If you’ve only ever got your lobes pierced, you may not have been around a piercing studio in years. Maybe you’ve never had a piercing at all and want to give it a try. Either way, here are five tips to keep the process simple, safe, and (mostly) painless.
Don’t settle for any piercing studio
You can walk into any shopping centre and find a jewelry store that offers piercings. These are usually cheap and quick, but there’s a reason for that. Staff use a piercing gun, and sometimes have only been trained to use it on cardboard! Piercing guns also compress the skin which leaves the hole uneven, and slower to heal. Most of the time, your best bet is going to be a reputable tattoo shop in your area, where a professional will use a regular needle.
Choose a piercing that fits your lifestyle
It’s easy to get caught up in how a piercing will look but, if it interferes with your day-to-day life, you might not find it as fun. Consider your workplace environment, or the workplace you hope to enter, and which kinds of piercings they will allow. Think about the things you do every day and ask yourself if a piercing could get in the way. If you wear glasses, could a bridge piercing affect the way they sit? If you jog, will a belly button piercing chafe against your clothes?
See also: The Best Apps To Sell Pre-Loved Clothes On
Observe how you sleep
Sleep positions might not be the first thing that come to mind when you’re considering a piercing, but noticing them before you choose your placement can spare you a lot of pain and sleepless nights. Notice how you’re laying when you fall asleep and when you wake up. If you sleep on your stomach, nose or belly button rings could spell trouble. If you tend to sleep on your left side, choose a placement on the right ear or right side of the face, and vice versa.
Show up ready
Once it’s time for your appointment, make sure you’ve eaten a full meal and had plenty of water. Most piercings don’t cause any adverse affects, but it’s best to make sure your body is running on full to decrease the risk of fainting. Take deep breaths and keep your muscles relaxed as much as possible. If you’re feeling unwell, always let your piercer know. After you’re done, it’s best not to touch the piercing, but you can always numb it with an ice cube.
Keep it clean
Infections can be a real pain, and they’re common with new piercings. However, a good cleaning regime can help prevent them. Use a sterile saline solution and wipe it down daily with a clean cotton pad. When you’re in the shower, use the shower head to clear out any debris.
And you’re done! Time to show off your new look.
See also: Everything to Consider Before Getting Your First Tattoo
