Frequently Asked Questions

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We are located at 1409 Main Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202. 

There is plenty of street/ meter parking on Main, but there's several parking lots and a garage nearby. please refer to this link to see available lots near the studio:  

https://www.cincinnati-oh.gov/parking/on-street-parking/over-the-rhine-parking-map/

We are currently appointment only. We are a small, family-run business whose dedication to providing a unique experience to everyone who visits Archetype supersedes any want to increase client volume. We take quality over quantity very seriously. This doesn’t mean you can’t call same-day, though. We have structured our schedule to accommodate a significant amount of appointments throughout any given day we are open. So if you don’t see an appointment available, give the shop a call! 513-246-4154

For ear lobe piercings, we welcome children aged 5 years and older at Archetype. We prioritize the safety, comfort, and consent of our young clients. Before scheduling an appointment, we require a mandatory 15-minute consultation to ensure a thorough understanding of the piercing process and to determine if the piercing(s) can be performed. This consultation allows us to address any concerns and answer questions you may have, ensuring a positive and informed experience for both children and their guardians. Our aim is to create a safe and enjoyable environment for your child's adornment journey.

We offer other facial, ear, or navel piercings to clients 13 and older with proper identification, accompanied by a parent or guardian, and the appropriate anatomy. There's been an influx in requests for navel piercings for minors recently. It is important to note that we will not pierce anyone with inappropriate anatomy for a piercing. Our number one priority in offering these piercings to minor's is their safety. That includes ensuring the integrity of the piercing isn't at risk. Navels require a specific anatomy to be performed appropriately. Please book under the service requested. You will receive an email with a client consent contract and one with the parental consent contract. Do not fill out the client consent. Please fill out the parental consent contract and follow the guidance on providing documentation. 

Proper identification and supporting documents, along with presence of a parent or guardian must be present at the consultation. The minor must have either a state issued ID OR their birth certificate. The parent or guardian must have a state issued ID that is not expired. If the last name of the minor and parent/guardian do not match, the health department requires a second form of ID proving they are the parent/guardian. This is sometimes a marriage certificate, or a dissolution of marriage certificate, a name change certificate. It has to be a legal document. Step parents- You must have legal guardianship and proof of legal guardianship of the minor in order to be the present parent/ guardian. 

Example

Sally Smith's mom's name is Kathy Doe and her father's name is Jack Smith. 

Kathy wants to take Sally to get her ears pierced.

Kathys state issued ID says her name is Kathy Doe 

Does Sally's birth certificate also say her mom's name Kathy Doe? If yes, then no additional documentation is needed.

If Sally's birth certificate says Kathy's last name was Kathy Smith, but Kathy's current ID says Kathy Doe, Kathy would need to bring in a second form of Identification to prove she is in fact the parent of Sally. 

We totally understand the apprehension around digital copies of such important documents. The Health Department requires that we prove to them that the parent or legal guardian of a minor approved their piercing(s) and that information HAS to be readily available for them at any given time This requires us to upload all documentation to a shared digital file that is secured to only allow access to us and our representative at The Health Department. 

If you decide to bring in these documents or send us copies of these documents, they are uploaded the same way to the shared file with THD. 

It is HIGHLY illegal for anyone at our business to share these documents with anyone but The 

United States Health Department. While you or your minor is a client at Archetype, we do keep these documents on file with The Health Department. 

That's because the "mall shops" aren't regulated by The Health Department..... yea, mull that one over for a bit. 

Why? we don't know, really. Apparently it's because they only offer ear piercings and no other body piercings. But, to us, ensuring cross contamination isn't a possibility is important with any piercing performed; ear, eyebrow, nose, or bellybutton.  

Research your piercer! No, seriously. It's arguably the most important thing you can do before deciding on a studio/ body piercing professional. Here are some things to consider:

1. Experience and Expertise: Verify the piercer's experience, training, and expertise in the field. Look for certifications from recognized organizations like the Association of Professional Piercers (APP).
2. Cleanliness and Hygiene:Ensure the studio follows strict hygiene and sterilization practices. The studio should use sterile, single-use equipment and have a clean and well-maintained environment.
3. Reputation and Reviews: Check online reviews, testimonials, and ratings to gauge the piercer's reputation and the overall satisfaction of past clients. Personal recommendations from trusted sources can also be valuable.
4. Portfolio and Work Quality: Review the piercer's portfolio or social media showcasing their previous work. Assess the quality of their piercings and see if their style aligns with your preferences.
5. Communication and Customer Service: Evaluate how the piercer communicates, answers your questions, and addresses concerns. A good piercer should be informative, patient, and prioritize your comfort
6. License and Compliance:Confirm that the piercer and the studio are properly licensed and comply with local regulations and health standards related to body piercing.
7. Informed Consent and Consultation: Ensure the piercer provides a thorough consultation, explains the piercing process, aftercare instructions, and potential risks. They should obtain your informed consent before proceeding.
8. Adequate Facilities and Equipment: Check that the studio has appropriate facilities, including a designated piercing area, comfortable seating, and necessary tools and equipment.
9. Jewelry Selection and Material Quality: Inquire about the types of jewelry available and the materials used. High-quality, hypoallergenic, and appropriate materials such as implant-grade titanium and solid gold should be offered.
10. Aftercare Guidance: Confirm that the piercer provides detailed aftercare instructions and is available to answer any post-piercing questions or concerns.

Oh yea! Come to your appointment fed, hydrated, and transparent about any medications you take or health issues you experience.

At Archetype we offer a variety of body piercings including:

1. Ear: lobes- 1st. 2nd. 3rd and 4th, outer Conch, Helix, forward Helix, Rook, Daith, Tragus, Anti-Tragus, Snug, inner Conch, Industrial, Orbital, and faux Snug.  
2. Nose- low, mid, high, and forward nostrils. septum.
3. Bridge
4. Eyebrow
5. Mouth: lip, philtrum, vertical phitrum, labret, vertical labret, dahlia, cheek, Monroe, tongue
6. Nipples- 18 years and older only.
7. Navel

We do not currently offer genital piercings, surface piercings, horizontal tongue piercings, smileys, frownies, or tongue webs.

For most of our piercings, the service fee is $50 for a single piercing, $75 for a pair, and $25 for any additional piercings. Additionally, downsizing service after healing are included in the service fee. It's important to note that the mentioned service prices are exclusive of jewelry costs, sales tax, and gratuity. Your total at the end of your appointment will be discussed with you before the piercing is performed. Please know, if your chosen jewelry falls out of your intended budget, it's okay to tell us that. We are here to help you! We can help you find something in our selection if you're upfront about how much you'd like to spend. 

As for the cost of jewelry, it varies based on your selection. We try to keep a range in each service description when you book online. This is for reference, but because our jewelry selection is always changing, so is the pricing. We exclusively offer jewelry made from implant-grade titanium and solid gold. While we pride ourselves on providing high-quality options, we believe our prices are competitive and offer excellent value for the exceptional quality and materials we offer. Rest assured, we strive to offer you the best without compromising on affordability.

Absolutely! At Archetype, we deeply value and appreciate the hard work and dedication of individuals in the service industry. Having been part of the industry ourselves, we understand the demands and challenges that come with this profession. Service industry jobs can often be thankless, yet they play a vital role in our daily lives, ensuring we have exceptional experiences when we dine out, seek entertainment, or enjoy various services.

Our commitment to supporting the service industry stems from a genuine understanding of its nature and the incredible effort put forth by these individuals. We believe in giving back to the community that has given us so much. As a token of our appreciation, we extend a 15% discount on our services to our fellow service industry professionals.

To avail this discount, simply provide us with proof of your association with the service industry, such as a recent pay stub, a business card, or any relevant documentation. a picture of you at work will suffice! We want to celebrate your hard work and dedication by making our products and services more accessible to you.

Thank you for being an essential part of our community, and we look forward to welcoming you at Archetype Fine Jewelry and Body Piercing.

Pain with any piercing should be expected in some capacity. This shouldn't just be considered during the piercing procedure, but during the healing process as well. The level of pain you experience depends on a lot of factors including placement, size, your skin, how carefully you follow aftercare instructions, and your own pain tolerance. Please don't hesitate to reach out and let us know if you have any questions regarding discomfort during or after a piercing.   

Healing times depend on what you had pierced, how many piercings you obtained, and the most influential; your own body. Everyone is different! When it comes to healing expectations, I will go over that with you during your appointment, along with any specific instructions for your piercings. Our aftercare instructions are always available on our website. 

Depending on the piercing, you'll likely have a longer post placed in your brand new piercing. This is to accommodate your healing piercing and any swelling that occurs. Eventually, you will need to change that post due to comfort and aesthetics. We will do your initial jewelry change. That appointment is included in your initial piercing cost and can be scheduled before you leave your initial appointment. The cost of the new post or jewelry is not included. 

Certainly! We understand that getting a piercing is a significant event. For a seamless and comfortable experience at Archetype, we kindly request that, unless you have a prearranged party or styling appointment, you bring only one additional person with you. While our space is designed with comfort in mind, it is limited, and we strive to ensure everyone can enjoy a pleasant visit to Archetype.

If you're accompanying a minor for their piercing, rest assured that we accommodate up to two parents, guardians, or family members in the piercing room to provide support and reassurance during this important moment. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in making each piercing experience at Archetype as enjoyable and accommodating as possible 

 Absolutely, without a doubt. At Archetype, we embrace and celebrate the beauty of diversity in all its forms. We are staunch believers that everyone, regardless of race, gender identity, sexuality, ethnicity, or background, deserves to feel welcome and respected when seeking our services. We prioritize creating an inclusive and safe environment where all individuals can express themselves authentically.

One way we manifest this commitment is by ensuring that our clients feel seen and acknowledged. We invite our clients to share their pronouns with us. During the check-in process, we have a designated section to allow individuals to specify their pronouns, demonstrating our dedication to addressing and honoring their identities.

In our studio, we unequivocally denounce racism, homophobia, transphobia, sexism, xenophobia, and any other form of hate/discrimination. Our zero-tolerance policy emphasizes creating a space where everyone feels valued, respected, and accepted for who they are. By fostering an environment of love, acceptance, and understanding, we strive to set an example of unity and compassion within our community. At Archetype, we stand united against discrimination and prejudice. You are in a safe space in our studio, and we will work diligently to maintain this atmosphere. Let's celebrate the beauty of individuality and diversity together. 

We always guarantee your piercing. If your piercing was obtained by an Archetype piercer, you can always consult on behalf of that piercing for the rest of its existence free of charge. All jewelry sales are final. When body jewelry is placed in someone's body, it's unsafe and unhygienic for us to take that jewelry back and resell it. The jewelry we sell you for your new or existing piercing has never and will never be put in anyone else's body.  We pride ourselves on the quality of jewelry we offer, but jewelry is delicate. How you care for your jewelry ultimately determines how long it will last you. When you choose quality products like solid gold, you don't have to worry about your jewelry being affected by water or discoloration on your skin. However, jewelry is worn on our bodies sometimes constantly, enduring the wear and tear of our normal day-to-day so we only guarantee our jewelry for the first 24 hours after your piercing or purchase. Although faulty jewelry is a very rare occurrence, and we do our own quality control before ever counting a piece as inventory, it's something that is out of our control as most of the jewelry isn't manufactured in-house. In the rare event that something happens to your jewelry within the first 24 hours, we would ask that you come in and we could swap out the piece for a new piece of jewelry of equal value. If you are unable to come in within the first 24 hours, it is essential that you contact us via email at adorned@archetypecinci.com within that 24 hours. 

Brody, our dedicated piercer at Archetype Fine Jewelry and Body Piercing, brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the art of body adornment and modification. With an impressive 19 years of experience in body piercing, Brody embarked on his piercing journey across various locations in the United States. His venture began in NOLA. As a native of Louisiana, Brody was eager to get his career off the ground in the busy city life of New Orleans. Little did he know his experience there would gain the knowledge and establish the relationships needed to expand his expertise to several studios from Washington to New England, gaining experience and training in various body modifications. He planted roots and started obtaining his loyal clients in Cincinnati in 2014, and over the years, he has expanded his expertise to Columbus. This extensive journey allowed Brody to gather invaluable knowledge and skills, enriching his understanding of body piercing and adornment.

Brody's commitment to professionalism and excellence is further underlined by his membership with the Association of Professional Piercers. He takes immense pride in obtaining and diligently maintaining this certification, reflecting his dedication to upholding the highest industry standards and best practices. When you choose Brody at Archetype, you're in the capable hands of a seasoned expert dedicated to providing safe, top-notch body piercing services.

Absolutely! At Archetype, we take great pride in providing personalized experiences for our clients. We offer styling and curation appointments tailored to create a unique and custom design for a specific body part. These appointments are carefully crafted and are available by appointment only, ensuring we devote ample time and attention to curate a design that aligns with your preferences and style.

While the nature of our offered jewelry focuses on high-quality and enduring pieces, we understand the value of finding that perfect piece. Should you need assistance in locating or ordering a specific jewelry item, we are more than happy to help. We can order the desired piece for you and incorporate it into a future appointment seamlessly.

While we may not frequently run specials on our exquisite jewelry due to its inherent quality and value, we do occasionally offer promotions on our exceptional services. Keep an eye out for these opportunities to enhance your piercing experience with added value and savings on our services. Your satisfaction and enjoyment of our offerings are always at the forefront of our endeavors at Archetype.

At Archetype Fine Jewelry and Body Piercing, we stand at the forefront of a new era in body modification and adornment, setting ourselves apart through a vision that transcends traditional norms. What distinguishes us is our unwavering commitment to revolutionizing how people perceive body modification and piercing in Cincinnati.

While body piercing has historically been an ancillary service in tattoo shops, we've redefined its essence and significance. We envision a world where body piercing isn't just a service but an art form—a form of self-expression and empowerment. We believe in the transformational power of adorning one's body and the beauty it adds to individuality.

Our dedication to a more personalized and exceptional experience is reflected in our exclusive styling and curation appointments. We offer a unique opportunity to curate custom designs for specific body parts, setting a precedent that elevates body adornment to a level of individualized artistry. These appointments, meticulously designed and available by appointment only, epitomize our commitment to providing tailor-made experiences for our clients.

Moreover, we recognize the value of offering exceptional jewelry that's not only elegant but ethically sourced, crafted from implant-grade titanium and solid gold. Our focus on quality, sustainability, and unmatched expertise ensures we provide a range of options that Cincinnati hasn't previously experienced. We're here to redefine the narrative, to create an environment where body adornment is celebrated and cherished as a true art form. Welcome to Archetype, where we're changing the way you perceive and embrace the beauty of body modification and adornment, one piercing at a time.

When you book an appointment online, you are asked to leave a credit card for "no-show protection." This is not a deposit and no money is held to be used toward your appointment. We are an appointment only studio, so when you book an appointment with our piercer(s) that time of the day is set out specifically to give you all of his or her attention, ensuring you have a safe and unique experience. When a client does not show up to that appointment, we are unable to fill that spot if not given at least 24 hours notice. In order to protect their time, we keep our no-show and 24 hour cancellation policy in place to ensure that if this should happen, that our piercer(s) are still compensated for their time. The amount varies depending on the appointment booked, but will never exceed the cost of the service. We know that emergencies happen, should you need to cancel last minute, please communicate to us by only calling our studio at 513-246-4154