A new piercing defines beauty and freedom. This can be an exciting way to express you, but deciding the right jewelry is crucial for enhancing the look. Picking the wrong jewelry may lead to irritation and infection you don’t want. Thus, the perfect jewelry will enhance your style. This article provides a comprehensive guide for deciding the perfect jewelry for your new piercing. This will cover everything from the material to size to style and further maintenance. Even if you are new to piercings or a seasoned fan, understanding these factors will lead to a healthy and stylish piercing.
Understand Your Piercing
Before deciding the best jewelry for you, it is crucial to understand the type of piercing you have. Different types of piercings require different jewelry shapes and sizes.
Earlobe- This is the most common form of piercing that can be healed with simple studs or hoops.
Helix, Tragus, or Daith- These cartilage piercings require hoops or curved barbells that don’t exert pressure.
Nostril- Nose piercings are often fitted with studs, screws, or small hoops.
Belly Button- This typically uses curved barbells designed to sit with the body
Tongue or Lip- These piercings require straight barbells or circular barbells that allow for comfortable movement.
Understanding Jewelry’s Material
Before choosing the jewelry it is crucial to choose the material. Some people can be allergic to certain metals. Thus, it is crucial to choose high-quality, hypoallergenic materials. Let’s explore some common and safe options:
Surgical Stainless Steel (316L or 316LVM)- This is the most common material which is used for initial piercings. The quality of this material such as durable, affordable, and hypoallergenic makes it a widely recognized material. However, some stainless steel contains trace amounts of nickel, so if you are allergic to nickel. Try avoiding this material.
Titanium- Titanium is heaven for sensitive skin or people prone to allergies. This is biocompatible and lightweight, thus this material is ideal for larger or heavier pieces of jewelry.
Niobium- Niobium is slightly heavier than titanium but has a similar smooth finish. This is great for initial piercings because of its bio inert properties.
Gold (14k or 18k)- Solid gold is a good option for healed piercings. However, avoid gold-plated jewelry for fresh piercings as it may cause irritation or infection. Permanent Jewelry may be the best option for gold.
Platinum- Platinum is the premium choice, thus if you want the best then this is your prime choice. This is hypoallergenic, highly durable, and resists tarnish.
Correct Sizing: Importance of Length and Gauge
This is crucial that you opt for the right size when deciding on your piercing jewelry. The right size will provide you with better healing and comfort.
Thickness (Gauge)
The thickness of jewelry varies depending on the piercing type. Thus, you have to find the best thickness according to your type to avoid irritation and tearing of the piercing. Your expert will recommend a specific gauge based on your piercing location.
Length
Another crucial aspect to deal with is the length of the jewelry. If the length is too short, the piercing can be embedded into the skin, on the other hand, jewelry that’s too long will move excessively irritatingly.
Understanding the Style of Jewelry
During the initial time, you should focus on healing. Thus, style the jewelry most comfortably. Let us look at various common jewelry styles based on different piercings:
Studs- Studs are simple and offer minimal design which makes them ideal for earlobes, nostrils, or lips. Ensure the back of the stud is flat or smooth.
Hoops- These are ideal for nostrils, ears, and cartilage. These circular jewelry tend to move excessively thus choosing small hoops that fit comfortably without excessive movement.
Barbells- Barbells straight or curved are ideal for tongue, nipple, and navel piercings.
Maintenance of the Piercing
Your fresh piercings need to be taken care of. The care will affect healing time and reduce the risk of complications. Let us look at some ways for aftercare:
Clean regularly– Regularly cleanse the piercing with a saline solution or a mild soap and water twice daily.
Avoid touching- Don’t play with the jewelry while it is still in the healing phase. This can introduce bacteria.
Be cautious with makeup and lotions- Avoid using makeup, or lotions near the piercing area, especially during the healing phase.
Watch for irritation or infection- If you face any problem or irritation, consult a professional for advice.
Jewelry Checkups- Heal properly and ensure checkups to avoid wear and tear. Afterward, opt for Permanent Jewelry to ease you.
Conclusion
A fresh piercing can be exhausting to maintain. Thus, choosing the right jewelry is crucial to ensure a smooth healing process and enhance your look. Choosing the right material and styling will make this process seamless.
