What Rowan Piercing Studio Offers

Rowan is a piercing studio that performs body piercings using sterile equipment and trained piercers. The studio handles standard piercings like ear lobes, cartilage, nose, and lip, as well as more specialized placements depending on the piercer's training and your anatomy. Each piercing is done with a hollow needle (not a gun) and follows health and safety protocols required in most states.

The studio operates as a walk-in or appointment-based business, depending on current demand. You can call ahead to book a time slot or ask about wait times if you prefer to walk in. Rowan's piercers will discuss your piercing choice, answer questions about aftercare, and show you the jewelry options available before the procedure begins.

Key Takeaways

  • Rowan uses hollow needles and sterile single-use equipment for all piercings, which is the standard method across professional studios.
  • You can book an appointment by phone or walk in, though calling ahead lets you know wait times and reserve a specific slot.
  • The piercer will discuss placement, show you jewelry choices, and explain aftercare instructions before and after the piercing.
  • Bring a valid ID and be prepared to pay the piercing fee plus the cost of jewelry, which varies by type and material.
  • Healing time ranges from a few weeks for ear lobes to several months for cartilage or other placements, and proper aftercare is essential to prevent infection.

How to Book and What to Bring

Contact Rowan directly by phone to schedule an appointment or ask about walk-in availability. When you call, tell the staff which piercing you want and they can tell you how long the wait is, whether they have an opening that day, and any specific instructions to follow before you arrive. Some studios ask you to avoid blood thinners or heavy meals before certain piercings, so ask when you book.

Bring a valid photo ID—most states require piercers to verify your age, especially for minors. If you are under 18, check Rowan's policy on parental consent; many studios require a parent or guardian to be present and sign a form. Bring a payment method (cash, card, or both) because you will pay for both the piercing service and the jewelry.

The Piercing Process and What Happens

When you arrive, the piercer will examine the area you want pierced and discuss the exact placement with you. They will show you the needle size, the jewelry options (studs, hoops, barbells, etc.), and the material (surgical steel, titanium, gold, etc.). Ask questions about anything you are unsure about—a good piercer expects this and will take time to explain.

The piercer will mark the spot with a pen or marker so you can see and approve the placement before the needle goes in. They will then clean the area with an antiseptic solution, use a hollow needle to create the opening, and insert the jewelry in one smooth motion. The entire process usually takes less than a minute. You may feel pressure and a sharp sensation, but it is over quickly.

After the piercing, the piercer will give you written aftercare instructions. Read these carefully and ask for clarification on anything unclear. Proper aftercare is the difference between a piercing that heals cleanly and one that gets infected or develops complications.

Aftercare and Healing Times

Healing time depends on the piercing location. Ear lobe piercings typically heal in 4 to 6 weeks. Cartilage piercings (upper ear, tragus, helix) take 2 to 3 months or longer. Nose piercings usually heal in 2 to 4 months. Lip and oral piercings can take 4 to 8 weeks. These are general ranges; individual healing varies based on your body, how well you follow aftercare, and whether you have any complications.

Standard aftercare includes cleaning the piercing twice daily with a saline solution (either store-bought or made at home with salt and water), avoiding touching or twisting the jewelry, and keeping the area dry. Do not submerge the piercing in pools, hot tubs, or baths until it is fully healed. Avoid sleeping on the piercing if possible. Do not change the jewelry until the piercer says it is safe—changing it too early can close the hole or introduce bacteria.

If you notice increasing redness, warmth, swelling, or discharge after the first few days, contact Rowan. These can be signs of infection or an allergic reaction to the jewelry material. Some irritation is normal in the first week, but it should improve, not worsen.

Jewelry Options and Materials

Rowan will show you jewelry choices at the time of your piercing. Initial jewelry is usually made from materials that are safe for fresh piercings: surgical steel, titanium, or solid gold (14k or higher). These materials are less likely to cause allergic reactions or infections. Avoid plated jewelry or low-quality metals for new piercings because the coating can wear off and expose cheaper metal underneath.

The style of the initial jewelry depends on the piercing type. Ear lobe piercings often start with studs or small hoops. Cartilage piercings typically use barbells (straight or curved). Nose piercings use studs, small hoops, or screws. The piercer will recommend what works best for your anatomy and healing. Once the piercing is fully healed, you can change to other styles.

Cost and Payment

Piercing prices vary by location and complexity. A straightforward ear lobe piercing typically costs between $25 and $60. Cartilage, nose, and other placements may cost more. The jewelry is usually sold separately and adds to the total bill. High-quality materials like titanium or solid gold cost more than surgical steel. Ask for the total price before the piercing begins so there are no surprises.

Most studios accept cash and cards. Some may have a minimum card purchase or offer a discount for cash. Ask about payment methods when you book or when you arrive.

When to Contact Rowan After Your Piercing

Reach out to Rowan if you have questions about aftercare, if the piercing is not healing as expected, or if you think the jewelry does not fit properly. Many studios offer free jewelry changes or adjustments during the healing period if needed. If you develop signs of infection—increasing pain, pus, red streaks, or fever—see a doctor, but also let Rowan know so they can assess whether the jewelry or technique was the issue.

Do not remove the jewelry yourself if something feels wrong. A piercer can safely remove it and assess the situation. Removing jewelry from a fresh piercing can trap bacteria inside and cause an abscess.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Rowan use piercing guns or needles?

Rowan uses hollow needles, which is the standard in professional piercing studios. Piercing guns are not recommended by professional piercers because they can cause tissue damage and are harder to sterilize properly. Needles are safer and create a cleaner opening.

Can I bring my own jewelry?

Most studios prefer to use their own jewelry for initial piercings because they know the material and quality. Once your piercing is healed, you can bring your own jewelry to change into. Ask Rowan about their policy when you book.

What if I am allergic to metal?

Tell the piercer about any metal allergies before the piercing. Titanium and solid gold (14k or higher) are the safest choices for people with sensitive skin or nickel allergies. Surgical steel contains small amounts of nickel, so it may not be suitable if you have a known allergy. The piercer can recommend the best material for your situation.

How do I know if my piercing is infected?

Normal healing includes mild redness and swelling for the first few days. Signs of infection include increasing pain after day three, pus or thick discharge, warmth around the piercing, red streaks extending from the site, or fever. If you notice these, see a doctor and contact Rowan. Do not remove the jewelry yourself.

Can I change my jewelry before the piercing is healed?

No. Changing jewelry too early can close the hole, introduce bacteria, or damage the healing tissue. Wait until the piercer says the piercing is fully healed. For ear lobes, this is usually 4 to 6 weeks. For cartilage and other placements, it can take much longer. Ask the piercer for a specific timeline when you get pierced.