Q: What’s your “starter piercing” recommendation for beginners? - Kaitlyn B.

A: When it comes to starting your piercing journey, ear lobes are by far the most common choice. I mean, they’re just these soft, dangly bits of skin, so they heal pretty quickly and don’t usually hurt that much. It’s kind of like a rite of passage, right? If you’ve already got your lobes pierced and you’re feeling adventurous, maybe think about going for a septum piercing.

The septum is pierced through what’s called the alar cartilage, which is a little softer and more flexible than the tougher cartilage you find in your ear. Because of that, a lot of people actually find the septum piercing to be way less painful than expected, of course, pain is totally subjective, so your experience could vary. The cool thing is, the healing time is usually a lot faster than, say, an ear cartilage piercing. It’s still important to care for it, but it typically doesn’t drag on as long.

So, if you’re looking to step up your piercing game and you’re ready to try something a bit more edgy, the septum might be your next best move. It’s a fun one that still heals pretty quickly, and it looks amazing if you want that bold, statement vibe! Best of luck, and enjoy the process!

Q: Are dermals, surface piercings, or cartilage piercings higher risk for rejection? I’m deciding what I want next. Help plz! - Mateo

A: So, if you're thinking about dermal implants or surface piercings, just know they come with a pretty high risk of rejection down the line. Like, it’s not super uncommon for them to eventually push out of your skin, no matter how well you take care of them. That’s why people often call them “long-term temporary” piercings because you might have them for a while, but they won’t necessarily stick around forever.

On the other hand, ear cartilage piercings have a much lower rejection rate, especially if you follow aftercare instructions carefully. That means they have a way better chance of sticking around for years if you’re consistent with cleaning and avoiding irritation.

If you’re really looking for something that will last and you’re not all about constantly worrying about rejection, a cartilage piercing is probably your safest bet out of the three. It’s just way more likely to stay put and heal properly.

So, if you’re going for something permanent and don’t want to deal with potential issues, a cartilage piercing is definitely your best choice! No one likes the thought of a piercing rejecting, right? Anyway, hope that helps, and happy piercing!

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!