The Complete Piercing Guide

Piercing history

Permanent body art, such as tattoos and piercings, has been around for literally thousands of years all over the world. Through different times, cultures and people, body art has long been a defining factor in the aesthetics of many different demographics on every continent. In fact, the oldest recorded pierced mummified body was over 5000 years old.

In the recent past, body art has been considered a taboo or otherwise unsightly aspect of culture, reserved for vagrants and vagabonds or people with no cultural value whatsoever. Unfortunately, many parts of the modern world have held this view for years.

Thankfully, media and culture have changed over the decades, and people are beginning to understand the allure and dedication required to adorn themselves with permanent art. A new culture subset has been created to showcase this aesthetic and an environment where interested individuals can find professional artists to do the work for them.

Modern body art and modern design

Although it's been around for thousands of years, modern body art hasn't changed piercing much, other than a few cultural and technological advances, things have stayed basically the same. Types of jewelry and materials are now much safer, as is the procedure itself.

What is included in body jewelry?

You will find many different types of metals used in body jewelry, each with their own unique advantages or disadvantages regarding skin allergies and cost. Choosing the right type of jewelry for your piercing will do wonders, ensuring you have a good healing time and look amazing.

Gold

Gold has always been a traditionally popular metal used for body piercings as it is highly allergenic. However, gold is also obviously much more expensive than other metals. If you want to get gold jewelry without spending a lot, choose items weighing less than 24 carats, that is, pure gold.

Other metals will be used instead of lower karat gold, so you get the look without a big investment.

Titanium

Titanium quickly became the preferred metal and alloy for almost all types of body jewelry. It is hypoallergenic, stylish and relatively affordable compared to more precious metals. If you are not sure which metal to choose, definitely go with titanium.

Metal alloy

Silver and other metals combined with alloy components help make body jewelry cheaper than other alternatives, which can be unsafe. They are mostly used for purely aesthetic purposes and can cause allergies, so make sure you know and understand the difference between the two if you want to do anything.

Caution: Never pierce yourself or use plastic during a procedure of any kind, as the type of hollow needle required to pass through the thicker cartilage also prevents bacterial infections from entering the new space, as well as causing any allergies you may have much worse.

What parts of the body can be pierced?

There are many different types of piercings all over the body, each with its own unique aesthetic and jewelry design. Choosing where you want to get your piercing is easy, just make sure you know your pain tolerance and understand the components of post-procedure care before you get started.

genital piercing

While it can be uncomfortable to talk about, many people choose to get their genitals pierced for one reason or another, most often to demonstrate their tolerance for pain or simply to have something different from everyone else.

Culturally, many cultures have used genital piercing as a rite of passage into adulthood, as the ability to cope with the pain of the piercing itself is similar to the changes we experience after reaching puberty in the real world.

Types of genital piercing

For women, genital piercings may involve areas of the vagina that are hidden from view and only visible in private situations. Some types of piercings are, in fact, bottom marine piercings, it all depends on the choice of the wearer.

Male options include the traditionally recognized Prince Albert, which is a piercing that goes through the glans and frenulum of the penis.

The level of pain in a genital piercing is generally much higher than in any other area of ​​the body, so be sure to take that into account if you're thinking about getting anything done. It is also important to see a professional to reduce any complications that may arise when dealing with these particularly sensitive areas.

oral piercing

Tongue piercing has always been very popular, and recently especially among women. In general, fewer men had oral piercings, except for lip rings. Today, oral piercings of all kinds are enjoying a resurgence among a new demographic of people who don't necessarily want to show off their piercings 24/7, but instead have something much more personal.

Tongue piercing

The tongue is probably one of the most popular and recognizable oral piercings, and a small stud or barbell is commonly used as a decoration. You should not scratch your teeth with a tongue piercing, as this can wear down the enamel and cause scratches.

The sensitive, blood-rich areas of the mouth make them painful to pierce and carry a higher rate of complications or infections. If you are considering any type of oral piercing, disinfection and professional procedural techniques are paramount, so take this into account as you research.

Nose

If you want something more in regards to piercings, the nose is a good place to start. Septum piercing is one of the most popular ways to do this and involves piercing the central area of ​​the nose, much like a bullring.

You can also choose to have just one piercing in a particular nostril, or even both for a much more unique look. The applications are almost limitless and it's always fun to try them out.

When it comes to pain, the nose is definitely different for everyone, more so than other parts of the body. Some people may be more sensitive and therefore experience more pain than others, or none at all.

Ear piercing

We all probably know how many people around the world, regardless of gender and culture, have their ears pierced. In America, many girls get their ears pierced at the age of five, and for many, this is the first and only piercing in their lives.

Just because it's common doesn't mean your ears don't have fun body art aesthetic applications. In fact, since most jewelry is designed to be worn on or around the ears, you'll find an even wider selection when you decide to shop around.

Tragus, Helix, etc.

The predominant cartilage that makes up your ear makes it unique for piercing. Some parts of the ear, such as the tragus, have a thicker concentration of cartilage, which can make them more uncomfortable to pierce than a simple earlobe piercing.

The curl, the upper inner part of the ear, is also popular with those looking for a wide variety of piercings. Since the cartilage is thinner here, the procedure is not as painful or uncomfortable.

Ear piercing doesn't have to be boring, so take a look at some designs that might suit your personal flair and body art taste.

How are body piercings done?

Modern advances in piercing technology have made the process much safer and less dangerous in terms of complications and infections. Most piercers are highly experienced in all disciplines and understand the level of professionalism required when performing this procedure.

Everything for work

A hollow needle is used to pierce areas to leave room for the desired type of jewelry. The size and shape of the needle gauge can be changed to suit different tastes, which will be discussed with you by your artist before you make anything.

Your artist will push the needle through your chosen area and then the jewelry you are wearing will follow. Thus, there will be no extra space where it would be possible to damage or infect. 

Is piercing harmful to the body?

The piercing itself is not harmful to the body if the process is done correctly. The risk of complications and infections mostly depends on how well you keep the area clean after the piercing, not the actual risk.

What are the most popular piercings called?

Some of the more popular piercings today include the following:

• Conch, curl and other parts of the ear
• Septum and nose piercing
• Nose/belly piercing
• Snake bite/lip piercing
• nipple piercing

Each has its own unique aesthetic benefits as well as pain tolerance. Research designs and types of jewelry before deciding which one to choose.

Why is gun piercing bad?

While most young girls pierce their ears with a piercing gun, new research has shown that they are ineffective and can cause more problems than needles, even in the ear area.

Keloids, a dangerous development of scar tissue, can form when using an ear piercing gun. These are permanent growths that can cause severe pain and heaviness in the ear in severe cases, as well as infection if cut or scratched.

Almost every professional artist eschews guns these days, so be on the lookout if you or someone you know is considering using a gun during a piercing session. Hollow needles will always be safer and more effective than cheap plastic guns.

Store selection

When you are looking for an artist and a store, be sure to check the cleanliness, sterilization practices, and general customer service of everyone who works there. You should feel welcome and appreciated no matter what you ask, and your stylist should take the time to guide you through the entire process, whether it's your first piercing or one of many.

If you have any questions, be sure to ask your artist. You can take a look at their portfolio of pieces they have made in the past, which can also serve as inspiration for your own type of piercing or jewelry. Take your time doing this so you know you're getting something that you'll cherish for years to come.

Checklist before getting pierced

Once you have found where to get pierced, there are a few things to keep in mind when making an appointment.

In some areas, those under the age of 18 may require parental permission before getting pierced, as is the case with most other adult decisions, and each store will follow this letter.

Also, make sure you wear clothing appropriate for the type of piercing you are getting so that you are comfortable during the procedure and that the piercer has access to the piercing site.

aftercare

The healing time of your piercing depends not only on the type of piercing, but also on how well you take care of it and keep it clean. When you are in the shower, use an antibacterial soap, preferably unscented, for the first few days after the procedure.

Also look out for possible signs of infection, such as red streaks or severe pain that doesn't go away after a few days. In this case, talk to your personal doctor about the next steps, as you may have a bacterial infection or a severe allergy.

Before you leave

In the end, the best thing you can do for yourself before getting pierced is to understand all the different types and areas of the body that can be used, as well as the metals contained in the jewelry you intend to wear.

By researching everything ahead of time, you will gain a better and safer understanding of the piercing community, as well as a newfound respect for the type of body art that represents the highest artistic expression.