What Piercing Should I Get? A Comprehensive Guide to Finding Your Perfect Piercing
Choosing a new piercing can be an exciting but also slightly daunting experience. With so many options available, from delicate earlobe piercings to bold facial modifications, deciding what piercing is right for you requires careful consideration. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process, covering everything from pain levels and aftercare to aesthetic preferences and lifestyle compatibility, helping you find the perfect piercing to express your individual style.
## Step 1: Exploring Your Piercing Options
The first step is to familiarize yourself with the vast array of piercing types. Here’s a breakdown of some popular options:
**Ear Piercings:**
* **Lobe Piercing:** The most common and generally least painful piercing. It’s located on the fleshy lower part of the ear. This piercing heals relatively quickly and offers versatility in jewelry options.
* **Pain Level:** 1/5
* **Healing Time:** 6-8 weeks
* **Jewelry Options:** Studs, hoops, dangles
* **Upper Lobe/Helix Piercing:** Located on the upper cartilage of the ear, this piercing offers more variation in placement and jewelry. Recovery time is slightly longer than a standard lobe piercing.
* **Pain Level:** 3/5
* **Healing Time:** 3-9 months
* **Jewelry Options:** Studs, hoops, barbells
* **Forward Helix Piercing:** Situated on the front cartilage of the ear, near the face. It can be a bit more sensitive due to its location.
* **Pain Level:** 4/5
* **Healing Time:** 6-9 months
* **Jewelry Options:** Small studs, hoops
* **Tragus Piercing:** Located on the small flap of cartilage that partially covers the ear canal. This piercing can be a statement piece.
* **Pain Level:** 3/5
* **Healing Time:** 6-12 months
* **Jewelry Options:** Studs, hoops
* **Daith Piercing:** Located on the inner cartilage fold of the ear. Some believe it can alleviate migraine symptoms, though this is not scientifically proven. Healing can be a bit tricky due to its placement.
* **Pain Level:** 4/5
* **Healing Time:** 4-12 months
* **Jewelry Options:** Captive bead rings, curved barbells
* **Rook Piercing:** Located on the inner cartilage ridge above the daith. It’s a slightly more advanced piercing that requires a skilled piercer.
* **Pain Level:** 5/5
* **Healing Time:** 6-12 months
* **Jewelry Options:** Curved barbells, small hoops
* **Conch Piercing:** Located on the inner part of the ear, the conch allows for a variety of jewelry options, from large studs to hoops that wrap around the ear’s curve. There are inner and outer conch piercings.
* **Pain Level:** 3/5
* **Healing Time:** 3-9 months
* **Jewelry Options:** Studs, hoops
* **Industrial Piercing:** A single piercing that connects two points on the upper ear cartilage, typically with a long barbell. It requires specific ear anatomy and careful placement.
* **Pain Level:** 4/5
* **Healing Time:** 4-12 months
* **Jewelry Options:** Barbells
**Facial Piercings:**
* **Nose Piercing (Nostril):** A classic and versatile piercing located on the side of the nostril. It’s generally a quick and relatively painless procedure.
* **Pain Level:** 2/5
* **Healing Time:** 2-4 months
* **Jewelry Options:** Studs, hoops
* **Septum Piercing:** Located through the cartilage that separates the nostrils. When done correctly, it should not be painful. The jewelry is usually visible beneath the nose.
* **Pain Level:** 3/5
* **Healing Time:** 2-8 months
* **Jewelry Options:** Circular barbells, captive bead rings
* **Eyebrow Piercing:** A piercing through the eyebrow, usually placed diagonally. Rejection is a potential risk with this piercing.
* **Pain Level:** 3/5
* **Healing Time:** 2-4 months
* **Jewelry Options:** Curved barbells, captive bead rings
* **Lip Piercings:**
* **Labret Piercing:** Centered below the lower lip.
* **Pain Level:** 2/5
* **Healing Time:** 6-8 weeks
* **Jewelry Options:** Studs, hoops
* **Monroe Piercing:** Placed above the upper lip, mimicking Marilyn Monroe’s beauty mark.
* **Pain Level:** 2/5
* **Healing Time:** 2-3 months
* **Jewelry Options:** Studs
* **Medusa Piercing:** Centered above the upper lip, in the philtrum.
* **Pain Level:** 3/5
* **Healing Time:** 2-3 months
* **Jewelry Options:** Studs
* **Snake Bites:** Two labret piercings, one on each side of the lower lip.
* **Pain Level:** 2/5
* **Healing Time:** 2-3 months
* **Jewelry Options:** Studs, hoops
* **Bridge Piercing:** A surface piercing located on the bridge of the nose, between the eyes. It has a higher risk of rejection.
* **Pain Level:** 3/5
* **Healing Time:** 2-4 months
* **Jewelry Options:** Straight barbells
* **Cheek Piercings (Dimple Piercings):** Placed in the cheeks to mimic dimples. These piercings can be tricky to heal and require meticulous aftercare. Often they will never fully heal and leave permanent “dimples”.
* **Pain Level:** 3/5
* **Healing Time:** 3-6 months
* **Jewelry Options:** Flat-back labret studs
**Body Piercings:**
* **Navel Piercing (Belly Button):** A popular piercing located around the navel. The upper navel is more common than the lower.
* **Pain Level:** 3/5
* **Healing Time:** 6-12 months
* **Jewelry Options:** Curved barbells, captive bead rings
* **Nipple Piercing:** A piercing through the nipple. It can be a confidence booster for many people.
* **Pain Level:** 4/5
* **Healing Time:** 4-12 months
* **Jewelry Options:** Barbells, captive bead rings
* **Surface Piercings:** These piercings run along the surface of the skin and are held in place by two separate entry/exit points. Common locations include the nape of the neck, hips, and sternum. These are prone to rejection and migration.
* **Pain Level:** Varies depending on location
* **Healing Time:** 3-9 months
* **Jewelry Options:** Surface barbells
* **Dermal Anchors (Microdermals):** A single-point piercing where a small anchor is implanted under the skin, and decorative jewelry is attached. They can be placed almost anywhere on the body.
* **Pain Level:** 2/5 (during the procedure)
* **Healing Time:** 3-6 months
* **Jewelry Options:** Interchangeable tops
## Step 2: Considering Pain Tolerance
Pain tolerance varies greatly from person to person. What one person finds mildly uncomfortable, another may find quite painful. When deciding on a piercing, it’s important to honestly assess your pain threshold.
* **Low Pain Tolerance:** Stick to piercings with lower pain ratings like lobe, nostril, or lip piercings.
* **Medium Pain Tolerance:** You can consider piercings like helix, tragus, eyebrow, or navel piercings.
* **High Pain Tolerance:** You might be comfortable with piercings like daith, rook, industrial, nipple, or some surface piercings.
Remember, the pain of a piercing is fleeting. However, improper aftercare can lead to prolonged discomfort and complications. A quick, sharp pain is preferable to a long, infected healing process.
## Step 3: Evaluating Healing Time and Aftercare Commitment
Healing time is a crucial factor. Be realistic about the amount of time and effort you’re willing to dedicate to aftercare. Longer healing times require more diligent care to prevent infection and promote proper healing.
* **Short Healing Time (2-3 months):** Nostril, eyebrow, some lip piercings.
* **Medium Healing Time (3-6 months):** Helix, conch, tragus, navel, some surface piercings.
* **Long Healing Time (6-12 months or more):** Daith, rook, industrial, nipple, some cartilage piercings.
**General Aftercare Instructions:**
* **Cleanse:** Clean the piercing twice daily with a sterile saline solution. Avoid harsh soaps, alcohol, or hydrogen peroxide, as these can irritate the piercing.
* **Hands Off:** Avoid touching the piercing with dirty hands. This is a primary cause of infection.
* **Don’t Twist or Rotate:** Contrary to old advice, twisting or rotating the jewelry can disrupt the healing process and introduce bacteria.
* **Avoid Irritants:** Stay away from swimming pools, hot tubs, and other bodies of water until the piercing is fully healed.
* **Proper Jewelry:** Ensure the jewelry is made of hypoallergenic material like surgical steel, titanium, or niobium to minimize the risk of allergic reactions.
* **Healthy Lifestyle:** A healthy diet, proper hydration, and sufficient sleep can all contribute to faster and more effective healing.
* **Monitor:** Watch for signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, excessive pain, pus, or fever. If you suspect an infection, consult a doctor immediately.
## Step 4: Considering Your Lifestyle and Occupation
Your lifestyle and occupation can influence which piercings are suitable for you. Some workplaces have strict policies regarding visible piercings.
* **Professional Environment:** If you work in a conservative environment, consider piercings that can be easily concealed, such as lobe piercings (which can be covered with small studs) or piercings in the inner ear (like a daith or conch). Surface piercings are often not a good choice.
* **Active Lifestyle:** If you lead an active lifestyle, choose piercings that are less likely to be snagged or irritated during physical activity. Avoid piercings that protrude excessively, such as industrial or bridge piercings.
* **Sports:** Athletes should be especially cautious. Consider the risk of impact and potential for injury. Retainers (clear spacers) can be used to keep a piercing open during sports activities while minimizing the risk of harm.
* **Sleeping Habits:** If you sleep on your side, be mindful of ear piercings. Sleeping on a new piercing can cause irritation and prolong healing. Use a travel pillow or donut pillow to avoid putting pressure on the piercing.
## Step 5: Thinking About Aesthetics and Personal Style
Ultimately, the best piercing for you is one that complements your personal style and makes you feel confident. Consider the following:
* **Facial Features:** Certain piercings can accentuate your facial features. For example, a nose piercing can draw attention to your eyes, while a lip piercing can highlight your lips.
* **Ear Anatomy:** The shape and size of your ear can influence which ear piercings look best. Consult with a piercer to determine which piercings are anatomically suitable and visually appealing.
* **Jewelry Preferences:** Think about the type of jewelry you like to wear. Do you prefer delicate studs, bold hoops, or edgy barbells? Choose piercings that accommodate your preferred jewelry style.
* **Current Piercings:** Consider how a new piercing will complement your existing piercings. Plan your piercing placement strategically to create a cohesive and visually balanced look.
* **Inspiration:** Look at pictures of piercings online or in magazines. Find inspiration from celebrities, influencers, or friends who have piercings you admire. However, remember that what looks good on someone else may not necessarily look good on you. Consider your unique features and style.
## Step 6: Finding a Reputable Piercer
Choosing a reputable and experienced piercer is paramount. A skilled piercer will ensure that the piercing is done safely, hygienically, and accurately. They can also provide valuable advice on aftercare and jewelry selection.
* **Research:** Read online reviews and ask for recommendations from friends or family. Look for piercers with a strong reputation for professionalism and quality.
* **Hygiene:** The studio should be clean and well-maintained. The piercer should wear gloves and use sterile, single-use needles.
* **Licensing and Certification:** Ensure that the piercer is licensed and certified by the appropriate authorities. This indicates that they have met certain standards of training and safety.
* **Consultation:** Schedule a consultation with the piercer before getting pierced. This is an opportunity to ask questions, discuss your concerns, and assess the piercer’s expertise. A good piercer will thoroughly explain the procedure, aftercare instructions, and potential risks.
* **Portfolio:** Review the piercer’s portfolio to see examples of their work. This will give you an idea of their skill level and aesthetic style.
* **Autoclave:** Make sure the shop uses an autoclave to sterilize all tools. You can usually see it, and they should be able to explain their sterilization procedure. Many shops will use single use disposable needles.
## Step 7: The Piercing Procedure
Knowing what to expect during the piercing procedure can help ease anxiety. Here’s a general overview:
1. **Consultation:** The piercer will discuss your desired piercing, assess your anatomy, and answer any questions.
2. **Preparation:** The piercer will clean and disinfect the area to be pierced. They may also mark the precise location of the piercing with a surgical marker.
3. **Piercing:** The piercer will use a sterile needle to create the piercing. The process is usually quick, but some piercings may take slightly longer.
4. **Jewelry Insertion:** The piercer will insert the initial jewelry. It’s crucial to choose high-quality, hypoallergenic jewelry for the initial piercing.
5. **Aftercare Instructions:** The piercer will provide detailed aftercare instructions and answer any remaining questions. It’s essential to follow these instructions diligently to promote proper healing.
## Step 8: Dealing with Potential Complications
While most piercings heal without complications, it’s important to be aware of potential issues and how to address them.
* **Infection:** Redness, swelling, pain, pus, and fever are signs of infection. Consult a doctor immediately if you suspect an infection. Do not remove the jewelry, as this can trap the infection inside.
* **Rejection:** Rejection occurs when the body pushes the piercing out. Signs of rejection include migration of the piercing, thinning of the skin around the piercing, and increased visibility of the jewelry post. If you suspect rejection, consult a piercer. Removing the jewelry is often the best course of action.
* **Allergic Reactions:** Allergic reactions to jewelry can cause itching, redness, and irritation. Choose hypoallergenic jewelry made of surgical steel, titanium, or niobium to minimize the risk of allergic reactions. If you experience an allergic reaction, switch to a different type of jewelry.
* **Keloids:** Keloids are raised scars that can form around piercings. They are more common in people with a genetic predisposition to keloid formation. If you develop a keloid, consult a dermatologist for treatment options.
* **Migration:** Migration refers to the piercing moving from its original placement. This can be caused by improper piercing technique, poor aftercare, or trauma to the piercing. If your piercing migrates, consult a piercer to determine the cause and discuss potential solutions.
## Step 9: Enjoying Your New Piercing!
Once your piercing is fully healed, you can start experimenting with different types of jewelry and expressing your personal style. Remember to continue practicing good hygiene to keep your piercing healthy and looking its best.
Getting a new piercing can be a rewarding experience. By carefully considering your options, pain tolerance, lifestyle, and aesthetic preferences, you can find the perfect piercing to enhance your individual style and boost your confidence. Always prioritize safety and choose a reputable piercer to ensure a successful and enjoyable piercing experience.
This guide provides a starting point. Always consult with a professional piercer to discuss your specific needs and concerns. Happy piercing!