Queen of Steel

Queen of Steel's Tokai branch sits in Blue Route Mall, Cape Town, and reviewers use it mostly for piercings and body jewellery. Service gets consistent praise, while opinions on placement and jewellery are more mixed.

What reviewers liked

Friendly staff come up in almost every review. Carla popped in for new nose jewellery and left with a titanium disc and a new helix, praising piercer Tamz for explaining each stage and for a quick, well-done job. She also singled out the sterile equipment. John has been a customer for years and calls the team professional and helpful. Matthew said that when jewellery came loose, the staff put it back and secured it at no charge.

Good to know before you book

• Jewellery security: Zoe and a friend both lost screw-on balls from flat-back nose studs within two weeks, and Matthew had a piece pop off after about a week. Ask staff to check the ball is fully tightened before you leave, and go back to the shop if it loosens.
• Placement: Judd said a smiley piercing came out skew and he had it redone elsewhere, and Matthew had one skew nipple piercing. Check the marking in the mirror carefully before the needle goes in.
• Price: Judd found the jewellery overpriced with limited choice, and Matthew noted prices can run higher than other piercers, which he put down to the mall location and chain setup.
• Access: the listing notes a wheelchair-accessible car park and entrance.