Frequently Asked Questions

Piercings

Can I Get a Piercing If I’m Under 18? Yes, we preform certain piercing services on minors 6 years and up at our Maryland location. For a full list of services offered visit our minor piercing price list.To view ID and document requirements for minors and their parents/guardians visit here. Due to Washington DC law we are unable to preform piercing services on anyone under the age of 18.
What Type of ID Does Fattys Accept? Here are the forms of ID we accept:
  • A non-expired state or federal government issued ID card
  • A non-expired driver’s license
  • A non-expired passport
  • A non-expired military issued ID card
  • A non-expired permanent resident alien ID card
For minors (under 18):
  • An original or state certified copy of your birth certificate (required)
AND one of the following forms of ID:
  • A non-expired state or federal government issued ID card
  • A non-expired passport
  • A non-expired military issued ID card
  • A non-expired permanent resident alien ID card
What Forms of Payment Does Fattys Accept? Here are the forms of Payment we accept:
  • Cash (We Offer a Cash Discount of 3%)
  • All Major Credit and Debit Cards: Mastercard, Visa, American Express, Discover
  • NFC-based mobile wallets: Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay
Do You Accept Walk Ins? We work by appointment only. However, if you happen to show up when a piercer is present and available then we sometimes can accommodate walk ins. Keep in mind that we have no regular business hours and keep our doors locked so when you arrive ring the buzzer to see if anyone can fit you in. You may get lucky!
How Do I Book A Piercing Appointment at Fattys? It’s easy! Just chose your shop location and book online. You can chose your preferred piercer, service(s), date and time slot here.
How Do I Reschedule or Cancel My Piercing Appointment? Yes, you can cancel your appointment up to 24 hours before your appointment. You can cancel through the cancellation links provided in your email or text booking confirmations and reminders, or by messaging your piercer directly.
How Much Is It Going to Cost? Our piercing pricing is listed here. Please note that the prices listed are for services only and that jewelry must be purchased separately. We have the largest selection of high quality body jewelry in the DMV to choose from so prices will vary depending on the jewelry that you choose to go with your piercing.
How Can I Buy Jewelry at Fattys? All jewelry sales are done in-store and require an appointment. The reason we require appointments is due to the fact that most purchases require a piercer who can assist you with properly sizing your piece as well as make recommendations on what will heal best for your unique anatomy. However, if you happen to show up when a piercer is present and available then we sometimes can accommodate walk ins for jewelry purchases. Keep in mind that we have no regular business hours and keep our doors locked so when you arrive ring the buzzer to see if anyone can fit you in. You may get lucky!
How Do I Book A Jewelry Purchase Appointment at Fattys? It’s easy! Just chose your shop location and book online. You can chose your preferred piercer, date and time slot here.
What is Fattys Return Policy for Jewelry? For our customers safety, we cannot accept returns on body jewelry so meeting with one of our trained jewelry specialists will help you to get the perfect piece the first time! Make a jewelry purchase appointment
Can I Bring My Own Jewelry To My Appointment? Yes, you can. However in order for our piercers to work with your jewelry it must meet our shops quality standards and it must be the proper piece for your piercing and anatomy. If we are able to use your jewelry then we will sterilize it first before insertion. If we are not able to use your jewelry don’t worry! You will have a large selection to choose from.
Why Does Fattys Only Use Internally Threaded Jewelry? Safety and quality are the reasons that Fatty’s uses internally threaded jewelry. Jewelry threads look much like the threads on a screw. With internally threaded jewelry, the threads are on the removable end piece of the jewelry. The part of the jewelry which passes through the pierced skin does not have threads and is smooth.
With externally threaded jewelry, the threads are on the part of the jewelry that passes through the pierced skin every time the jewelry is inserted or removed. This is undesirable for two reasons. The threads going through the pierced area can snag the skin and cause irritation to the piercing. The threads also provide nooks for bacteria to reside in, enhancing the risk of irritation and infection even after the piercing is healed. You will notice when comparing jewelry prices that internally threaded jewelry costs more than externally threaded jewelry. This is due to the fact that it’s more difficult and costly to manufacture.
Does Fattys Use Needles or Piercing Guns? Fattys only uses needles for piercings. Piercing guns cause more damage to the skin, are more painful, are harder to keep clean and are overall inferior to piercing with hollow needles.
Does It Hurt? The sensation of getting a piercing varies between customers. Usually piercings hurt just enough to be exciting but are usually not unbearable. Usually the pain of a piercing is fleeting and quick although with certain piercings there can be soreness afterwards while your piercing is healing.
Are Piercings Safe? Piercings are typically safe as long as your take proper care of your piercing while it is healing and you follow proper long-term care.
How Long Does It Take for my Piercing to Heal? Piercing times vary between clients and the type of piercing you have received. Our full list of piercings offered and their healing times can be found here.
Is My Piercing Healing Correctly? Usually what many people think of as an infection is actually the result of irritation. If your piercing is red, swollen right around the hole, peeling, excreting white or yellow fluid, bleeding slightly, or seems to have a solid (not fluid-filled) bump around the jewelry, it is probably irritated. These are all signs that the piercing is not being cared for properly. If your healed piercing becomes irritated you can view solutions here.
How Do I Take Care of My Piercing Over the Long-Term? Always wash your hands before touching your piercing and jewelry. Periodically clean your jewelry with warm water. You can scrub your jewelry gently with a SOFT toothbrush (made for babies) to aid in the cleaning. If your healed piercing becomes irritated you can view solutions here.
What Should I Do Before My Piercing Appointment? Eat a full meal, fully hydrate and bathe before your piercing appointment. Be well rested and please arrive sober (we will not be able to preform piercing services on you if your are intoxicated). Show up on time (or a little before to play it safe) and always account for the time it takes to park if you’re driving to your appointment.
Can I Bring a Friend To My Piercing Appointment? Contact your piercer directly to inquire about bringing other people to your piercing appointment.
Are Children Allowed in Your Studio? No please do not bring your children to your piercing appointment unless they are the one receiving piercing services.
Should I Tip My Piercer? Tips are always welcome but not necessary. If you feel like tipping your piercer it is always appreciated!

Employment Background
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