Getting a piercing isn’t that hard. You go to the piercer, you sit still, you keep sitting still, then you pay, and you leave, What can be far more difficult, once the piercing is fully healed, is changing the jewelry! If you’re struggling with jewelry changes or your considering changing your jewelry out, read on for a few tips that may make this process a whole lot easier.
1. Know your jewelry style
Make sure you’re turning the end in the correct direction. The old adage “righty tighty, lefty loosey” absolutely applies here but it only applies if your jewelry is threaded. Threadless jewelry requires a combination of twist and pull (GENTLY) to remove the end. Knowing what kind of jewelry you have will make this so much easier.
2. Seamless rings
Seamless rings should never have the ends pried apart to remove them. This is very likely to bend your jewelry out of shape in a way that is nearly impossible to fix. Bend it very slightly sideways, just enough to allow you to remove the jewelry.
3. Tools of the trade
Have the right tools for the job. Captive rings should also not be pulled apart. If you have one in and you want to change it, pick up ring opening pliers. These will make the process easier while protecting your jewelry. By the same token, if you plan to put one in, you’ll need ring closing pliers. And you should definitely get these because if you’ve never tried to insert a captive ring, it’s enough to make you want to tear your hair out.
4. Preparation is key
You need proper lighting to do the job. The best lighting is frequently in the bathroom. Another reason to do this in the bathroom? The mirror! A good view can go a long way in making this process easier. If you have a magnifying mirror, so much the better. However, if you’re going to insert or remove jewelry in the bathroom, make sure the drain to your sink is closed and (even better) cover the whole sink with a towel! Nothing is worse than going to put in a shiny new piece of jewelry and dropping the end down the sink drain.
5. Get a grip!
Speaking of being prepared, if you’re struggling with gripping that stubborn ball end, put some gloves on. Regular nitrile or vinyl medical gloves give you added traction that can shift a stuck end that you thought was hopeless.
6. Take breaks if you need to!
This whole process requires patience so if you’re on the verge of losing yours, go take a break. Have some water, have a snack, watch some television, whatever relaxes you. The more frustrated you are, the more likely you are to make a mistake.
7. Don't give up!
As a last resort, you can always go so see your trusted piercer. For a small fee (or sometimes for no fee) they will gladly take out that jewelry that doesn’t want to budge and possibly insert the new jewelry for you as well. (Don’t forget to tip!)
Jewelry changes can be fun and exciting, especially if you’re changing out your piercing jewelry. At the same time, they can also be a massive headache if you go into it unprepared. Make sure you have some sterile saline woundwash on hand to clean up your piercing after, as it’s liable to be a bit irritated. Hopefully, armed with these tips, the experience will be way more painless than the actual piercing!
Happy piercing!
