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FAQ: tattoo & piercing

Everything about your tattoo and piercing: how much it hurts, how the consultation works and what to know before your appointment. Also read our aftercare – or go straight to tattoos, piercing in Södertälje and laser tattoo removal.

Tattoo FAQPiercingGeneral

Does a tattoo hurt?

Short answer: a little – sometimes more. How much depends mainly on the placement. Areas over bone and with thin skin are more intense.

Pain map · TattooTap or hover over an area
Front
Back
Pain level Ribs
5/5Very intense

Thin skin over bone, and the area moves with every breath.

Typical values from 1 to 5 – everyone feels pain differently.

  • Eat beforehand
  • Hydrate
  • Sleep well
  • No alcohol
  • Breathe calmly
  • Trust your artist

Age & ID – tattoo

Tattoos from 17, after a talk with the studio and with a legal guardian present – both you and your guardian need valid ID. We do not tattoo anyone under 17.

Forms & minors

Tattoo FAQ

Does getting a tattoo hurt?
Yes, a little – sometimes more. It usually feels like a constant scratching, vibration or burning, depending on placement, style and your pain tolerance. The map above shows which areas tend to hurt more and which less.
How can I make the appointment easier?
Eat properly beforehand, drink enough water and sleep well. No alcohol or drugs in the 24 hours before – we will not tattoo you otherwise. Breathe calmly, tell us when you need a break and trust your artist.
Does the consultation cost anything?
No, the consultation is free. Drop by during opening hours or send a DM to @spicycollectivetattoo.
Do you do custom designs?
Yes. You bring your idea and references, we turn them into your own design. Before we start you approve the design, size and placement – which is also recorded in your consent form.
How are the tools sterilised?
Reusable instruments are sterilised in an autoclave. Needles and cartridges come in sterile packaging and are used only once.
Which inks do you use?
Only tattoo inks that comply with EU rules (REACH). Manufacturer, shade and batch number are recorded in your treatment record – we are happy to show you the label information.
How long will my tattoo take?
That depends on size, detail and placement. Small designs are done in one session, large projects such as sleeves or back pieces are planned over several sessions.
How much will my tattoo cost?
The price depends on size, effort and placement. After the consultation we give you a price – questions about deposit and payment are settled when you book.
Can I get a tattoo if I am under 18?
From 17 – after a talk with the studio first and with a parent or legal guardian present. Both you and your guardian need valid ID. We do not tattoo anyone under 17.
What if something needs a touch-up after healing?
Simply come by once it has healed – we look at your tattoo and discuss whether a touch-up makes sense.
What should I wear to my appointment?
Comfortable clothing that leaves the area easy to reach – ideally dark, in case some ink rubs off. Feel free to bring a drink and a snack.
How do I look after my tattoo?
You get our aftercare guide to take home – you will also find every step on our aftercare page.

How much does a piercing hurt?

The piercing itself only takes a moment. Cartilage and tongue are more intense, earlobe and nose rather gentle.

Pain map · PiercingTap or hover over an area
Ear
Face & mouth
Navel
Pain level Industrial
3.5/5Intense

Two piercings through cartilage – the most intense ear piercing.

Typical values from 1 to 5 – everyone feels pain differently.

Age limits for piercing

Safety, hygiene and our clients’ wellbeing always come first. We apply the following age limits for piercing in our studio:

From 6
  • Earlobes – only with a legal guardian present
From 15
  • Ear cartilage
  • Nostril
  • Septum
  • Eyebrow
  • Lip
  • Navel
From 16
  • Tongue
From 18
  • Nipples
  • Genital piercings
  • Surface piercing
  • Microdermal

A legal guardian must be present during the visit and approve the piercing. Both the client and the guardian must show valid ID. These age limits are the studio’s own rules and should not be confused with statutory age limits.

All rules

Jewellery, materials & aftercare

The first piece of jewellery matters for calm healing. This is what we choose – and why.

Why implant-grade titanium for a new piercing?

Implant-grade titanium (ASTM F136, Ti-6Al-4V ELI) is the same alloy used in medical implants. The Association of Professional Piercers (APP) recommends it for new piercings: it is virtually nickel-free, body-friendly, about 40% lighter than steel and can be sterilised in an autoclave. Titanium can also be anodised in different colours – without paint or coating.

ASTM F136 · APP

Why 14K gold – and not gold-plated?

We have piercing jewellery in genuine 14K gold, nickel-free. The APP approves gold of 14 karat or higher that is free of nickel and cadmium and alloyed to be body-friendly. Gold-plated, gold-filled and vermeil jewellery is not suitable for a new piercing – the coating can wear off and the metal underneath can irritate the skin.

Genuine gold · nickel-free

Is “surgical steel” just as good?

“Surgical steel” is not a protected term, and common 316L steel contains about 10–14% nickel. EU REACH rules limit how much nickel piercing jewellery may release (0.2 µg/cm² per week), but for new piercings and sensitive skin we choose implant-grade titanium or 14K gold.

We choose titanium or gold

Is aftercare included in the price?

Yes – aftercare is included in every piercing. We go through the care with you, you get our aftercare advice as a PDF too, and you are welcome to contact us throughout the healing.

Always included
Jewellery & prices

Piercing FAQ

How much does a piercing hurt?
The piercing itself only takes a moment. How intense it feels depends on the spot – cartilage and tongue are more intense, earlobe and nose rather gentle. The map above shows typical values from 1 to 5.
Do I need an appointment?
No, walk-ins are welcome during opening hours (Monday–Saturday 11 am–6 pm, Sunday closed). If you send us a request in advance, we plan time for advice, choosing jewellery and your piercing.
Do I need ID?
Yes – valid ID for every piercing. If you are under 18, our age limits apply and a legal guardian must come with you.
What are the age limits for piercing?
From 6: earlobes (only with a legal guardian present). From 15: ear cartilage, nostril, septum, eyebrow, lip and navel. From 16: tongue. From 18: nipples, genital piercings, surface piercing and microdermal. Under 18 a legal guardian must be present and approve the piercing, and both you and your guardian show valid ID – we do not accept written permission alone or approval by phone. These age limits are the studio’s own rules.
How do you sterilise?
All our working materials and every piece of piercing jewellery are sterilised in an autoclave. Needles and skin markers are sterile and used only once.
Can I get pierced while pregnant or breastfeeding?
No. We do not pierce during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
How long does healing take?
Every piercing heals differently – healing can take anywhere from one month to several months. It is normal for a piercing to be tender, swollen or irritated at first.
Can I go swimming with a new piercing?
While it heals, avoid baths, swimming and the sauna. You will find every step in our piercing aftercare.
Can I sleep on my new piercing?
Better not: do not press on the piercing or sleep on it. Sleep on the other side or use a travel pillow.
What does “implant grade” mean?
The material is approved for medical implants and is body-compatible. For titanium this is the alloy Ti-6Al-4V ELI to the ASTM F136 standard – which we use for every new piercing.
Why 14K gold – and not gold-plated?
We have piercing jewellery in genuine 14K gold, nickel-free. The Association of Professional Piercers (APP) approves gold of 14 karat or higher that is free of nickel and cadmium and alloyed to be body-friendly. Gold-plated, gold-filled and vermeil jewellery is not suitable for a new piercing – the coating can wear off and the metal underneath can irritate the skin.
Is “surgical steel” as good as titanium?
“Surgical steel” is not a protected term, and common 316L steel contains about 10–14% nickel. EU REACH rules limit how much nickel piercing jewellery may release (0.2 µg/cm² per week), but for new piercings and sensitive skin we choose implant-grade titanium or 14K gold.
Is aftercare included?
Yes – aftercare is included in every piercing. We go through the care with you, you get our aftercare advice as a PDF too, and you are welcome to contact us throughout the healing.
What is push-pin jewellery?
Threadless jewellery: the top has a slightly bent pin that is pushed into the bar and held by tension. No thread passes through the piercing when it is inserted.
What does anodised mean?
An electrochemical process that changes the colour of titanium jewellery. The colour comes from an oxide layer of the metal itself – not from paint or lacquer.
What is a downsize?
Swapping the first, slightly longer bar for a shorter one once the initial swelling has gone down. We do this in the studio.
When can I change my jewellery?
Only remove your jewellery when your piercer says it is okay. We are happy to change it for you in the studio – hygienically and with sterile material.
Do you do stretching?
Yes, we do both piercings and stretching. Drop by and we will help you.

General questions

How do I get an appointment?
Send us a request via our booking form, email info@spicycollective.se, message us on WhatsApp or send a DM on Instagram. We will get back to you with a suggested time.
What should I include in my request?
Describe the motif, style, approximate size and placement. Reference images and a photo of the area help us a lot.
Can I just drop by?
During our opening hours (Monday–Saturday 11 am–6 pm, Sunday closed) you are welcome to drop by for a consultation. Piercings are walk-in, for tattoos we book an appointment.
Do you have piercing jewellery?
Yes – you will find jewellery for your piercing in the studio. We are also happy to change your jewellery.
Where can I find your tattoo supplies?
Our online shop for tattoo artists and studios is spicytattoosupplies.se.
How do I look after my new tattoo or piercing?
You will find every step on our aftercare page – plus the flyers as PDF.

Any questions?

Send us a WhatsApp message or give us a call – we reply as soon as we can during opening hours.

Chat on WhatsApp070-750 42 08
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Online shop for tattoo artists

Spicy Collective Tattoo Supplies

Tattoo ink, needles, cartridges, machines, hygiene and aftercare – for tattoo artists and studios all over Sweden. Prices excl. VAT.

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