FAQ - Piercing

Do I need to make an appointment to get a piercing?

No appointment needed for standard piercings, you can walk straight in. First come first serve. Appointments are required for any piercings below the belt.

Do I need to make an appointment for an ear curation?

It's best to make an appointment with one of our stylists or piercers to discuss your ideas. We will book you in for a 15 min consultation to consult the best jewellery and piercings to bring your ear dream to life. However no appointment is required.

Can I be pierced with my own jewellery?

Due to jewellery quality standards and sterilisation needs, we do not pierce with jewellery bought elsewhere. Our jewellery is sterilised and processed in advance. The best selections from our full range will be available for piercing. You're welcome to bring in your existing Queen of Steel pieces and consult with a piercer to see if it can be used for an initial piercing.

How many piercings can I get in one session?

We recommend no more than four piercings per session, however this is dependent on the piercing placement and your anatomy. The Queen of Steel team can best consult with you during your visit.

Do you pierce with a needle or a gun?

At Queen of Steel we only pierce with single-use sterile needles, we do not use piercing guns. We believe this is an antiquated method. Piercing guns are not very accurate, cannot be sterilised and they can also cause significant tissue damage. Needles are individually sterilised, clean, accurate, and less painful to pierce with. Piercing needles are discarded in a medical waste sharps container immediately after use.

Do you pierce babies?

We only pierce from a minimum age of 6 years old. At this age their ears are more fully-grown and developed and they can better understand the process of getting pierced.

Can I get pierced with a ring?

It is possible to get pierced with a ring in your nose or helix straight away. However, piercing with a ring is not recommended as they don't tend to heal as nicely as piercing with a stud. They are more painful to pierce with. The curvature of the ring applies extra pressure to the piercing. They move more causing friction, this could also lead to irritation bumps on your piercing.

Will my piercing bleed?

A small amount of bleeding for the first couple of days is normal, especially while cleaning your piercing. Bleeding might also occur when you sleep on or bump your fresh piercing. If you experience excessive bleeding please contact your piercer.

How much will my piercing hurt?

Piercing is relatively easy and fast. You will feel a pinch and might feel a bit of a throb around the piercing after. We do our very best to ensure a brief pleasurable experience.

Can I be pierced if I'm under 18?

If you are 16 years of age you are able to get the following piercings without parental consent (we may require ID):

Earlobes, Helix, Flat Helix, Tragus, Conch, Rook, Snug, Daith, Contra Conch, Faux Rook, Anti-Tragus & Nostril.

If you are 16 years of age you will need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian for the following piercings:

Industrial,  Lip, Monroe, Philtrum, Vertical Lip, Dahlia, Ashley (Inverse Lip), Cheek, Tongue, Smiley, Web, Septum, High Nostril, Navel, Eyebrow, Anti-Eyebrow, Surface Dermal, Surface Piercing, Bridge.

You must be 18+ years of age in order to get the following piercings done:

Nipple, and anything below the belt.  If you are under 18, we will require your parents to come along with their ID to sign your forms.  No exceptions.

Can I get pierced if I have been drinking?

We request that you do not have any alcoholic beverages before you get pierced. Alcohol thins out your blood and can lead to excessive bleeding, swelling and bruising. We will not pierce an individual who is visibly intoxicated.

Can I get pierced if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

Piercing during pregnancy or breastfeeding is not recommended because even if the piercing is performed safely, there’s always a chance that an infection at the piercing site could occur and spread to your bloodstream.

How long will my piercing take to heal?

View healing section for piercings here or for tattoos here.

FAQ - Jewellery

Is your jewellery sold in pairs?

Queen of Steel jewellery is sold as singles unless otherwise stated. Our traditional ear studs, plain sterling silver ear sleepers and standard steel huggies are the only items we sell in pairs. These items are displayed or pictured as a pair and the product description also states that they’re sold as a pair.

What is the difference between a traditional and threaded stud?

Traditional studs are the most common type of earring. They generally come in one size and are considered standard earstuds. Traditional ear studs are secured with a butterfly backing. Threaded ear studs have a disc or ball on the back of the ear. This is secured by threading an attachment into the front of the stud. Threaded ear studs are slightly thicker than a traditional ear stud but are more comfortable. With post lengths that vary, this multifunctional pierce works in multiple piercings.

What is the difference between a curved nose stud and a threaded nose stud?

A curved nose stud is a straight post with a pig tail-like twirl on the end of the post. The curve sits flat on the inside of the nostril, holding the piece in place. Threaded studs have a disc in the back and are secured by threading an attachment on the top.

What is a gauge?

The gauge refers to the thickness of the jewellery.

Our traditional ear studs are 0.8mm.
Our continuous nose rings and nose curved studs are 0.8mm or 1.0mm.
Our hinged rings and clickers are mostly 1.2mm but we also stock 1.0mm & 1.6mm in some of them.
Our navel, nipple, tongue and industrial pieces are 1.6mm.

20g = 0.8mm
18g = 1.0mm
16g = 1.2mm
14g = 1.6mm

What is your return policy?

While we hope you are infatuated with your purchase, we understand that some pieces might not perfectly match you. We are happy to issue a store credit for unworn, unaltered pieces in its original packaging up to 14 days after purchase. For your safety and safety of others all body jewellery and jewellery used for piercing at any of our studios is a final sale. Piercing and jewellery installation services are not refundable.

FAQ - Tattoos

Do I need to make an appointment?

It’s always best to make an appointment. Walk-ins are always welcome on a first come, first serve basis, assuming we have space. We do however recommend calling ahead and checking availability before coming in.

How old do I have to be to get tattooed?

You must be 18+ years of age. No exceptions.

How much does a tattoo cost?

For an accurate quote it's best to book a 15min consultation with one of our tattoo artists. This consultation is free. The price of your tattoo will depend on the final size, placement, and detail of the design. You are also welcome to email us your design. We can give you a rough estimate of price for your tattoo via email but the final price will be determined by the artist in person. We do not quote over the phone.

Can I make a booking for my tattoo over the phone?

If it is for the same day, and we have space, YES! If not, we do not make bookings over the phone as we require a deposit to secure all appointments. Email bookings are accepted once we have all the information needed and an EFT deposit has been received.

Will you design my tattoo?

Tattoo designs are done once a deposit has been paid, securing the booking. Designs remain property of Queen of Steel until the day of your booking. We do not send out any design work prior to bookings. Depending on your design and time needed for this, the artist may choose to design with you on the day of your booking so as to include you in the creative process.

How do cancellations work and will my deposit get refunded?

Queen of Steel will retain your deposit if you fail to reschedule or cancel your appointment within 48h hours prior to the day of your tattoo appointment. You have 6 months from the date of purchase to reschedule your appointment. Deposits are non-refundable.

Do you tattoo fingers, hands and feet?

Healing finger, hand and foot tattoos are notoriously tricky. With healing varying depending on placement and person. We are happy to do them but do not recommend it. Tattooing these areas does not heal as nicely as tattoos placed elsewhere. Due to the placement it is more sore to tattoo, more prone to ink loss, scarring and fading.

FAQ - Gift Vouchers and E-Gift Cards

Where can I purchase a Queen of Steel Gift Voucher?

Gift vouchers can be purchased and redeemed in store and only in the store of purchase.

Can I get a refund for a voucher?

Vouchers are non refundable.

How long is my voucher valid for?

Your voucher will be valid for no more than 3 years from original date of purchase

Can I redeem my gift voucher without the original copy?

All vouchers purchased in store will only be redeemable if you have the original copy.

Promotional Vouchers?

Promotional vouchers are only redeemable at the specific store of promotion. The voucher is only redeemable for the specific product or service stipulated on the voucher. Promotional vouchers are not transferable and cannot be refunded for cash. The promotional voucher will expire on the date specified on the voucher.

Can I purchase a voucher online?

Queen of Steel e-gift cards can be purchased online and can only be redeemed online, not in any stores.

How does an e-gift card work?

Simply purchase an e-Gift Card online here, enter the relevant details and this e-Gift Card will be sent via email to the recipient.

FAQ - Online Orders

Can I exchange items purchased online?

While we hope you are infatuated with your purchase, we understand that some pieces might not perfectly match you. We are happy to issue a refund or store credit for unworn, unaltered pieces in its original packaging up to 14 days after purchase. For your safety and safety of others all body jewellery and jewellery used for piercing at any of our studios is final sale.

What payment methods do you accept Online?

We accept Credit Cards, Debit Cards and EFT payments.

Why was my order partially refunded?

While uncommon, from time to time we have an influx of customers all ordering the same item. We realise when attempting to fill some orders that unfortunately we do not always have all the items. If you receive an email about your order being oversold, this means that we were, unfortunately, unable to fulfil your entire order or part of your order. When this happens, please be assured that your money has been refunded to your original payment method and can take anywhere from 3 - 5 business days to show back in your account.

Can I order over the phone?

No, we cannot process orders and payments over the phone.

My item (s) is wrong, damaged or missing?

Ensure you check your items against your order confirmation. If you have received the wrong item, your item is damaged or there is an item missing, please contact our support team at info@queenofsteel.co.za within 7 days of receiving your purchase.

Can I change my online order after checkout ?

Unfortunately, once check out is complete and your order has been confirmed we are unable to make any amendments. If you have any concerns please contact us via the contact us page.

Can I cancel my order after checkout?

Our team cannot guarantee amendments or cancellations to your order, however if you have just placed your order you can contact our team at info@queenofsteel.co.za and we will assist as best as we can.

What payment methods do you accept in store?

We accept Cash, Mastercard, Visa, Snap Scan and EFT payments

FAQ - Shipping and delivery

How long does delivery take?

Queen of Steel offers standard and express shipping in South Africa, please see approximate delivery times at our Shipping & Delivery page.

Does Queen of Steel Ship internationally?

Queen of Steel does not currently ship outside South Africa.

FAQ - Returns and exchanges

Can I return products purchased online?

Absolutely, while we hope you are infatuated with your purchase, we understand that some pieces might not perfectly match you. If you change your mind you may return the product with the original receipt. We are happy to issue a store credit for unworn, unaltered pieces in its original packaging up to 14 days after purchase. For your safety and safety of others all body jewellery and jewellery used for piercing at any of our studios is final sale.

Do I need to return my product to the same store I purchased it from?

Yes, due to us keeping different stock at each store, if you change your mind or have a faulty or defective item you will have to return the item to the store it was originally purchased from along with your original receipt. All refunds will be subject to the Queen of Steel return policy.

Do I need my receipt to return an item?

Queen of Steel requires your proof of purchase/online confirmation to refund you. This applies in the case you change your mind or faulty returns. Without proof of purchase we are unable to offer a refund. Refunds due to change of mind, your item need to be in the original condition, unworn, unaltered with original packaging/tags attached.

Can I return items purchased with a gift-card or voucher?

We do not offer refunds on items purchased via gift card or voucher. If the items are faulty you may exchange it at our flagship store in Blue Route Mall.

Can I return my online order to a Queen of Steel store?

Absolutely, while we hope you are infatuated with your purchase, we understand that some pieces might not perfectly match you. If you change your mind you may return the product with the original receipt. We are happy to issue a store credit for unworn, unaltered pieces in its original packaging up to 14 days after purchase. For your safety and safety of others all body jewellery and jewellery used for piercing at any of our studios is final sale.