The cost for piercing depends on the body part you're getting pierced and the jewelry you select:

• Nose piercing costs $35 to $70 + the cost of jewelry.
• Ear piercing costs $40 to $75 + the cost of jewelry for both ears. Some piercing shops charge $20 to $35 for each earlobe for clients who only want one ear pierced.
• Belly button / navel piercing costs $50 to $75 + the cost of jewelry.
• Eyebrow piercing costs $40 to $75 + the cost of jewelry.
• Tongue piercing costs $40 to $75 + the cost of jewelry.

No, the piercing fee is separate from the jewelry cost. Jewelry prices vary significantly depending on the type, style, and metal you choose.

No, you can't bring your own jewelry to a piercing shop. Reputable shops will not use jewelry brought in by a client because they can't verify it meets ASTM or ISO qualifications for implant-grade materials.

Licensed piercers are required by law to maintain records of the manufacturer and metal certification for every piece of jewelry used in a piercing. This ensures every piece of jewerly in the shop is safe to use for piercing and won't harm your health.

Yes, piercing shops can change jewelry. Most professional piercers will change your jewelry for a small fee, usually around $5.

Yes, you should tip a piercing artist 20% to 25% of the total cost of the piercing and jewelry if you had a great experience, or 10% to 15% if the experience was less than stellar.

If you had a good experience, post a positive review online. Consider sharing photos on social media and tagging the piercing shop and the piercer.

Reputable piercing shops will only provide piercing for minors if a parent or guardian is present and both the parent/guardian and the minor have government-issued photo idea. The parent/guardian must also present an original birth certificate, adoption papers, or guardianship papers showing their name and the minor's name.

Follow these guidelines to help you choose the top piercing shop in your area:

• Ask for recommendations from friends and family.
• Read reviews on Fash and Google.
• Look for piercers who are members of the Association of Professional Piercers (APP).
• Visit the shop to confirm it is clean and sanitary and the staff is professional.
• Avoid franchise piercing shops located in shopping malls.

Ask the piercer these questions before you book an appointment:

• How long have you been in business?
• Are you licensed?
• Are you a member of the Association of Professional Piercers (APP)?
• Have you done this type of piercing before?
• Can I see your portfolio?
• What safety measures do you take?
• How do you clean and sanitize your equipment?
• What aftercare routine do you recommend?
• What type of body jewelry do you use and what is it made of?
• Will you be wearing sterilized gloves?
• Can you explain the piercing procedure?
• Is there anything specific I should avoid before the procedure or during the healing period?