You're considering getting your first piercing, but you have questions and concerns. This article will provide you with a comprehensive guide, from the process itself to tips for choosing the best placement, while allaying any concerns you may have.
1. A dive into the world of body piercing
Before taking the plunge, it's crucial to do your research thoroughly. Learn about the different types of piercings and where you can get them. Discover the secrets of aftercare to avoid infection. You can find our aftercare tips here .
2. Find the piercing that pops
Choosing a piercing location is like choosing the toppings on your pizza: it's personal! Especially since there are so many options: earlobe and cartilage, tongue piercing, eyebrow piercing, nose piercing, lip piercing, belly button piercing, nipple piercing, and more.
You need to consider the healing time you're willing to commit to and your body shape ; you can't do every piercing on everyone! And that's good news, because no one will have the same ear composition as you!
Also pay attention to your daily life , we will not choose to pierce for example the ear on which you sleep and/or where you telephone, for those for whom their earphones are essential, we will avoid the Daith and the Tragus! And for bikers the Helix and the Conch!
Don't be shy about sharing your jewelry ideas with your piercer. Show them the style of ring, labret, or even the size of the piercing jewelry you envision once the healing process is complete. After all, these details influence the placement, especially if you plan to transform your ears into works of art.
Think about your style, but don't forget that piercings often take a long time to heal, so don't forget comfort !
3. Chic studio, safe piercing
It's best to avoid jewelry stores for ear piercing, as they often use a gun, a less hygienic process, potentially disruptive to tissues, and less precise (but I'll keep an eye out for a future article to explain in detail the difference between ear piercing with a gun and a needle).
Make sure the piercing studio you choose doesn't look like a mix of medieval torture equipment and a shady barbershop.
In France, your piercer must proudly display a hygiene and sanitation certificate to practice. You will see it prominently displayed in his salon, a solid proof of his seriousness and professionalism! Indeed, compliance with certain fundamental rules is essential: use of sterile single-use or correctly autoclave-sterilized equipment , preference for titanium or surgical steel piercing prostheses, and of course, operate in an environment of undeniable cleanliness!
Choose a clean and reputable place, because it is your " Body " that will be the canvas for the masterpiece.
4. The Piercer: Your New Best Friend
Talk to the piercer like you would your lifelong boyfriend. Ask any questions that are bothering you, like, "Am I supposed to bring my own ceremonial drum to mask my screaming?" No kidding, you need to be comfortable with the person to arrive confidently on piercing day!
5. Think about the meal before the date
Don't go into the experience on an empty stomach. Make sure you've had some fuel before getting pierced!
6. A breath before the sting
The parking itself is very quick, just one second and it's over! So, take a deep breath through your nose, blow out a deep breath through your mouth and it's over! A small injection for man, a big step for style!
7. Post-piercing care: be gentle!
Listen to the piercer's advice as if it were your grandmother's secret recipe for success. The final result of his work also depends on the care and precautions to be taken after piercing! Clean gently , avoid sudden movements and ABOVE ALL do not touch your piercing with unwashed hands!
To find out the 8 things that ruin your healing, click here .
8. Apprehensions go up in smoke
It's perfectly normal to feel a little anxious. If you feel fear creeping up on you, imagine yourself as the most stylish pirate on the seven seas, with your piercing as a symbol of your bravery .
For the most anxious among you, there is also the magic solution ...numbing cream, so consult your doctor to get it prescribed. Apply a thick layer 1 hour before your appointment on the area to be pierced and cover with cling film to allow it to penetrate well. The piercer will remove the cream just before piercing!
Avoid polling your friends on their piercing pain scale, everyone has their own bravery story to tell (pain and healing are unique to each individual!).
If you're feeling stressed, it's best to avoid online piercing videos ; they're known to spread anxiety faster than social media rumors.
If you're feeling lacking in courage, call on your allies : bring your favorite partners in crime, friends, or family. At Les Audacieuses, they can wait in our cozy corner, ready to share encouragement and maybe even a joke!
9. If you have any problems, consult your piercer
If you have any doubts about healing, a painful piercing, a minor injury, If you're worried about a possible infection or any other minor concern, remember not to hesitate to contact your piercer. They'll be your expert guide for the necessary care or even just to give you a soothing dose of peace of mind!
10. The piercing jewel once healed
Once healing is finally complete, it's time to be vigilant in choosing the final piece of jewelry , paying particular attention to the quality of the metal used to avoid any risk of allergic reaction. Choose jewelry made of titanium, surgical steel, gold, silver, or gold-plated silver.
You should also consider matching the jewelry to the pierced area. For earlobes, earrings generally work, while for cartilage piercings, matching piercings are preferable.
Once these bases are laid, it's up to you to play and give free rein to your creativity: sparkling rhinestones or classic sobriety, bold rings or small discreet studs, silver, gold or rose gold metal... The combinations are endless to fully express your personal style .
In conclusion, with wisdom and humor, your first piercing will become an exciting adventure to share with your body. Dive into the research, choose with style, and remember that you are about to mark a memorable chapter in your journey of self-expression!
The Audacious