Your First Piercing Guide: What to Expect and How to Prepare
Whether you're getting your first-ever piercing or coming in for your first professional piercing as an adult, we know it can feel exciting - and a little nerve-wracking.
At Platinum Point, we believe every client deserves a safe, informed, and supportive experience from start to finish. This guide will walk you through exactly what to expect and how to prepare for your first piercing appointment.
1. Choosing the Right Studio: Why It Matters
Before we talk jewellery or healing, let’s be clear: where you get pierced makes all the difference.
In Auckland, not all studios operate with the same hygiene, training, or jewellery standards. Some still use piercing guns, low-grade materials, or skip over vital safety practices.
At Platinum Point, we offer:
Only needle piercings - never guns (the quality of the needle also matters, we import the best piercing needles that are coated for comfort)
Fully sterile, single-use equipment
Verified implant-grade titanium, steel, and solid gold jewellery
A calm, welcoming environment with expert guidance
Certified AUPP Safe Piercing protocols
2. How to Prepare for Your First Piercing
Coming in relaxed and ready makes for the best experience. Here’s how to prep:
✅ Eat a full meal before your appointment
This helps avoid dizziness or nausea during the process.
✅ Stay well hydrated
Good hydration supports healing and reduces anxiety.
✅ Wear comfortable clothing
Choose something that gives easy access to the area being pierced - especially for navel, nipples, or cartilage work.
✅ Plan for some downtime
You may want to avoid high-impact activities (e.g., gym, swimming) for a few days, depending on the piercing.
3. Choosing Your First Piercing Jewellery
This part should be exciting - not overwhelming. At Platinum Point, we’ll guide you through your options based on your anatomy, lifestyle, and personal style.
All our jewellery for new piercings is:
Implant-grade titanium or steel, solid 14k/18k gold, or niobium
Verified and biocompatible
Sourced from verified, ethical brands
Designed to fit and function with your piercing type and anatomy
We’ll help you find a piece that suits you - and is safe to heal with.
4. The Piercing Process: What to Expect
Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of what will happen during your appointment:
Consultation: We’ll chat about your goals, anatomy, and placement.
Jewellery selection: You’ll choose your initial jewellery with our help.
Sterilisation & setup: Everything is opened and prepared in front of you.
First cleaning: The area will be cleaned with a sterile alcohol swab.
Marking & placement: We’ll mark the site and get your approval before piercing.
Second cleaning: The piercing area will be cleaned a second time with iodine or chlorhexidine.
The piercing itself: It’s quick! Most clients are surprised by how little it hurts.
Aftercare walkthrough: You’ll receive detailed healing instructions and ongoing support.
We’ll make sure you feel informed and comfortable every step of the way.
5. Aftercare: Healing Your New Piercing
Healing is just as important as the piercing itself. We'll provide you with a take-home care guide and go over everything in person, but here are the basics:
Clean with sterile saline or clean running water only — no alcohol, peroxide, or ointments
Avoid touching or twisting the jewellery
Sleep on your back or opposite side (for ear piercings)
Avoid swimming or submerging the area in water for at least a month
Watch for irritation, but don’t panic - we’re here to help
Average healing time depends on the piercing type, but most range from 6–12 weeks for soft tissue and 6–12 months for cartilage.
6. Common First-Time Questions
“Will it hurt?”
It’s more pressure than pain. Most people are surprised how quick and manageable it is.
“Can I bring a friend?”
Absolutely! You're welcome to bring a support person.
“Can I change my jewellery soon after?”
You’ll need to wait until it’s fully healed. We’ll guide you on safe timelines and can assist with jewellery changes when the time is right. We are able to change the end piece of the jewellery at any time but in normal healing we should only change the jewellery when downsize is required.
Final Thoughts
Getting your first piercing is a big deal - and we’re honoured to be part of it. Whether it’s a subtle stud or a bold new look, we’ll help you do it safely, stylishly, and with confidence.
At Platinum Point, we’re here to make your first piercing experience one to be proud of - not one to recover from.
Book your Appointment
Let’s make your first piercing safe, seamless, and unforgettable — at Auckland’s most trusted piercing studio.
