So, you’re thinking about getting your first piercing but aren’t sure which piercing might be right for you? Don’t fret, Body Candy is here to help you make up your mind!
Piercings are generally divided into beginner, moderate, and extreme categories based on several factors. While the initial discomfort is definitely a factor, it’s certainly not the only one. Healing time, location, and the complexity of healing all fall into play as well. An ideal first piercing should be one that is more easily and quickly healed, less likely to get snagged on things, or accidentally knocked on things like glasses or an errant hand.
The most common first piercing would undoubtedly be the earlobes. With no cartilage in them, they generally heal within six to eight weeks. Most people find that they heal very easily and find the pain of the piercing itself to be minimal. You can choose to pierce one or both lobes and may even decide later to stretch the piercings for a wide variety of jewelry options. Just remember to go to a certified piercer and not any shop that uses a piercing gun. Piercing guns are difficult to sanitize, cannot be adjusted for the thickness of your earlobes, and should be avoided at all costs. If a piercer wants to use a piercing gun on you, leave and go somewhere else. No level of convenience or great deal on the price is worth the potential problems that you may wind up with.
Another good starter piercing is the nostril. This is a cartilage piercing so it will take longer to heal than an earlobe. Three to six months is the typical healing period. Pain tolerance varies wildly from person to person, but a nostril piercing is widely considered to be relatively painless. Aftercare is simple and the location is out of the way enough that you are unlikely to snag it on anything. Just be careful when washing and drying your face. The loops in the material used for most washcloths and towels can easily get caught on a nostril ring, leading to an unpleasant surprise when you pull it away from your face. Another nice thing about this particular piercing is the wide variety of jewelry options that exist for a healed piercing. Captive bead rings, nose bones, nostril hoops, and even L-shaped nose rings come in an array of finishes and styles, not to mention gauges and diameters! There’s literally something to fit every face and look!
A more unlikely, and often overlooked, piercing that’s great for beginners is the tongue. Unlike any other piercing, you’re not piercing skin or cartilage. The tongue is a muscle and heals differently. It is widely considered to be virtually painless (again, your pain tolerance may vary), and heals in a mere six to eight weeks if properly cared for. You will experience some swelling for the first few days, possibly enough to interfere with speech. Sucking on ice cubes can help reduce the swelling more quickly. Just remember to follow your piercer’s advice on aftercare and avoid things like spicy foods, kissing, and smoking during the healing process. Remember that until it heals, you have an open wound in your mouth.
If you’ve never gotten a piercing before and are feeling a bit overwhelmed by the number of options, these are three piercings that should help you get started on picking one out. Don’t be afraid to check out multiple piercers in your area and don’t ever hesitate to ask your piercer any questions. This is your body and your piercing and you have the right to ask any questions you have – there’s no such thing as a stupid question! If a piercer makes you feel bad for asking questions, they aren’t the right piercer for you. Good luck on your piercing journey and know that your first piercing probably won’t be your last. Once you’ve gotten past your initial uncertainty, you’re likely to start making a list of all the other piercings you want to get! It’s habit-forming in the best possible way!
