Q: Hi! I’m new to piercings so sorry if this is a dumb question. Can I change my piercing jewelry at home, or should I always go to a piercer? -Harper R.

A: Honestly, there are zero stupid questions when it comes to your health or your piercings, so don’t even stress about asking. Once your piercing is fully healed, you’re totally allowed to change your jewelry on your own. The only real factors that can make it tricky are where the piercing sits, what type of jewelry you’re working with, and how comfortable you are handling tiny pieces without dropping them across the room.

Some spots, like a rook or snug, are just awkward to reach, so changing them yourself can feel like a yoga pose. Certain jewelry styles, like captive bead rings, sometimes need special pliers to pop them open or closed. And honestly, some people just don’t vibe with threading on ends because they’re teeny-tiny and annoying.

As long as you feel confident and your piercing is actually healed, you’re good to try it on your own. But if you’d rather have a piercer handle it so you don’t accidentally irritate anything, that’s totally valid too. Do whatever feels safest and easiest for you. Happy piercing!

Q: Why do some piercings heal fast while others seem to take forever? My industrial was on the forever end of things.  - Alyssa W.

A: Healing times totally vary, and it all comes down to what kind of tissue you got pierced and how much blood flow that area gets. Cartilage piercings, like an industrial, are naturally slower because cartilage is stiff, has limited circulation, and just doesn’t bounce back the way softer tissue does. And with an industrial, you’re not healing one piercing… you’re healing two separate holes that are also connected by a single bar, so your body has double the work and way more irritation to manage.

That’s why something like a tongue piercing heals shockingly fast. Your tongue is pure muscle with a ton of blood flow, so your body can repair that area in record time compared to anything in your ear. Location truly makes or breaks healing speed. Some spots just cooperate more than others.

So if your industrial is taking its sweet time, you’re not doing anything wrong. It’s literally just the nature of the piercing. Best of luck!

Disclaimer: Body Candy is only here to give you fun and helpful advice and information when it comes to getting pierced. Always consult a professional piercer to make sure a new piercing is right for you!