Welcome to the spectacular world of body jewelry! Whether you’re planning your first piercing or you’re seeking more, getting a piercing is a journey of self-expression and personal adornment (even though it sounds cliche lol). Body jewelry can absolutely enhance your look, but it's important to start with the right knowledge to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. In this guide, we'll cover the essentials and provide valuable tips for newbies in the universe of body jewelry.

1. Choosing the Right Piercing:

 Before diving into body jewelry, you'll need to decide on the type of piercing you want. Popular choices include earlobe, cartilage, septum, and navel piercings. Take into consideration your lifestyle when picking a piercing. Are you a hockey player and wear a helmet? Perhaps wait until your off-season before getting a helix piercing! Additionally, consider what suits your style and comfort level. Some piercings require a more intensive care routine in order to heal. A few minutes of research can help you understand the basics of the piercing you're considering.

2. Consult a Professional

Take your time to find a professional and certified piercing artist. Seek out clean reputable places that use single-use sterile devices and implant grade threadless or internally threaded metals. Ensure that they do NOT use piercing guns and instead use needles. Researching local reviews, visiting shops in person, and reviewing artist portfolios can help you determine in a studio if a good fit for you and your piercing. 

When in doubt, consult a professional piercer. They can provide expert advice on proper care and any issues you may encounter following your piercing. Don't hesitate to reach out to them for guidance or assistance.

3. Healing and Aftercare:

Proper aftercare is paramount. Keep your piercing clean with a daily saline solution rinses and avoid touching it with dirty hands. For further instructions, check out our article on Piercing Aftercare. Follow any specific care instructions provided by your piercer and be patient, as healing times vary depending on the location.

@piercedowl this is how I clean my new eyebrow ring! #eyebrowpiercing #piercingcleaning #newpiercing #howto #piercedowl #jessepinkman ♬ original sound - ue2 

4. Learn Your Sizes:

Body jewelry comes in various sizes. Therefore, it's essential to choose the right size for your piercing if you plan to eventually change your jewelry! Common measurements for jewelry include gauge, length or diameter. A professional piercing will guide you in choosing jewelry that is best fit for your anatomy and the piercing.

Be aware that different piercings may have different gauge sizes. For example, navel are generally pierced with at least a 14 gauge needle, meanwhile a septum piercing is typically pierced at 16 gauge. Asking your piercer the gauge, length and diameter of your jewelry will also help you seek out new jewelry in the future.

Furthermore, you will likely be pierced with a larger piece of jewelry that accounts for swelling. If so, your piercer should provide you with a timeline for when your jewelry will need to be downsized. 

5. Gradual Changes

Your body needs time to adapt to new jewelry, so make changes gradually. Wait until your piercing is completely healed before considering a jewelry switch. Once healed, be aware that changing your jewelry often may irritate a new piercing. 

Before changing your jewelry, consult our article on Piercing Hacks to find helpful tips and tricks to changing your jewelry with ease!

@piercedowl changing back into some classic spiked jewelry from Pierced Owl. 🖤 BTW! we have some new eyebrow jewelry coming in soon that we are so excited for you all to see! #eyebrowpiercing #septumpiercing #jewelrychange #piercinghacks #bodypiercings #piercings ♬ Untrust Us - Crystal Castles