Q: How is a cupid's bow piercing different from a medusa piercing?  - Amy S.

A:  So, they’re actually all the same thing, just with different names.

A medusa piercing, cupid’s bow piercing, and philtrum piercing all refer to a piercing placed right in the center above your upper lip, in that little dip under your nose (which is called your philtrum).

And honestly, that happens a lot with piercings. There are so many overlapping names depending on the studio, the region, or even just what sounds cuter or more aesthetic. Like some names are more anatomical (like philtrum), while others are more vibe-based (like medusa or cupid’s bow), so people just kind of use whatever they’re used to.

So yeah, no difference in placement at all, it’s literally just multiple names for the same piercing, which is kind of confusing but also very piercing culture lol.

Q: Which hurts less a piercing gun or a piercing needle? -Jodie A.  

A: This one’s actually kind of surprising to people, but a piercing needle actually hurts less than a piercing gun.

A needle is super sharp and designed to cleanly go through the tissue, so it’s really quick and precise. Most people say it feels like a fast pinch and then it’s over. A piercing gun, on the other hand, basically forces a blunt stud through your skin, which can feel more like pressure and can actually hurt more. It’s also louder and more jarring, which makes the whole experience feel more intense.

Also, it’s honestly never really advised to get pierced with a gun. They can’t be fully sterilized, they use that blunt force which can cause more trauma to the tissue, and they’re definitely not suitable for cartilage. That’s why professional piercers don’t use them.

All in all, a needle might sound scarier, but it’s actually the safer and usually less painful option.

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!