Piercing Jewelry: Your Guide to Style and Safety
Choosing your first piercing is about more than just aesthetics. It’s a key step in determining how comfortable and safe your new piercing will heal. The right material and shape are the foundation for a positive experience in the world of self-expression.
- Material above all else: For a fresh piercing, choose only implant-grade titanium (ASTM F-136).
- Simple shape: Labrets or barbells are best for beginners, as they minimize movement and irritation.
- The right size: The gauge, length, or diameter should perfectly match your anatomy.
- For Healed Only: Silver and other decorative metals can only be worn in fully formed canals.
- Professional care: Follow the recommendations of the master to avoid complications.
What is it: the basics of choosing your first piece of jewelry
Choosing your first piece of jewelry is a crucial moment. Many people choose it solely based on design, ignoring key aspects, which leads to complications. Let's figure out what you really need to pay attention to.
Why it's important: preparation and choosing a master
Before choosing earrings, find a professional. A good piercer is your guide in the world of safe piercing, who will not only make an even puncture, but also provide comprehensive advice.
Criteria for selecting a master:
- Sterility: Use only disposable needles and autoclaved instruments.
- Portfolio: Availability of photographs of high-quality healed works.
- Consultation: The specialist will always ask about your health, allergies, and provide clear care instructions.
- The right jewelry: A professional salon will offer products made from biocompatible materials, such as implant-grade titanium, for the primary piercing.
Poorly done piercing is a health risk. You shouldn't skimp on a master, because it's an investment in your safety.
Not all metals are suitable for a fresh piercing. Silver, for example, oxidizes when in contact with lymph and blood, causing irritation. The shape of the jewelry should also be simple so as not to injure the healing canal.
How to do it step by step: choosing the material
The choice of material is the foundation of your comfort. The wrong metal can turn the dream of a stylish look into an allergy problem.
Titanium: the gold standard for the first piercing
For a fresh piercing, professionals choose implant titanium ASTM F-136 . This is a biocompatible material that the body does not try to reject.
Advantages of titanium:
- Hypoallergenic: Does not contain nickel, the main cause of allergic reactions.
- Lightness: Almost half the weight of steel, which reduces pressure on the fresh wound.
- Durability: Does not oxidize or darken, maintaining its appearance for years.
ASTM F-136 titanium is used in medical implants, proving its safety. It is the choice of every responsible craftsman.
316L Surgical Steel: A Popular Choice
316L medical grade steel is a popular choice due to its strength, shine, and affordability. However, it contains traces of nickel, so it may not be suitable for people with sensitive skin. Titanium is best for the initial piercing, and steel is best for healed canals.
Sterling silver: elegance for healed canals
Sterling silver jewelry looks stylish, but it should only be worn in fully formed piercings. In a fresh wound, silver oxidizes, which can cause irritation or argyria, a persistent darkening of the skin.
Wait until it is completely healed before adding more silver jewelry to your collection. They require care, which you can learn about in our detailed guide to caring for sterling silver .
Checklist: materials comparison table
| Material | Hypoallergenic | For primary puncture | Durability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Titanium ASTM F-136 | Maximum (nickel-free) | Perfect fit | Very high |
| Steel 316L | High (contains traces of nickel) | With caution | High |
| 925 sterling silver | Medium (may oxidize) | Not suitable | Medium (needs maintenance) |
Examples of images: understanding the forms of jewelry
Each form of jewelry is designed for a specific piercing for comfort and aesthetics.
Labrets and barbells: universal classics
Labret — a straight bar with a flat base. Ideal for lip and ear piercings (helix, tragus) as it does not catch on teeth or hair. The internally threaded version is considered safer.
Barbell — a straight bar with two wraps. A classic decoration for tongue, nipple, and industrial piercings . Its curved counterpart, the banana , is ideal for navel and eyebrow piercings.
Rings: a space for self-expression
Rings add dynamics to the image. Main types:
- Segment rings: Create the illusion of a solid ring.
- Clickers: The most convenient option with a click fastener, ideal for a septum.
- Circular Barbell: Horseshoe-shaped rings with two wraps.
If you're looking for the perfect gold rings, our guide will help you find your way .
How to determine your size
Choosing jewelry online requires knowledge of three parameters:
- Gauge: The diameter of the bar. The smaller the number, the thicker the jewelry (e.g., 16g = 1.2 mm).
- Length: Measured in mm for straight jewelry (labrets, barbells).
- Diameter: The inner diameter for rings and circulars.
The easiest way to find out your size is to ask a craftsman or measure an old piece of jewelry. If you're looking for rings, you'll find this guide on how to determine your ring size at home useful .
Your piercing is in safe hands: rules for safe care
Proper care is the key to quick healing. A fresh puncture is a small wound that needs to be kept clean and calm.
Basic rules:
- Washing: Treat the puncture with saline solution 2-3 times a day.
- Clean hands: Never touch jewelry with dirty hands.
- No scrolling: Do not move the jewelry to avoid damaging the canal.
- Dryness: After washing, gently pat your skin dry with a paper towel.
According to relevant sources about piercing , choosing a certified salon and hypoallergenic materials reduces the risk of complications by 85-90%.
Once the piercing heals, the jewelry also needs cleaning. Titanium and steel can be washed with warm soapy water. We wrote a separate article about how to properly clean silver at home .
What to choose at Taton.shop
At Taton.shop, we believe that beauty lies in the details. Our assortment is carefully selected to ensure that each piece of jewelry is safe and comfortable.
- Minimalist ear labrets. Sophisticated titanium or silver sets for the helix, tragus or conch, where simplicity is synonymous with elegance.
- Elegant septum rings. Delicate silver rings that will emphasize your uniqueness without overloading your image.
- Time-tested barbells. Classic and reliable jewelry made of biocompatible materials for any experiments.
We make sure that shipping and payment information is clear. Discover the world of quality jewelry created in Ukraine.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Piercing Jewelry
What material is best for the first piercing?
Definitely implant titanium (ASTM F-136) . It is biocompatible, nickel-free, and creates ideal conditions for rapid healing without allergic reactions.
Can I wear silver in a fresh piercing?
Absolutely not. Silver oxidizes when in contact with body fluids, which can cause irritation, slow healing, or lead to permanent darkening of the skin (argyria).
How do I know if a piece of jewelry doesn't suit me?
Your body will give you a signal: prolonged redness, itching, swelling or unusual discharge. Most often this is a reaction to nickel in the alloy. In this case, immediately contact the master to replace the jewelry with a hypoallergenic one.
How often should you clean jewelry in a healed piercing?
Washing your piercing with warm water and mild soap every 1-2 weeks is sufficient to remove natural buildup. Fresh piercings require much more frequent and delicate care, as recommended by your piercer.
Conclusion
Now you are armed with the knowledge to make an informed choice of piercing jewelry . Remember that safety and quality should always come first. A responsible approach to the choice of material, shape, and care is your guarantee of a beautiful and healthy piercing for many years to come.
Explore your style and discover new ways to express yourself with us. Browse our new arrivals to find that perfect piece of jewelry.
Author: Taton Editorial Team. Updated on: 05/24/2024.