Tapering
If you have an old piercing that has closed over, you may not need to have it re-pierced.
Tapering gently reopens the original channel, and it's now available at our Southend studio with Willow.
Tapering is a way of reopening a piercing that has closed. Instead of piercing fresh tissue, Willow uses a smooth, tapered pin to gradually guide the old channel back open, and your jewellery goes in straight behind it.
What is tapering?
Gentler on your tissue. Tapering works with the existing channel rather than cutting new tissue, so there's less trauma to the area.
Less scar tissue. A fresh piercing creates a new wound and more scar tissue. Reopening the old channel avoids that where the channel is still there to work with.
A more comfortable experience. The process is gradual and controlled, so it's typically easier than a new piercing.
Back in the same place. You keep your original placement rather than having a new position chosen.
Faster healing. Tapering typically takes much less time to heal than a new piercing. Plus you can change your jewellery in just a couple of weeks!
Tapering vs re-piercing: what's the difference?
It depends on how long ago the piercing closed and how much of the channel remains. Some piercings reopen easily, some need a bit of patience, and some have closed too much and will need a fresh piercing instead. Willow will assess it in person and tell you honestly which applies. There's no pressure to go ahead if tapering isn't the right option.
Will it work on my piercing?
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions? These are our most FAQs on tapering.
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Tapering is a way of reopening a piercing that has closed over. Willow uses a smooth, tapered pin to gradually guide the old channel back open.
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If enough of the original channel is still there, tapering can gently reopen a closed piercing without a fresh piercing. Willow will assess it in person and tell you whether it's realistic..
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There's no fixed cut-off. But Willow has worked her magic and reopened piercings that closed over 10 years ago! It depends on how much of the original channel is left, so she'll assess it in person.
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Where the channel is still there to work with, tapering is gentler on your tissue and creates less scar tissue than a fresh piercing.
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Willow will tell you at your consultation and talk you through re-piercing as an alternative. You won't be pushed into anything.
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Sensation varies from person to person. Expect some pressure as the channel is reopened, but generally it’s less painful that a piercing. Willow works gradually to keep it as comfortable as possible.
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Tapering costs from £20
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A tapering appointment usually takes around 30 minutes.
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Significantly faster than a fresh piercing. Everyone's skin is different, so healing time varies, but most people can change their jewellery after around two to three weeks.
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Willow offers tapering at our Southend studio. Book online or send us a message to arrange a consultation.
To book a tapering appointment or if you have a query, fill in the form below and we’ll be in touch.
You can also send us a pic of your old piercing, to show us what we’re working with..
