Q: Is surgical steel actually safe, or is titanium worth the extra money? — Jamie R.

A: Good question, and the honest answer is: surgical steel is usually fine, but titanium is genuinely worth it, especially in a couple of situations.

Here's the difference. Quality surgical steel (the implant-grade 316L/316LVM kind) is safe for a lot of people and has been used forever. The catch is that steel contains a little nickel, and it can release tiny amounts over time. For most folks that's a non-issue, but if your skin is at all nickel-sensitive, that's exactly the thing that sets off itching, redness, and bumps.

Titanium sidesteps all of that. Implant-grade titanium (look for ASTM F-136) is essentially nickel-free, it's lighter and more comfortable, and it's the safest bet for skin that reacts easily. That's why piercers lean on it so hard.

So how to actually choose:

• Fresh or healing piercing: go titanium, no debate. Give your body the gentlest option while it's doing the hard work

• Sensitive skin or any history of reacting to jewelry: titanium, every time

• Healed piercing and skin that's never given you trouble: quality surgical steel is genuinely fine

Think of it less as "safe vs unsafe" and more as "safe vs safest." Steel clears the bar for a lot of people, but titanium clears it for basically everyone, which is why it tends to be worth it.

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Q: How do I actually prepare the day of my piercing so I don't get lightheaded or shaky? — Alexis M.

A:  Smart to plan for this, because that shaky, lightheaded feeling is almost always about blood sugar and nerves, not the piercing itself. And both are super manageable.

The night before and morning of:

• Sleep and eat a real meal an hour or two before, something with protein and carbs, not just coffee and vibes. An empty stomach is the number one reason people get woozy

• Hydrate properly that day, dehydration makes the whole thing worse

• Go easy on caffeine and skip alcohol, both can leave you jittery or shaky

• Bring a snack and a juice or soda for right after, that quick sugar hit is clutch if you feel off

During the piercing:

• Breathe slow and don't hold your breath, tensing and breath-holding is what tips people over. A long exhale as it happens works wonders

• Tell your piercer if you're a fainter. Zero shame in it, they deal with it constantly and can have you lie down instead of sit up

• Wear comfy layers, getting warm and stuffy adds to the dizzy feeling

And give yourself a calm few minutes afterward before you pop up and rush off. Sit, sip your juice, let your body catch up. Do those and you've stacked the deck in your favor. Eat, hydrate, breathe, and let your piercer know if you're nervous, and you'll be walking out with your new piercing feeling totally fine.

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!