What to Expect When Getting Your First Piercing

Body piercing is more than a simple fashion statement. It's a personal journey, a reflection of your personality, and a chance to express yourself to the world.

So if you're ready to jump in feet first, use this guide to help. We'll explain what to expect when you make that leap.

Whether you're after a delicate and subtle earlobe piercing or intent on rocking a daring eyebrow stud, this guide will cover it all. We'll tell you how to prepare, what will happen during the piercing, and how to ensure you heal correctly afterward.

Prepare to embrace your new look and express your unique style!

A Brief History of Piercings

It might surprise you to know that piercings have a long and exotic history. And it dates back thousands of years. Various ancient cultures, like ancient Egypt, used piercings as symbols of beauty, spirituality, and status.

Piercings could sometimes indicate royalty. In more recent times, piercings have become a symbol of counterculture. In the 1970s and '80s, they were a rebellious statement of the youth.

But more recently than that, they've become mainstream.

Many of us choose piercings for fashion style, art, and self-expression. That's why you'll see diversity nowadays when people showcase their piercings. And all have a unique and interesting story to tell.

Deciding on the Right Body Piercing

Choosing the right piercing can be fun. And remember - this is a personal journey! It has to be right for you. So think about your style, comfort, lifestyle, and sometimes career constraints.

First, you should be honest about your pain threshold. Everyone is different. Some body parts carry more sensitivity than others. So think about what you can handle. Consider the healing time and aftercare, too.

Ask yourself how your piercings will fit with your hobbies and activities. Are you active in competitive sports? Do you need to wear headsets or helmets?

Next, think about your style. Do you prefer classic, edgy, or artistic looks?

What's your personality? Browse our lookbook for inspiration if you're unsure.

Last, consult a piercer about the pros and cons of different body piercings to help you decide. But this research makes you more likely to find the perfect piercing. And that is a piercing that fits comfortably with your personality and lifestyle.

Choosing a Reputable Studio

Once you've decided to get your first piercing, it's time to choose a reputable studio. You'll want one that has high hygiene standards and professionally-trained staff.

When you have a shortlist, do some homework to learn more about them. Research their reputation by browsing reviews online. Look for comments on cleanliness, professionalism, communication, and customer service.

If you have friends with piercings, ask for their suggestions. Word-of-mouth recommendations are often the best way to find an excellent studio.

Don't be afraid to visit the studio before you get a piercing. It lets you see the setup first-hand and ensure it's clean and organized.

It's also a chance to chat with a piercer, get a feel for their experience, and seek their advice. Get them to explain their aftercare procedures for piercings too, and ask any other pressing questions you have.

Don't be too swayed by the cost. Though you won't want to pay over the odds, choosing the cheapest option's not always sensible.

It's better to look at other factors that ensure you get a safe, high-quality piercing. If high pricing is an issue, you can always ask your preferred studio if they have any upcoming promotions.

Questions to Ask Your Piercer

Always book an initial consultation with a piercer before the big event. It will help alleviate any fears or lingering doubts. Plus, it's a chance to learn about the process and aftercare. Here are some suggestions for the questions you might ask:

• What's your experience with different types of piercings?
• Can you tell me your qualifications?
• Do you recommend specific jewelry?
• How long is the healing process?
• Are there any risks or potential complications?
• How do I prepare for the piercing?

Don't feel scared to ask questions. Experienced piercers will be familiar with this process and won't mind giving you some honest answers.

It will make the piercing process run more smoothly. And you'll have a more positive experience.

Pre-Piercing Readiness

Getting a studio to answer your questions will help you to prepare. But you should also be physically and mentally prepared for the piercing.

First, you want to ensure you are in good physical health.

If you have a virus, change your booking time so that you can attend the piercing when you're feeling better. Ensure you have had plenty of sleep and some healthy, filling food.

Avoid alcohol or drugs, as that can thin your blood. Be mindful of any allergies you have, especially to metal. Always share your allergy information with your piercer.

Mentally, do some meditation or breathing exercises beforehand if you feel anxious about the pain. Good breathing techniques will help during the procedure too. If you feel nervous, be honest and tell the piercer before they begin work.

Remember that this is an exciting moment and something you want - so keep this in mind. Focus on how your piercing will look afterward and how you'll style yourself to show it to the world.

What Happens on the Big Day

By the day of the piercing, you should have your questions answered and feel fully prepared. But you can still have one final chat with your piercer to confirm your decisions - so make the most of that.

When ready, the piercer will begin by cleaning the skin area. After that, they will make the piercing spot with a special skin marker.

That will ensure you and the piercer are on the same page about where you want your piercing.

The piercer will use a sterilized needle to do the piercing. An experienced pierce will do this quickly and accurately to avoid causing you pain or discomfort.

Try to relax, as that will make your life easier. After that, it's time to insert the jewelry.

The length of time this takes will depend on the type of piercing. The needle takes a few seconds, but the procedure can take 20 minutes to an hour. It depends on what cleaning, preparation, and aftercare you need on that skin area.

Essential Steps for Healing

You must focus on proper aftercare when you've had a piercing. It will help you heal quickly.

Clean the piercing in line with instructions from your piercer. Always use clean hands and a saline solution. Avoid touching the piercing during your cleaning routine to reduce the chance of infection.

Don't sleep on the piercing; keep it away from hair and clothing. If you have long hair and an ear piercing, keep your hair tied back - even when sleeping.

Your piercer will tell you when you can remove or change the jewelry. Don't skip this process - it's a vital step in making sure you heal. The timescale may be weeks or months, depending on the type of piercing.

Last, remember that our bodies are unique. It may take you longer to heal. But if you are worried about whether you are healing as quickly as you should, speak to your piercer.

Risks and How to Avoid Them

Though piercing is low risk, you must know about some small risks.

That includes infection, allergic reactions, excessive scarring, and jewelry rejection. But there is a lot you can do to cut your risks, such as going to a reputable professional and following aftercare instructions.

Choosing high-quality hypoallergenic jewelry is also a good idea. That will lower the risk of a reaction to the metal.

Look for signs of infection, such as ongoing redness, swelling, pain, or discharge. Seek medical attention if you feel concerned.

Choosing Jewelry for Your Healing Piercing

Take time to choose the best jewelry for your piercing. It's a way to enjoy your new piercing. And high-quality jewelry that doesn't irritate your skin will help heal.

During the piercing, the piercer will use a piece longer or larger than usual to accommodate swelling. When you replace this, choose a material like surgical steel, titanium, or gold. These are the most hypoallergenic options.

Avoid jewelry with added sharp edges that could irritate the piercing.

Consider your personal preferences too. The beauty of jewelry is the vast range - you can opt for delicate, feminine, bold, or edgy. You can turn your piercing into a statement and a fashion choice in many ways.

Making a Statement

Getting your first body piercing is an exciting journey. You might feel the buzz of anticipation or feel unsure about the decisions. Either way, let this article be your guide - signposting you to a piercing you love and cherish forever.

And now that you're ready for the piercing, it's time to get inspired by jewelry. Browse through our best sellers here at Body Pierce Jewelry. Unleash your creative self and let your personality shine through.