Across centuries and cultures, body piercings and tattooing have taken many forms and meanings. Egyptians, Polynesians, Celtics, Northern European tribes, etc., decorated their bodies with piercings and tattoos that served as charms, adornments, and status symbols, for religious purposes, among others.
Are you ready to jump into the tattooing and body piercing bandwagon but unsure how to go about it or what to expect? Schedule a free consultation with our professional body piercing, permanent makeup, and tattooing team at Wingnut Tattoo and Piercing.
We are happy to help you make an informed decision you'll be proud of. This guide on types of piercings, jewelry, and aftercare tips will also help nudge you in the right direction.
Types of Piercings
Nearly any part of your body can be pierced. Body piercing is simply making a hole in any part of the body using a needle and then inserting a piece of jewelry. Most piercings appear painful. However, the sting is intense for a split second, but it will quickly subside once the needle has pierced through the skin and jewelry is inserted.
Some people may experience an allergic reaction or develop infections and scar tissue formations after a piercing. To reduce the risks, use a certified piercer with a good reputation and whose facility and equipment are sterile and safe. You must also follow the instructions on caring for your piercing to a tee.
Here are five of the most common piercings;
1. Ear Piercing
While the earlobe is the most popular part of ear piercing, you turn your ear into a masterpiece as there are multiple areas of the ear you can pierce:
The outer ear cartilage near the earlobe takes between 8-16 months to heal.
The part between the helix and the earlobe. Healing may take between 3-9 months.
Inner and outer conch piercings are done on the part of your ear that resembles a conch shell located between the lobe and the top of your ear.
2. Nose Piercing
If you're thinking about a simple modification, consider a nostril piercing that goes through the thickest part of the nostril. It's ideal because the piercing is straightforward, plus almost any jewelry type is suitable for such a nose piercing.
Other places you can get pierced include:
The piercing in the nose bridge goes through the tip or bridge of your nose.
The septum piercing generally goes through the bottom skin of the nose and comes out of both nasal cavities.
3. Tongue Piercing
A tongue piercing is arguably one of the greatest forms of self-expression; what's more, you'll be spoilt for choice as far as your jewelry options are concerned. There are multiple ways to embellish the tongue, including vertical or horizontal tongue piercing and piercing the uvula.
4. Face Piercing
While eyebrow piercing, including mouth piercing, primarily the upper or lower lip piercing, is the most common facial piercing, consider cheek or 'dimple piercings too. Note that facial piercings are a significant commitment. Therefore, consult a professional if you need clarification on the size, color, and type of jewelry that fits your face aesthetics.
5. Genital Piercings
Intimate piercings are body modifications mainly intended to embellish the male and female genitalia. Numerous areas of the penis and vagina can be pierced for various purposes. For example, clitoral glans and hood piercings are said to enhance arousal and sexual pleasure.
Some types of piercings fall under the body modification category, ranging from anal to skin piercing. They include belly piercing, back, tooth, nape, hip, sternum, and nipple piercing.
Types of Piercing Jewelry
You have a vast selection of body-piercing jewelry to select from. The most standard style of tongue, ear, nipple, and eyebrow jewelry is the barbells, followed by belly button barbells. Ear cartilage, nose jewelry, pinchers, plugs, and labrets vary in gauge sizes, styles, and piercing types.
Most piercing jewelry is made from surgical steel, titanium, acrylic, silicone, glass, and curved wood. To find out which material works best for your skin type, speak with a piercing professional first for helpful information.
Aftercare Tips: How to Care for Your Body Piercings
Piercing healing time varies significantly depending on the pierced body part. It can also be influenced by how fast or slow your body from healing itself. Here are a few things to remember during your aftercare regimen:
Never remove your piercing before it heals. The pierced area may shrink or close up, making it painful or challenging to get it back in.
Avoid touching the pierced area, especially with unclean hands, because germ transference may lead to infection.
It's normal to experience minimal bleeding with a new piercing, such as bruising, tenderness, itching, redness, and inflammation.
Spray the saline solution directly on the pierced area to flush the piercing. If you must rinse the product away (not necessary), use clean, running water.
Avoid getting makeup in or around your piercing.
Use a breathable and waterproof bandage when in contact with water.
Do you need help with your piercing decision and the appropriate body piercing jewelry to use? Contact us at Wingnut Tattoo and Piercing or make an online booking for a consultation. Our professional team of licensed artists has years of combined knowledge in body piercing, permanent makeup, and tattooing. We are available to provide you with the best tattoo and piercing services.
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