FAQ

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FAQ

BOOKING FAQ'S

You can find our online scheduling on our home page here, or on Instagram and Facebook. A card will be held on your personal client profile, as a placeholder for your appointment. If you have any issues booking you may reach out to us through the phone at (682)999-8669 by call or text.

Keeping a card on file is essential for our business to effectively manage appointment schedules and protect against cancellations or no-shows. By securely holding credit card information, we ensure the availability of appointment slots for committed clients and optimize resource allocation. This practice enables us to maintain fairness in our services, safeguard against revenue loss, and deliver a seamless experience to all customers. It also streamlines future bookings, saving time for both our clients and our staff. Rest assured, we prioritize the security and confidentiality of your information, adhering to industry standards and data protection regulations.

Cancellation Policy: All appointment cancellations must be made 48 hours prior to your scheduled appointment time. Any late cancellations or missed appointments will result in a $40 charge to the credit card on file.

We are primarily appointment based, however you may call or text (682)999-8669 to see if there is any last minute appointment availability.

You may bring up to two people with you, but we prefer if you only bring one companion.

Unless your child is receiving a service, please do not bring children with you.

PIERCING FAQ'S

It’s typically not recommended to get a piercing while on blood thinners as it can lead to excessive bleeding and your body may have trouble clotting.

First make sure all forms and documentation have been sent in and are correct.

Secondly make sure you eat and drink lots of water! Eating will help keep your body regulated while it is producing adrenaline.

Fainting is a symptom usually occurring from the anxiety and adrenaline that builds up before and during the piercing process. Once the procedure is finished your adrenaline has no more use causing it to immediately drop which will cause your brain to essentially reset.

For Dizziness, please make sure to eat if your stomach is empty before piercing the lower level of sugar can cause a higher chance you will have dizziness

Yes as long as you do your aftercare to remove sweat and debris immediately after your piercing will heal fine. You can start/resume working out as soon as your comfortable.

It is not recommended to swim or soak in any public bodies of water such as hot tubs, pools, lakes, beaches etc. We also don’t recommend sitting in a bath as bacteria can grow in the warm water.

Yes we are more than happy to help you change your jewelry! If you were originally pierced with us we will send a text to schedule a time to downsize you after six weeks. After your initial downsizing or if you were not pierced here, you can schedule an appointment with our online booking.

Daith piercings are in an area that can aid the piercee in activating a pressure point. This process will be explained and shown to you by your piercer while prepping your ear for piercing. While some say just getting the piercing helps, most people notice more of a difference by using the pressure point to release tension as they feel the migraine coming on.

(Note: make sure you are seated before activating as it can release tension very quickly and may make you light headed.)

Liquid soap is the safest, most sanitary option. Bars can fester bacteria on the surface and will end up in your open healing wound.

According to Medical News Today “Piercing bumps [or irritation bumps] occur when the body’s immune system responds to the wound and initiates the healing response. This response leads to inflammation, which is what causes the bump.

A person may notice bleeding, bruising, and some swelling at the site of the piercing in the first few weeks after getting it. These symptoms are all normal. Other symptoms that are not typically a cause for concern may include:

Itching

some whitish fluid coming from the site of the wound

crusting around the piercing jewelry…

Piercing bumps are part of the body’s natural response to injury, and they do not typically require treatment. However, people can take steps to keep the area clean, prevent infection, and allow the piercing to heal”

If you notice an irritation bump, reach out and we will offer different treatments that may help rid your piercing of it or you can schedule a consultation so we can take a look in person!

Medical News Today describes a keloid as “an overgrowth of fibrous tissue. In response to injury, cells in the skin — called fibroblasts — produce excessiveTrusted Source collagen, which leads to the development of a keloid.

Keloids can take 3–12 months to develop after the original injury. They start as raised scars that can be pink, red, purple, or brown and typically become darker over time. The appearance can depend on the location of the keloid, as well as the person’s skin tone.”

It can be slightly more difficult to get rid of these but if you schedule an appointment as soon as you notice we can go through different treatments to shrink them. Once they become skin tone colored and hard it’s typically better to seek help from a dermatologist as they would know the safest way to completely remove the problem area.

Swelling is normal and expected for a new piercing. Keep in mind everyone’s body is different and some may swell more, while others less. New piercings should have enough room on the jewelry to allow your body to fluctuate as it needs. If at any point you feel like there is not enough room or you feel like there is a lot of pressure, schedule an appointment we will put you in appropriate jewelry.

Available apprentice appointments will be able to be found while booking, labeled as “APPRENTICE PIERCING:…” All apprentice services are 50% off the original cost. You must be
over the age of 18 to receive an apprentice service.

Apprentice appointments are used for educational purposes, which means it may take longer than a standard piercing with us, as we allow for both you and the apprentice themselves all the questions they deem necessary for their training.

Apprentice piercings will only be booked on Mondays and Wednesdays.

Available apprentice tattoo appointments will be found while booking as well, but labeled as “APPRENTICE TATTOO: Consultation” as we require all tattoo appointments to have a
consultation first. Just as apprentice piercing may take longer the same applies to apprentice tattoos, as these appointments are for educational purposes. Apprentice tattoos will only be booked on Tuesdays.

Metal allergies are mostly caused by the amount of nickel content in a piece of jewelry. Titanium and Niobium typically have virtually no nickel content making it hypoallergenic, and biocompatible. However not all bodies are the same; if at any point you notice any symptoms, even in these metals, please reach out immediately so we can put you in a different metal and help you heal faster.

  • Rash or bumps on the skin
  • Itching, which may be severe
  • Redness or changes in skin color
  • Dry patches of skin that may resemble a burn
  • Blisters and draining fluid in severe cases

It’s typically not recommended to heal in a hoop as we have a tendency to touch and play with hoop jewelry. This can lead to bacteria entering our piercing tract causing infection. Aside from us touching them more the hoops can move by themselves unknowingly pulling build up through our piercing causing more irritation. We suggest waiting until your piercing is at least 6 months old with no swelling or tenderness before putting in a hoop.

The best jewelry to heal in would be a biocompatible hypoallergenic metal with enough room to allow for swelling.

The crust is a mix of your Plasma and Sebum  (an oily substance produced in the sebaceous glands. It mixes with fat molecules, called lipids, to form a protective coating on the skin’s surface.) This mixture protects it from potentially harmful pathogens, such as bacteria and fungi; however it is important to not let the crust build up and harden as this can cause more problems. Please be sure to do your aftercare morning and night to avoid this.

We suggest waiting at least 6 months after piercing with zero swelling or tenderness before putting in a larger heavier more decorative piece to avoid irritation.

We provide retainers, glass and plastic, which will keep your piercing holes open during your events with virtually no visibility. If you need help putting them in or need to purchase schedule a jewelry change

We recommend waiting until your piercing is over 12 weeks old at least before your initial stretch. After that you must wait 6 weeks in between stretch to avoid tearing or blow out.

See our Smelly Gelly products in our aftercare shop to help you stretch or book with us.

Downsizing happens when your initial swelling is over, typically 6-8 weeks after a piercing. The next size of jewelry will still have room to allow for swelling but isn’t as long as original jewelry so it is less likely to get snagged and promotes better healing.

  • 18g: Earlobes, Helix, Nostril
  • 16g: Flat, Forward Helix, Vertical Helix, Tragus, Anti-Tragus, Daith, Industrial, Conch, Snug, Bridge, Eyebrow, Septum, Lip, Smiley
  • 14g: Nipples, Navel

Yes we are more than happy to help you change your jewelry! If you were originally pierced with us we will send a text to schedule a time to downsize you after six weeks. After your initial downsizing or if you were not pierced here, you can schedule an appointment with our online booking.

TATTOOS FAQ'S

Always make sure to do your research on artists before selecting one to contact. It’s usually best to choose an artist whose style or specialty will align with the tattoo design you are wanting. Take a look at their portfolio to see if you would like something similar to the style and/or capability this artist has to offer. When you have chosen an artist, make sure you are ready to explain your tattoo idea in a detailed and comprehensive way. Some information is absolutely necessary for the artist to determine pricing and availability, such as: size and placement (you can use measurements in inches, or take a photo of the placement with the size circled on the photo), as well as preference on color/black and grey shading. It is also helpful to us if you have any reference photos or even drawings you have done yourself (as simple or detailed as you like). The clearer you can make your idea, the better we can make it come to life. If you have scheduling or budget limitations, please be sure to include that information as well and we will work with you on it as best as we can. Now that you have all of the necessary information, you are ready to reach out to your tattoo artist to set up an appointment!

Make sure to be well-rested and get a good night’s sleep before your appointment. Eat a substantial and healthy meal 1-2 hours beforehand. Getting tattooed on an empty stomach can lead to dizziness, fainting, and/or nausea. Bring a water bottle to your tattoo appointment and stay hydrated before and during the process. Dehydration can potentially affect your pain and stress levels as well as make your skin more difficult to tattoo. Try to drink plenty of water and moisturize your skin (both for a week leading up to your appointment) so that both you and your skin are in optimal condition to be tattooed. Ask your artist in advance if it is okay to bring snacks and/or a friend with you to your appointment. Do not consume alcohol the day before, day of, or day after the tattoo. Alcohol thins the blood and can result in severe bleeding during and after the tattoo process. It is prohibited to be tattooed while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Please come to your appointment having showered and taken proper hygiene measures. Wear loose, comfortable clothing that allows easy access to the area you are getting tattooed. If you are unsure about what to wear, feel free to ask your artist ahead of time. Bring a hair tie if you are getting tattooed in an area where long hair may get in the way. Allow plenty of time when making your way to the studio. It is recommended to arrive roughly 15 minutes before your scheduled time so that you can complete paperwork, use the restroom, or ask any questions about the design and/or tattoo process. In the state of Texas, you must be 18 to get tattooed. A valid photo ID is required at your appointment and will be checked while completing paperwork. Ask your artist what their preferred payment method is ahead of time. When in doubt, bring cash. If you have any health conditions, ask your doctor before scheduling your tattoo appointment. Always inform your artist if there are any sunburns, cuts, scratches, active eczema/psoriasis flare-ups, or any kind of open wound on the tattoo area before you come in for your appointment. Always inform/ask your artist about any scarring you may have in the tattoo area before you book your appointment. Always ask your artist before applying any form of numbing agent on your skin.

Everyone has different tolerance levels of pain, and it also depends on the placement. Generally, tattoos do hurt a little. A series of needles is used to make micro-punctures in the skin and allow the ink to settle into the top 1-2mm (about 5 layers) of the epidermis. The first few minutes are usually the most uncomfortable, but your brain will start to release endorphins (chemical response to pain) and natural adrenaline that will make the process more tolerable after those first few minute have passed. This is why it is so important to eat a good meal, stay hydrated, and wear comfortable clothing to your appointment, so your body and mind are in the best condition to be tattooed. Before the needle touches your skin, you will have a few minutes to get situated while the stencil dries. You can bring a blanket, headphones, a book, or a friend (as long as it’s okay with your artist), to help you feel more comfortable during the process. If at any point you feel dizzy, nauseous, or in need of a break, it’s important to let your artist know right away. Your artist has been tattooed before and can empathize with how you feel, so there is absolutely nothing to be ashamed of when asking for a break. It is the top priority of the studio and artists to make sure you feel comfortable and safe through the entire process, so always make sure to communicate how you feel. Always ask your artist before applying any form of numbing agent on your skin.

 

Your artist will give you detailed instructions on specifically how to heal your tattoo, but here is some vital information in the meantime. It is your responsibility to properly care for your tattoo once you leave the studio. Most infections occur as a result of poor aftercare rather than poor tattoo practice, so it is imperative that you follow your artist’s instructions as closely as possible. Never hesitate to reach out to your artist if you have questions or concerns, and of course feel free to ask for a written copy of aftercare instructions to take home with you if necessary. Always inform your artist if you have any known allergies to specific products, skin care ingredients, or adhesives. This will help us take any and all steps to properly clean and bandage your tattoo as safely as possible. Shower as usual, just avoid hot water and fragrant soaps coming in direct contact with your new tattoo. Avoid direct sun exposure and avoid submerging your tattoo in water (bath, swimming, dish water) for at least 3 weeks. UV is extremely damaging to the skin and can result in severe sunburn or premature fading of your tattoo. When your tattoo has finished the peeling stage, always apply a sufficient SPF sunscreen to your tattoo when going out in the sun. Tattoo fading is inevitable over the years as the skin develops new cells, but protecting your skin from the sun will ensure you have a bright and beautiful tattoo for as long as possible. Pool, lake, ocean, and bath water contain an array of bacteria that you do not want coming in contact with your new tattoo. Fresh tattoos are essentially open wounds, and subjecting an open wound to an environment full of bacteria is an invitation for infection (Google: ‘drop of ocean water under a microscope’). Do not use artificial tanning and avoid shaving the area until your tattoo is fully healed. Avoid touching your tattoo unless it is to clean it, and always wash your hands prior to cleaning. Use lukewarm water and a mild soap (Dial is a good example). Always follow washing with a thin layer of petroleum-free healing ointment (Aquaphor or H2Ocean is a good example). Never pick, peel, or scratch your healing tattoo. Try to avoid direct skin contact with pet dander or any other unsanitary materials and surfaces. Once the peeling stage of healing is complete, you can switch from an ointment to a gentle & unscented lotion (Lubriderm is a good example). Keeping your new tattoo very clean and lightly moisturized is the most important part of the healing process. If you are concerned your tattoo has developed an infection, consult your doctor immediately and inform your tattoo artist.

You may bring up to two people with you, but we prefer if you only bring one companion.

Tattoo deposits are required at the time of booking your tattoo service. Deposits are 50% of the quoted price from the artist. Only the tattoo artist working with you will be able to give you a quote. Tattoo deposits are NON-REFUNDABLE.

JEWELRY FAQ'S

We would be delighted to assist you in turning your jewelry vision into reality! Please navigate to our custom order page, located under the ‘Handcrafted’ tab in our jewelry store. Fill out the form with a brief description of your idea and any inspiration photos you have in mind. We’ll do our best to locate a similar piece from our existing inventory or guide you through the process of creating a custom piece tailored specifically to your preferences. It’s important to note that all handcrafted custom pieces are subject to a price reflecting the artistry of BVLA, as well as a custom order fee. We eagerly anticipate the opportunity to bring your unique ideas to life!

Precious and semi-precious gems are classifications used to categorize gemstones based on their rarity, value, and historical significance. Precious gems typically include diamonds, rubies, sapphires, and emeralds—gemstones prized for their exceptional beauty, rarity, and enduring value. These stones often command high prices due to their scarcity and cultural significance. On the other hand, semi-precious gems encompass a broader range of gemstones, including amethyst, citrine, garnet, and turquoise, among others. While still valued for their beauty and unique properties, semi-precious gems are generally more abundant and affordable compared to precious gems. However, it’s essential to note that these classifications are not strict, and the distinction between precious and semi-precious gems can vary based on factors such as market demand, rarity, and cultural perceptions over time.

There is no definitive answer to the exact number of semi-precious gemstones, as the classification of gemstones can vary depending on factors such as cultural traditions, market trends, and geological discoveries. Additionally, new gemstones may be identified or named over time, further expanding the list. However, hundreds of different types of gemstones are commonly categorized as semi-precious, ranging from well-known varieties. Below is a list of 20 commonly known Semi Precious Gemstones.

  • Amethyst
  • Aquamarine
  • Citrine
  • Garnet
  • Peridot
  • Tourmaline
  • Topaz
  • Turquoise
  • Moonstone
  • Labradorite
  • Aventurine
  • Onyx
  • Jasper
  • Agate
  • Carnelian
  • Lapis Lazuli
  • Malachite
  • Rhodochrosite
  • Tiger’s Eye

Precious gemstones are typically rarer and more valuable than semi-precious gemstones. Here’s a list of some common precious gemstones:
Diamond
Ruby
Sapphire
Emerald
These are considered the traditional “big four” precious gemstones. Additionally, some other gemstones are also occasionally classified as precious due to their rarity, value, and historical significance:
Alexandrite
Opal (in certain cases)
Tanzanite (in certain cases)
Jade (in certain cultures)
Pearl (although technically not a gemstone, it’s valued similarly)

Lab-grown diamonds are created through a process that replicates the natural conditions under which diamonds form within the Earth’s crust. Using advanced technology, scientists can produce diamonds with identical chemical and optical properties to mined diamonds. One of the primary advantages of lab-grown diamonds is their ethical and environmental appeal. Unlike mined diamonds, which often involve environmental disruption and ethical concerns related to labor practices, lab-grown diamonds are produced in controlled laboratory settings, eliminating the need for mining and reducing the industry’s carbon footprint. Additionally, lab-grown diamonds are typically more affordable than their mined counterparts, offering consumers access to high-quality diamond jewelry at a lower cost. Furthermore, these diamonds are indistinguishable from natural diamonds to the naked eye, providing the same beauty and brilliance without the ethical or environmental drawbacks.

Cubic zirconia (CZ) is a synthetic gemstone made from zirconium dioxide. It is popularly used as a diamond simulant due to its close visual resemblance to diamonds at a fraction of the cost. CZ is optically flawless and can be cut to mimic the brilliance and sparkle of diamonds, making it an attractive alternative for those seeking affordable yet glamorous jewelry pieces. One of the primary advantages of cubic zirconia is its affordability, allowing individuals to enjoy the look of luxury gemstones without the hefty price tag. Additionally, CZ is durable and resistant to scratches, making it suitable for everyday wear. However, despite its visual similarity to diamonds, cubic zirconia lacks the rarity and value of natural gemstones, which may be a drawback for some who prioritize authenticity and prestige in their jewelry. Additionally, while CZ is durable, it is not as hard as diamonds, which means it may be more prone to abrasions and dulling over time compared to genuine diamonds.

Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) coating is a process used to enhance the appearance and durability of jewelry pieces. In this technique, a thin layer of metal is deposited onto the surface of the jewelry through a vacuum chamber. The result is a hard, durable coating that can mimic the look of more expensive metals like gold, rose gold, or blackened steel. One of the main advantages of PVD coating is its ability to create a uniform and consistent finish that is resistant to tarnishing, scratching, and fading, thus prolonging the lifespan of the jewelry. Additionally, PVD-coated jewelry is often hypoallergenic, making it suitable for individuals with sensitive skin. However, while PVD coating provides durability and aesthetic appeal, it may not be as thick or long-lasting as solid metal plating, and over time, the coating may wear off, requiring reapplication for maintenance.

Titanium anodizing for jewelry involves an electrochemical process that creates a thin oxide layer on the surface of titanium jewelry. This process can produce a range of vibrant colors by controlling the thickness of the oxide layer, offering unique customization options for jewelry enthusiasts. The resulting colors are often striking and can include hues like blue, purple, green, and gold, adding a distinct and eye-catching aesthetic to the pieces. One of the significant advantages of titanium anodizing is its exceptional durability, as the anodized layer is resistant to scratching, tarnishing, and fading, ensuring the jewelry maintains its vibrant colors over time. Additionally, titanium is lightweight and hypoallergenic, making anodized titanium jewelry comfortable and suitable for those with sensitive skin. However, while highly durable, the anodized layer can still be susceptible to wear over extended periods, particularly in areas of high friction, necessitating occasional maintenance to preserve its appearance.

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