Answers to the most common piercing questions

May 24. 2023

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Which piercing hurts the most?

The sensation of pain can vary from person to person and it is difficult to give an accurate ranking of the most painful piercings. The intensity of pain depends on several factors, including individual pain tolerance, anatomical location, and the skill of the piercer.

Some of the Piercingsthat are often perceived as painful are:

Nipple Piercing: The nipples are sensitive areas and the stinging can range from uncomfortable to painful.
Belly Button Piercing: Piercing the navel can be an uncomfortable experience as the skin in this area is quite thick.
Septum Piercing: The septum is the cartilage between the nostrils. Piercing this area can be painful as it is cartilaginous tissue.
Lip Piercing (Labret, Medusa, Snake Bites, etc.): Piercing the lip can cause pain as the lips are very sensitive.
Genital piercings: Piercings in the genital area can be painful depending on the position and individual sensitivity.

It is important to note that these are just a few examples and the sensation of pain is subjective. If you are interested in getting a piercing, you should speak to a professional piercer who can provide you with more information.

Which piercing hurts the least?

Piercings that are often found to be less painful tend to be those that go through soft tissue rather than through cartilage or sensitive areas. Here are some examples:

Earlobe piercing: The earlobe is made of soft tissue and has fewer nerve endings than other areas of the ear. Therefore, getting an earlobe piercing is often perceived as less painful.
Nostril Piercing: A nostril piercing is usually pierced through the thin tissue at the edge of the nostril. Although everyone's pain tolerance is different, nasal wing piercing is generally considered to be relatively painless.
Surface Piercings: Surface piercings are placed on flat areas of the skin, such as the collarbone, back, or hip. Because they don't go through cartilage or delicate tissues, they may be experienced as less painful.

Once again, pain perception is subjective and can vary from person to person. However, an experienced piercer can give you accurate information about the potential pain level of a particular piercing.

When to change the piercing?

Piercings should only be changed after the initial healing phase has ended. The healing time varies depending on the type of piercing and individual ability to heal. It's important to follow your piercer's instructions and respect the healing time to avoid complications.

In general, healing for different types of piercing takes about the following time periods:

Earlobes: 6-8 weeks
nose piercing: 2-4 months
Belly Button: 6-9 months
Tongue piercing: 4-6 weeks
Lip piercing (Labret, Medusa, Snake Bites, etc.): 2-3 months
Nipple piercing: 3-6 months
Genital piercings: 4-8 weeks to several months depending on the type of piercing (e.g. clitoral, Prince Albert, Christina, etc.)

It is important to note that these are general guidelines and individual differences may occur. You should not change piercings during the healing period unless there is a medical reason and you first consult a professional piercer or doctor.

When healing is complete and the piercing looks healthy, you can consider changing it. It is advisable to have this also done by a professional piercer to ensure the change is done correctly and hygienically. They can also help you choose the right jewelry for your piercing and make sure it's well tolerated.

How much does it cost to get a piercing?

The cost of getting a piercing varies depending on a number of factors including location, piercing studio, piercer, type of piercing, and any additional services that may be available.

In general, the average cost of getting a piercing is between around $30 and $100. However, some piercings can be more expensive, especially if special jewelry is used or if the piercing is more complex and requires more time or expertise.

In addition to the actual piercing, there may be additional costs, such as:

Jewellery: The price of the jewelery varies depending on the material (e.g. stainless steel, titanium, gold) and design. Quality jewelry can be more expensive than standard options.
Aftercare products: Some studios offer aftercare products such as sterile solutions or ointments, which may incur additional costs.
Check-ups: Some studios offer free or paid check-ups to check the healing process and make adjustments if necessary.

It's important to find out the exact cost before getting a piercing to avoid surprises. Find a reputable piercing studio in your area and inquire about their prices and services.

How long have piercings been around?

The practice of piercing has been common in different cultures around the world for many centuries. Piercing has a long history and has been performed for a variety of reasons, including religious, ritual, cultural, and aesthetic motives.

It is difficult to pin down the exact date of origin of piercing as it was practiced in different forms and at different times in different cultures. However, here are some historical references to piercing practices:

Egypt: Piercings were performed as early as antiquity, particularly in ancient Egypt. Ears were pierced here in order to wear jewellery. There are depictions of pharaohs and royal figures wearing earrings.
Roman Empire: Piercings were also common in the Roman Empire. Both men and women wore earrings, Nose rings and piercings other than jewelry.
India: In India, the tradition of piercing has long been firmly anchored. For example, women wear nose rings, earrings, and other body jewelry as part of their cultural and religious practices.
Other Cultures: Piercings were also common in other parts of the world, such as the Aztecs of Mexico, the Maori of New Zealand, the North American Indian tribes, and many African cultures.

In the western world, body piercing gained popularity in the 1970s and 1980s when it became an expression of individual style and a form of body modification. Since then it has become a widespread phenomenon and has evolved into various forms and styles.

It is important to note that piercing practices and traditions vary by culture, time, and individual preference.

What to disinfect piercings with?

Disinfecting a piercing is an important step in preventing infection and aiding the healing process. There are various methods and products that can be used to disinfect piercings. Here are some common options:

Saline solution: A saline solution is one of the recommended methods for disinfecting piercings. You can make your own salt solution by dissolving 1/4 teaspoon of non-iodized sea salt in 250 ounces of boiled or distilled water. Let the solution cool and use it to clean the piercing. Be careful not to use cotton swabs as they can leave behind fibers. Instead, soak sterile gauze or a paper towel in the solution and gently pat around the piercing.
Antiseptic solutions: There are also special antiseptic solutions designed for disinfecting piercings. You can find these solutions in pharmacies or at piercing studios. Follow the directions on the product and clean the piercing as directed.
Sterile Disposable Products: Some piercing studios recommend the use of sterile disposable products such as sterile saline sprays or disposable cleaning wipes. These products are convenient and easy to use.

It is important to avoid alcohol and products containing hydrogen peroxide as these can dry out and irritate the sensitive skin around the piercing.

If you are unsure or have questions about disinfecting your piercing, it is best to contact your piercer. They can give you specific instructions and recommendations based on the type of piercing and your unique situation.

Can a piercing grow in place?

Yes, there is a chance that a piercing can become permanent if not properly cared for or neglected. The growth of a piercing is called "piercing migration" or "piercing rejection".

In piercing migration, the piercing slowly moves away from its original position and may eventually grow out of the body. This can be due to various factors, including insufficient piercing care, use of improper jewelry, poor piercing placement, or individual anatomy.

Piercing rejection occurs when the body recognizes the piercing as a foreign object and attempts to push it off. This can cause the tissue around the piercing to thin and cause the piercing to move outward. This process can be painful, and the piercing can eventually move out of the body completely.

In order to prevent a piercing from becoming stuck or migrating, it is important to provide proper care. This includes cleaning the piercing according to the piercer's instructions, using high-quality jewelry, avoiding excessive pull or pressure on the piercing, and observing any signs of problems such as redness, swelling, or pain.

If you are concerned that your piercing may become stuck or show signs of migration or rejection, it is advisable to consult a professional piercer or doctor who can assess the situation and take appropriate action.

Who can pierce?

Piercing should always be performed by professional piercers who have the appropriate expertise, training and experience. The exact requirements and legal provisions may vary from country to country. However, here is some general information about who may perform the piercing:

Piercing studios: In most countries, piercing studios must have a permit or license in order to offer their services. Studios should be inspected and approved by health or sanitation authorities. The piercers at these studios should be specifically trained in piercing and have knowledge of hygiene practices, anatomy, piercing techniques and aftercare.
Training and certification: Some countries have specific training programs for piercers. These programs can include classroom and hands-on training that provides piercers with the necessary expertise and skills. Upon completion of training, they may receive certifications or qualified piercer status.
Legal Regulations: Many countries have specific legal regulations and requirements for piercing. These regulations may include minimum age restrictions for customers, hygiene regulations, studio equipment requirements and other regulations. It is important that piercers and studios comply with these regulations to ensure the safety and health of their customers.

Before getting a piercing, it's a good idea to find out about the qualifications and reputation of the piercer or studio. Find a reputable piercing shop that has a good reputation, and make sure the piercer has proper training and experience.