Q: Should I go for symmetry or go all-out random with my piercings? How do you decide? - Hailey P.

A: One easy and honestly kind of fun way to answer this for yourself is to buy a bag of small metallic beads and a bottle of skin safe adhesive. Then you can experiment by gently sticking the beads onto your skin in different places and layouts to see what feels right to you. It is like trying on piercings without actually committing, which takes all the pressure out of it. You might notice that symmetrical placements feel more calm and balanced, giving off that clean girl, minimal, put together aesthetic. On the other hand, playing with asymmetry can feel way more bold and expressive, leaning into a maximalist, funky, creative vibe. There is no right or wrong choice, just whatever matches your energy and personal style. Take your time, snap a few mirror pics, and see what you keep coming back to. Happy piercing!

Q: Can stretching or changing gauges cause permanent damage? - Gia

A: Stretching a piercing the wrong way can seriously mess things up and, yes, it can cause permanent damage to the tissue if you are not careful. This is definitely not something you want to rush or force, even if you are excited to size up. Stretching should always be done slowly, gently, and only when your piercing actually feels ready, not just because you want it to be bigger right now. Pain, resistance, or irritation are big signs to pause and wait longer.

If you are unsure where to start or just want to make sure you are doing everything safely, we really recommend checking out our blog on dead stretching. It breaks everything down in an easy, no stress way and shares helpful tips on how to stretch correctly using single flare glass plugs and a biocompatible oil. Using the right materials makes such a huge difference for healing and comfort. Taking your time and doing it properly will help keep your piercings healthy and happy in the long run. Best of luck, and be patient with your body, it is worth it!!

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!