Chinese or Cash America Pawn nearby, you’re in the right spot.
Need help finding us? Just pop "Prestige Collective Tattoo" or "Tru Piercings" into your GPS, and we’ll be ready to greet you when you arrive!
How much do you charge?
Piercing fees start at $50, depending on the piercing.
Additional piercings during the same appointment are $35 each (excluding surface and genital piercings).
Jewelry is priced separately. Implant-grade titanium starts around $20, while solid gold starts around $70 and goes up from there depending on the design.
We accept cash, all major credit cards, Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, and Afterpay.
Why do you charge more than other shops in the area?
We believe a piercing is more than a few minutes in the chair.
You're investing in thoughtful recommendations, quality jewelry, proper placement, a sterile environment, and support throughout your healing. Every recommendation we make has a reason behind it, and we never rush the process just to move on to the next appointment.
We know we're not the right fit for everyone, and that's okay. If we're outside your budget, we're happy to recommend other studios whose values align with ours.
What do you use to sterilize my jewelry?
Your safety is our top priority, and we take sterilization seriously. Every tool is thoroughly cleaned, ultrasonically washed, sterilized in our mid-mark autoclave, stored, and then sterilized in our Statim autoclave again before your procedure.
We only use brand-new needles and jewelry for every piercing. Every sterilization cycle is verified with an integrator strip, and we perform routine spore testing to ensure our equipment is working exactly as it should.
Sterility isn't something we compromise on. If you ever have questions about our sterilization process, we're always happy to walk you through it.
What do I need to be pierced by you?
For clients 18 and older, all you need is a valid state ID. You’ll fill out a quick online form, and don’t forget to bring your ID each time you come in for a new piercing!
If you’re between 15-17, here’s what you’ll need:
A valid state-issued ID that matches your parent or guardian’s ID (same last name and address).
Your parent or guardian must be present with their own state ID.
Please see our “Children’s Ear Piercing” page for the required documents for minors 3-14.
We’ll make the process smooth and easy—just bring the right paperwork, and we’ll take care of the rest!
What styles/brands of jewelry do you offer?
We carry a thoughtfully curated collection of implant-grade titanium and solid gold jewelry from some of the most respected manufacturers in the industry, including Anatometal, Neometal, Buddha Jewelry Organics, Ember, Quetzalli, Modern Mood, and many more.
Our collection changes throughout the year as we bring in new designs and seasonal favorites, so there's always something fresh to discover. Every flat back we use is made from implant-grade titanium and chosen with both long-term comfort and healing in mind.
Is there anything I should do to prepare for my appointment?
A little preparation goes a long way. Here are a few things we recommend before your appointment:
Bring your ID. Every client must bring a valid government-issued ID. If you're under 18, please visit our Children's Ear Piercing page for the required documentation.
Eat beforehand. We recommend eating a meal within a few hours of your appointment to help keep your blood sugar stable and reduce the chance of feeling lightheaded.
Dress for your piercing. If you're getting a piercing outside of your ears or face, wear clothing that makes the area easy to access. For nipple piercings, a non-padded bra and a button-up shirt are great choices. For genital piercings, loose-fitting bottoms and breathable cotton underwear will make the trip home much more comfortable. We also keep complimentary menstrual products stocked in our restroom if you need them.
Skip makeup for facial piercings. We'll need to thoroughly clean the area before your procedure, so little to no makeup is best.
Pull your hair back for ear piercings. A hair tie or clip makes everything a little easier, but don't worry if you forget. We've got you covered.
Still have questions? Reach out anytime. We're always happy to help you feel prepared before your appointment.
What if you don't have the jewelry I'm looking for?
At the moment, we’re not offering custom jewelry orders due to some outstanding wait times—thanks for your patience!
But don’t worry! We have an amazing rotating selection of jewelry, so there’s always something new and exciting to choose from. If we don’t have exactly what you’re after, feel free to ask us for suggestions. We’re happy to help you find something just as stunning that fits your style!
Does it hurt?
Probably a little.
The good news is that piercings are over much faster than most people expect. We'll walk you through everything, tell you exactly what to expect, and help you stay as relaxed as possible.
Most clients are surprised by how quick it is. Then we all laugh because they spent three weeks worrying about something that took a few seconds.
Why do I need to come back for new jewelry? (Downsizing)
Your initial jewelry is intentionally a little longer to make room for swelling. Once that swelling goes down, it's time for a shorter post.
Downsizing helps prevent irritation, snagging, and piercing bumps while making your jewelry much more comfortable to wear. It's one of the most important parts of the healing process, and we'll let you know exactly when it's time.
Do you offer genital piercings?
Yes. Genital piercings are personal, and we treat them that way.
Every appointment takes place in a private room with a locking door, and your comfort, privacy, and consent are our priority from start to finish. We have two experienced female piercers who will guide you through the process, answer your questions honestly, and make sure you feel comfortable every step of the way.
We also have experience working with transgender and gender diverse clients and believe consultations are an important part of the process. If we ever feel another piercer would better suit your anatomy or goals, we'll always tell you. Our priority is helping you make the safest, most informed decision for your body.
Where are the piercings performed? Will I have privacy?
All of our piercings are done in a private room with a locking door, giving you complete privacy throughout the procedure. We usually close the door to ensure your comfort, but if you’d prefer to keep it open, just let us know—we’re here to make sure you feel as relaxed as possible.
Am I allowed to bring friends into the back with me?
One support person is always welcome. We find that keeping the room small helps everyone stay relaxed, so larger groups will be asked to hang out in the waiting area until you're finished.
Can I bring my children?
To help keep the studio calm and focused, we ask that you arrange childcare before your appointment whenever possible.Children under 18 aren't permitted in the studio unless they're here for their own ear piercing appointment.
The exception is infants who are bottle-fed, breastfed, or not yet walking and can relax comfortably in a stroller or car seat.
If you arrive with children who don't meet those requirements, we may need to reschedule your appointment.
What about tipping? I’m not quite sure how this works with piercings or tattoos.
Tips are never required, but they're always appreciated.
If you had a great experience and would like to leave one, your piercer keeps 100% of it. Cash is always appreciated, but you can also tip by card.
We've also received everything from rocks and crystals to snacks, handmade art, and thoughtful little gifts over the years. Honestly, the gesture means just as much.
If tipping isn't in the cards, leaving us a Google review is another amazing way to support our small business.
Why don't you pierce everyone?
Sometimes the best recommendation we can make is to wait.
Not every anatomy is suited for every piercing, and not every body is ready on the same timeline. If we don't think a piercing is in your best interest, we'll always explain why and talk through other options with you.
Our goal has never been to do the most piercings. It's to help you make thoughtful decisions you'll feel good about for years to come.