Five Annoying Comments Aimed at Pierced/Modded People
(and how to answer them with class)

Here at Body Candy, we think getting pierced (or otherwise modified) is the ultimate form of beauty, self-care, and self-expression... But let's face it, almost every pierced or modded individual has had an awkward family dinner or unfortunate interaction in public. The cold hard truth is that there are "aesthetically-conservative" individuals in this world that simply don't understand the beauty of being modified.

There unfortunately may come a day where you run into someone rude who simply doesn't approve of an alternative look. They might even be brash enough to make a nasty comment about it. If we're tough enough to handle a needle being pushed through our bodies, we're tough enough to shrug off the occasional dirty look!

Body Candy's got your back (and trust us, we're speaking from experience on this one)! While we think it's the best policy to just shrug these comments off when you can, there may be a time where you're cornered into giving an answer. Here's a list of some ways to handle the most annoying comments and questions that we've gotten as pierced/modded individuals.

Comment: Why do you have so many piercings?

Answer: "Because I like them." or "Because I think they're beautiful."

No answer is ever going to be good enough for the people who come out and ask this one, but let's be real, you don't have to explain your desire to be a pierced/modded individual to anyone!

Our advice: the best policy here is the truth - you're pierced because you want to be. End of discussion.

Question: Do you have any piercing(s) we can't see?

Answer: "That's none of your business." or "Ew."

Talk about rude! Hidden piercings, which could include nipples, genitals, bellybuttons, dermals (or whatever!) can be some of the most fun and beautiful body mods to explore. Whether its your little secret or something for you and your partner to both enjoy, it's certainly none of anyone else's business what you do and don't have pierced.

There's another way to look at this... For example: it's become quite fashionable to show off the impression of nipple piercings through a t-shirt. If you're proud of your nipple piercings, we think that's great! Just don't let anyone get away with making any comments that make you feel uncomfortable.

Our advice: visible or not, your piercings are your business. Tell whoever's asking to mind their own beeswax.

Comment: I bet TSA loves you/I bet you're fun at the airport/Won't you set off metal detectors?

Answer: "Actually, my jewelry isn't ferromagnetic/I don't set off metal detectors."

Here's your opportunity to whip out a fancy vocabulary word! If an object is "ferromagnetic," it means it has a high susceptibility to magnetization.

The cool thing about most body jewelry - it's not ferromagnetic, which means it won't typically set off a metal detector. While there are a few exceptions (like a lot of piercings or heavier-gauge jewelry), most of the time, you'll be able to pass through TSA with no issues.

Of course, if you want to play it safe, you can always invest in some bioplast retainers!

Our advice: The best way to tell people to buzz off is with cold, hard facts. Flex those vocabulary muscles and teach them a thing or two about being pierced.

Question: "Who's going to hire you?" or "No one's going to hire you."

Answer: "Lots of pierced people have jobs" or "I'm happily employed."

Ummm, Take it from us... LOTS OF PIERCED AND MODIFIED PEOPLE ARE EMPLOYED.

There are many industries that are accepting of (and even encourage) the celebration of self-expression that comes along with being pierced or modified.

Comment: What are you going to look like when you're older?

Answer: "Hmmm, like an older version of me." or "Pretty cool, I think."

There is no maximum age limit for having a piercing (sorry, minors - check out our tattoo and piercing laws blog for more info)... In fact, barring certain differences in anatomy, any individual can any kind of piercing. Don't hold yourself back based on what other people might think - the sky is the limit!

While some body mods are certainly more permanent than others (stretched ears, scarification, etc.), many piercings can be removed with little to no scarring. If you feel like you've outgrown a piercing, that's totally up to you too!

Our advice: The important thing here is, whether you take your piercings out or leave them in, make sure it's your choice - the choice that makes you most happy!