A piercing is a hole made in the skin or another part of the body to hold a piece of jewellery. So it is worth knowing where and how it is done. This guide explains in plain words what Andalucía's rules say, how long each area takes to heal and what care the sources we cite recommend.

What to check before getting a piercing in Málaga

In Andalucía, the rules for tattoo and piercing studios are in Decreto 71/2017, which was changed in 2021 by Decreto 130/2021. For example, the owner of the studio must first give the town hall a document called a "responsible declaration" (art. 5). In it, the owner says the studio follows the rules. You can check these things before you start:

  • A poster at reception. It must say which authority inspected the studio and on what date. It must also say that complaint forms are available (art. 21).
  • Sterile, single-use material. "Sterile" means free of germs. Needles and everything that goes through the skin must be sterile and used only once (art. 12.1).
  • Sterile gloves. They are single-use and changed for each person. They must be taken out of the pack and put on in front of you (art. 12.2).
  • Information and a signature. Before the piercing, the studio explains everything clearly, in speech and in writing, and you sign the same paper. You can also look at the room and the material first (art. 17).
  • Complaint forms. The studio must have them for you (art. 21).

If something is missing or they will not show you, it is better to find another studio. Our guide on how to choose a tattoo studio in Málaga has more checks, and most of them apply to piercing too.

Jewellery that the law allows

In a piercing, the jewellery must be made of surgical steel, 14 to 16 carat gold or titanium. This lowers the risk of infection or an allergic reaction (art. 12.8).

An article from the Spanish consumer site EROSKI Consumer (from 2012) adds that niobium and titanium cause the fewest allergic reactions. It says gold should be at least 14 carat. It also says stainless steel contains nickel, a metal that gives some people an allergy, and it does not recommend it for a first piercing. This is an old, general-interest article. If your skin is sensitive or you have known allergies, tell the piercer before choosing the jewellery.

Types of piercing by area and healing times

Healing time changes with the person, the size of the hole and how thick the area is. These are the figures from Healthwise (WebMD Ignite, current as of February 2026) when all goes well:

  • Ear cartilage: 3 to 12 months.
  • Face (earlobes, eyebrows and lips): 6 to 8 weeks.
  • Nostril: 2 to 8 months.
  • Inside the mouth or tongue: 3 to 6 weeks.
  • Navel: up to 9 months.
  • Nipple: 6 to 12 months.
  • Genitals: 1 to 9 months.

An infection, irritation or a thick scar can make healing slower. These times are a guide, not a promise. Your piercer (the person who does the piercing) will tell you what to expect in your case. Some older copies of the same text give shorter times for a few areas, so use the longer figure when you plan.

Aftercare after a piercing

Decreto 71/2017 says the studio must give you the care instructions in writing (art. 18). They include:

  • Clean the area every day with saline solution (sterile salt water).
  • Use dry cold in the first days and keep the area dry.
  • Do not scratch or rub the area. Avoid cosmetics that are not made for this and facial treatments.
  • Avoid the sun and UVA rays, and also swimming pools, saunas and beaches.

Always follow the written instructions of the person who pierced you, because they depend on your area and your jewellery. If you are on holiday, our guide on getting a tattoo in Málaga on holiday explains why sun, sea and pools matter. The same advice applies to a new piercing.

Possible problems and when to see a doctor

The decree names three possible problems: allergies to the products used, infection and thick, raised scars. If they appear, you must see a doctor as soon as possible (art. 19). It also warns that, because the skin is broken, there is a risk of catching diseases that spread through blood, such as HIV and hepatitis B and C. And if you notice any problem in the days after, you should see a doctor (art. 18).

EROSKI Consumer also mentions granulomas, which are hard lumps, and reactions of the body to a foreign object. Healthwise says you may need to see your doctor if the piercing does not seem to be healing.

When a piercing is not a good idea

Under article 19 of the decree, the person who does the piercing must tell you when it is not recommended. There are three groups.

  • For a time: pregnancy, breastfeeding, a weak immune system while it lasts, infection, scars that have not settled yet and recent burns.
  • Only with medical supervision: diabetes, haemophilia, heart problems, hepatitis B or C, HIV, a weak immune system and prostheses (heart valves, bones or blood vessels).
  • Never: an allergy to the products used, or a skin condition in the area, such as moles and spots, keloids (scars that grow more than normal), warts, skin cancer, psoriasis or hives.

If you are in one of these cases, talk to your doctor before you book.

Under 16

Under article 22 of the decree, anyone under 16 needs two things: their own informed consent and the written permission of a parent or legal guardian. Ask the studio which papers they want and check the current law before you go.

How to find a piercing studio in Málaga

Few studios publish their prices. Ink'side Tattoo Studio (Calle Santa María, 13) lists piercing prices in Málaga on its website for walk-ins (no appointment), VAT included: earlobe €25 (two lobes €40); another part of the ear, face or navel €50; nipple €50 each. These are the figures on its page on 26 October 2026. It does not say if the jewellery is included, so ask what the price covers.

Our directory lists tattoo and piercing studios in Málaga with their address and phone number. It is an information list: we do not rate or guarantee any studio. Use the checks above and confirm details with the studio before you go.