Are you looking to spice up your look? Are you considering getting a body piercing?
Getting a piercing can be a fantastic, inexpensive way to express yourself. Yet failing to care for them correctly can lead to unhappiness and even infections.
Here’s what you need to know about preparing for and looking after your piercing.
-
Finding The Right Piercing
Your previous piercings and best features will play a role in the type of piercing you choose. For example, if you’ve got great hair, you may want to choose an ear piercing that directs the eye to it.
Social media groups or websites like bodypiercejewelry.com are a great way to check out the various options available to you. Before you make an appointment for your piercing, some photos of what you have in mind can really help your technician out. Remember that you’ll be wearing your first jewelry piece for a while before you can switch it out.
-
Finding The Right Technician
Most technicians who do body piercings are trained by more experienced professionals. Before choosing someone, it’s important to carefully consider your options. Start by asking friends who have had body piercings to recommend someone, and don’t be afraid to ask questions.
Was the technician fast and efficient? Were there any problems with the piercing later on? Was the price reasonable?
Once you’ve narrowed down your search, type your technician’s name into a search engine and check out their online reviews. Are a lot of former clients saying that they had a positive experience? Or do you see plenty of people talking about the unfriendly service or their skin problems after the piercing?
You also want to find a piercing that happens at the right price. Body piercings can range anywhere from $20 to $75, depending on which body part you’re getting pierced and the experience of the technician.
Yet the least expensive technician isn’t necessarily the best one for you. Take into account the experience of your technician before you choose one. In some cases, it may be worth it to pay a little more if it gives you confidence that the job will be done professionally.
-
Sterilization Is Important
When you visit your technician, make note of the sterilization practices used. Are they wearing sterilized gloves? Do they wipe the area with an alcohol wipe first?
Not having a sterilized area could easily lead to infection. Everything should be sterilized, including the jewelry, chair, and needle. If you don’t see things being sterilized, don’t be afraid to ask your technician what their process is.
-
Make Sure You’re Old Enough
In most states, you’ll need to be at least 18 years old to get a piercing without parental consent. If you’re a minor, some states may require a parent or guardian to be present. In others, you may not be able to get a piercing at all.
Before you get your heart set on a piercing, make sure you do your research and make sure you won’t get turned away.
-
Be Careful About Your Metal
Those with sensitive skin will need to be especially careful with the metal options they choose. For example, 14 and 18K gold are nickel-free. This can help to minimize reactions and help you heal faster.
The warm tones in real gold can also flatter your skin. While you may not need real gold for every piece of jewelry you choose for your piercing after a few months, you’d be wise to choose a hypoallergenic material for the piercing itself.
-
You Will Feel Some Pain and Irritation
No matter what material you choose, it’s normal to feel some pain when you initially get a piercing. Your technician may numb the area with some cream, but you will probably experience at least some discomfort.
It’s important to expect some pain so you won’t be shocked. Yet everyone’s experience is different, so you may not be in as much pain as you expected.
-
Proper After Care Is Essential
Caring for your piercing afterward is critical. Make sure you never touch your piercing with dirty hands, or after touching bacteria-laden items such as cell phones or door handles.
You’ll likely need to clean your piercing twice per day with a cleaning solution provided or suggested by your technician. It’s also important to use things like clean bedding and towels.
-
Treat Infections Right Away
The minute you notice any redness or swelling, you’ll want to treat any potential infections. Generally, an antibiotic cream is a good thing to have on hand. Sea salt soaks can also help.
-
Keep It In For 6-8 Weeks
Right after you get a piercing, it can be tempting to want to change things up and try different styles. However, you’ll probably want to keep your current piercing in for at least 6-8 weeks to prevent the hole from closing up. The exact amount of time will vary depending upon the placement of your piercing, so be sure to ask your technician for a timetable.
-
Love Your New Piercing!
The right piercing can help you feel great about yourself, improving your appearance, energy, and production. As long as you’re diligent about caring for a body piercing, you could be enjoying newfound attention and fashionableness for years to come.
The Impact Of A Body Piercing.
Not every single body piercing is the same. The right one for you will be sterile, attractive, and long-lasting. With a little research, you could have everyone talking about your new piercing in no time!
Don’t stop getting smart about your body and lifestyle now. For more great advice, read our blog today.
