Can I get a piercing at Studio 28 without an appointment?

Yes, walk-ins are welcome daily from 1 PM to 7:30 PM for all services. However, booking an appointment is highly recommended to ensure availability and minimize wait times.

What is the minimum age requirement for piercings at Studio 28?

- Ages 8–13: Earlobe piercings only (multiple lobe piercings allowed) - Ages 14–17: Navel, eyebrow, nostril, and all ear piercings (excluding industrials) - Age 18+: All piercings permitted Note: Minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Both must present a valid photo ID, along with the minor’s birth certificate or court-issued guardianship documents.

How much does it cost to get a piercing at Studio 28?

Each piercing at Studio 28 has a $40 fee plus the cost of jewelry. Jewelry starts at $35 per piece and ranges upward depending on the material and design. All jewelry is made from solid nickel free gold, implant grade titanium, or implant grade steel. All piercings include a consultation with one of our APP verified staff members and personalized styling guidance to ensure the best fit and look for you.

What should I bring to my appointment?

Every client must bring a valid government or state-issued photo ID, regardless of the service. For minors, the following are required: - A school ID or photo ID for the minor - A government- or state-issued ID for the consenting parent or legal guardian - The minor’s birth certificate to verify the relationship - If the accompanying adult is a legal guardian (not a parent), court-issued guardianship documents are also required For payment, we accept: - All major credit cards - Cash (receive a 3% discount if the full total is paid in cash) - Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, Google Wallet, and Afterpay Most importantly — bring a positive attitude and get ready to have fun with us!

What should I do before coming in for a piercing?

Eat a full meal beforehand and stay hydrated. Coming in on an empty stomach can increase your chances of feeling dizzy or fainting during the procedure. Get a good night’s sleep. Dress appropriately for your piercing location. Come with a positive mindset.

I have sensitive skin — what kind of jewelry do you use for piercings

We only use the highest-quality, hypoallergenic materials for all piercings. Our jewelry is made from implant-grade titanium, solid 14k or 18k nickel free gold, and implant-grade steel. These are the safest materials to have for both new and healed piercings and are approved by the Association of Professional Piercers (APP).

Can I bring my own jewelry for a new piercing?

For the health and safety of our clients, we only use jewelry that has been sourced and verified by Studio 28. We do not pierce with outside jewelry as we cannot guarantee the quality, material, or suitability for healing. All of our piercing jewelry is made from solid nickel free gold, implant-grade titanium, or implant-grade steel — materials approved for initial piercings and verified to meet the highest safety standards.

Does Studio 28 have Association of Professional Piercers (APP) members working here?

Yes — all of our piercing staff at Studio 28 are verified members of the Association of Professional Piercers (APP). This means each team member has met the APP’s strict requirements for hygiene, sterilization, safety practices, and continued education. We also use only implant-grade, APP-compliant jewelry to ensure the safest and highest-quality piercing experience possible.

How are piercings performed at Studio 28?

All piercings at Studio 28 are performed by trained professionals using sterilized, single-use needles — never piercing guns. We follow the highest standards for cleanliness and safety, in accordance with the Association of Professional Piercers (APP). Our team uses precise techniques tailored to your anatomy, ensuring minimal trauma and optimal healing.

There is some discomfort with any piercing, but it's typically brief and very manageable. Most people describe it as a quick pinch or pressure, similar to getting a shot. At Studio 28, we use only the highest-quality, single-use needles and precision instruments designed to minimize trauma and maximize comfort. The actual piercing is completed in a fraction of a second. Most of your appointment time is spent on preparation — cleaning the skin, marking placement, discussing jewelry, and ensuring everything is perfectly aligned.

How do I take care of a new piercing?

Clean your new piercing 2–3 times a day with Steri-Wash sterile saline spray for the first month, then once daily after showering for the rest of the healing period. Do not twist, move, or remove your jewelry during healing. Avoid sleeping on the piercing until fully healed. No swimming or submerging your piercing in pools, hot tubs, or oceans for the first 6 weeks. Follow-up with your piercer around 4 weeks after your appointment to check healing and determine if a downsize is recommended. For full instructions, visit our Piercing Aftercare Guide.

How long does a piercing take to heal?

Ear lobes, eyebrows, and septums: Typically heal in 4–6 months, with a downsize recommended around 4 weeks if healing is progressing well. All other ear piercings, nostrils, bridges, navels, and nipples: Usually take 6–12 months to fully heal. A downsize is typically recommended at the 4-week mark. Lip piercings: Heal in 6–12 months, with the first downsize usually done around 2 weeks. A second downsize may be needed around 6 weeks, depending on the healing process. Downsizing is highly recommended for every piercing.

Can I swim after getting a new piercing?

We recommend avoiding swimming or submerging your new piercing in pools, oceans, hot tubs, or baths for at least 6 weeks. Submersion in water can introduce bacteria and increase the risk of irritation or infection while your piercing is healing. Showers are fine — just rinse gently and follow your aftercare instructions closely.

Can I get pierced if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?

We do not perform piercings on anyone who is currently pregnant. If you are breastfeeding, most piercings are generally safe. However, we do not perform nipple piercings while breastfeeding as they can pose a choking hazard to your baby. Your health is our priority, and we’re happy to work with you on timing your piercings for when it’s healthiest for your body.

What piercings does Studio 28 not perform?

We do not offer tongue piercings due to the long-term damage they can cause to teeth and gums. We also do not perform single-point surface piercings, as they have a high rate of rejection and migration, making them unsuitable for the type of quality and longevity we aim to provide. If you have questions about alternatives or curated options, our team is happy to help guide you toward a look that works for your body and lifestyle.

Can I get multiple piercings in one appointment?

Yes — and we love helping clients create unique, curated looks through multiple piercings in a single session. We allow up to four piercings per appointment, with a maximum of three cartilage piercings to ensure safe healing and comfort. Your piercer will guide you through the best placement combinations based on your anatomy, lifestyle, jewelry choices, and overall styling goals.

What Goes Into the Cost of a High-End Tattoo in NYC

July 15, 2026

If you’ve ever compared tattoo pricing in New York City, you’ve likely noticed a significant gap between studios. While some shops offer quick, low-cost tattoos, others—like Studio 28 in Chelsea—operate at a higher price point.

So what exactly goes into the cost of a high-end tattoo in NYC?

Custom vs Walk-In: The Core Difference

Walk-in tattoo shops are typically designed for:

Speed
Simplicity
Pre-designed artwork

While convenient, this approach limits:

Personalization
Artistic complexity
Long-term uniqueness

At Studio 28, the focus is on fully custom tattoos, meaning every piece is:

Designed specifically for you
Aligned with your body and style
Carefully planned before execution

Consultation Time & Creative Process

A high-end tattoo isn’t just a service—it’s a creative collaboration.

Your experience includes:

In-depth consultation
Design ideation
Revisions and refinements
Placement strategy

This ensures your tattoo feels intentional—not rushed.

For clients searching for tattoo consultation in Chelsea NYC, this step is essential for achieving premium results.

Check Out Our Work

Hourly Rates & What They Represent

Luxury tattoo studios often charge higher hourly rates—but this reflects:

Artist experience
Design time
Attention to detail
Quality of execution

You’re not simply paying for time—you’re paying for:

Expertise
Precision
Long-term quality

Studio Overhead & Experience Quality

High-end studios invest in:

Clean, modern interiors
Comfortable client environments
Professional-grade equipment

This elevates the entire experience, making it:

More comfortable
More private
More personalized

Why High-End Tattoos Deliver Better Value

When done correctly, a tattoo should:

Heal properly
Maintain its clarity
Age gracefully

Lower-cost tattoos often require:

Frequent touch-ups
Corrections
Cover-ups

A high-end tattoo minimizes these risks, making it the smarter long-term investment.

Ready to invest in a tattoo you’ll love for a lifetime?

Request your custom tattoo consultation today and experience the difference at Studio 28.