This list of frequently asked piercing questions covers a range of topics from getting the piercing to choosing new jewelry for yourself. If you have an additional question, please ask in the comments and I will do my best to answer it in a future blog! 😊
Q: How do I know the size of my piercing so that I can buy the right jewelry?
A: Unfortunately there is no industry standard size for any piercing. It is the decision of the piercer to choose what gauge they pierce you with! If you can, call your piercer and ask what gauge they usually do the piercing in question with. The size of your jewelry as in diameter or length also varies greatly depending on your unique ear anatomy and piercing placement! This means that the jewelry sizing process takes a bit of trial and error. After time, you will find what length for studs and diameter of hoops best fits your piercings to achieve the look that you want! For a more in depth guide on how to choose the correct sized piercing jewelry, see this blog.
Q: Will getting a piercing hurt?
A: Everyone's pain tolerance is quite different, so it's not the best idea to take anyones answer to this question too seriously. You can minimize the discomfort by being sure to visit a professional piercer, who is seasoned and great at their job! Be sure to never be pierced with a gun, as they cause damage and definitely hurt more than being pierced properly with a hollow needle. For more on finding a pro to pierce you see this blog. For more on why guns are not a safe choice see this blog.
Q: How long will my piercing take to heal?
A: The answer to this question varies greatly depending on how you care for your piercing. Your overall health, whether you sleep on your new piercing or not, how it was pierced, if you touch it and many more factors play into your total healing time! As a general rule, lobes will heal in 1-2 months and any cartilage piercing takes 3-12 months. For a more detailed account of the healing process of a piercing see this blog!
Q: When can I change my jewelry?
A: You should only change your jewelry when your piercing is FULLY healed! Mandatory downsizing during the healing process is excluded- you should always follow your piercers advice that is given in your piercing follow up visits!
Q: What jewelry can I put in my _____ piercing?
A: As long as you have the correct sized jewelry and you have considered whether you need a flat/round back, the weight of the jewelry in your specific piercing, and what direction any gems/opals/other decorations will face when the jewelry is inserted the jewelry possibilities are virtually endless!
Q: Is my piercing infected?
A: Contrary to popular belief, a legitimate infection in a piercing is actually rare! Most of the time common irritation is mistaken for an infection. To learn more about the difference between the two see this blog.
Q: If I take out my jewelry will my piercing close up?
A: If your piercing is pretty new it will definitely close up on you- possibly even within a few hours! If your piercing is healed, you can leave it out for varying amounts of time. As soon as you remove your jewelry, the hole will begin to shrink a little at a time, so be sure to only leave it out for as long as you have to!Â
Q: I have a metal allergy- what jewelry can I wear?
A: The answer to this question depends on the severity of your allergy! Metal allergies are most commonly cased by nickel. Nickel is found in trace amounts even in hypoallergenic jewelry (316L surgical steel) so if you have reactions to common household items or clothing zippers, you should stick to titanium or 14kt gold jewelry only. If you don't react to household items or zippers, you will most likely be able to wear 316L surgical steel jewelry with no issue! If you'd like to learn more about our materials and metal allergies, check out this blog.
I hope that this Q&A style blog was helpful! If you thought it was, please help us out by clicking one of the share buttons 😊Â
Until next time,Â
Kourtney 🖤