At Ink Terminal, all piercings are performed manually by trained piercers using sterile, single-use needles, not piercing guns. Unlike piercing guns, which push jewelry directly through tissue and can act like a blunt “thumbtack,” causing more trauma, swelling, and higher risk of infection, manual piercing uses hollow needles designed specifically for piercing. This allows for precise placement, minimal tissue damage, cleaner healing channels, and faster recovery. Manual piercing ensures the procedure is safer, more accurate, and significantly reduces the risk of complications.

Whether we can use your own jewelry depends on the type and quality. At Ink Terminal, we use medical-grade titanium jewelry, which is ultra-smooth, hypoallergenic, and specially designed to minimize the risk of irritation or infection.

If you wish to bring your own jewelry, it must be sterile and meet the same high standards as the jewelry we provide. Even when sterile, we do not recommend butterfly-back earrings for piercings, as they are not ideal for long-term wear and can increase the risk of irritation or migration.

For the safest and best-healing experience, we recommend using jewelry provided by our studio, or consulting with our piercers to ensure your personal jewelry is appropriate. This way, you get the perfect fit, safe materials, and professional guidance for your piercing.

Yes! People with metal allergies can generally wear medical-grade titanium jewelry, as it is highly biocompatible and hypoallergenic. However, not all “titanium” jewelry on the market is the same.

• G23 (Grade 23 Titanium) – Ultra-pure, low-allergy titanium, widely used in professional piercings. It is more affordable, comes in a wider range of styles, and safe for most clients with metal sensitivities.

• F136 (Ti6Al4V ELI / ASTM F136) – Medical implant-grade titanium with stricter purity standards. Provides the highest safety and lowest risk of irritation, making it ideal for long-term wear or very sensitive individuals.

Even with the right material, jewelry must be properly cleaned and sterilized. Pieces straight from factories may carry metal shavings, oils, or other residues that could trigger irritation or allergies. For the safest and most comfortable experience, we recommend using studio-provided F136 or G23 titanium jewelry, handled under strict sterilization protocols.

Proper aftercare is essential for fast, safe, and complication-free healing. Here’s what we recommend:

• Do not twist, turn, or play with your jewelry. Handling the piercing can introduce bacteria, cause irritation, and delay healing.

• Clean your piercing regularly. Use a mild saline solution, at least once a day. Avoid harsh soaps or alcohol-based cleaners.

• Keep it clean and dry. Avoid submerging in pools, hot tubs, or other unclean water during the healing period. Gently pat dry after cleaning.