Choosing the right material for your piercing jewelry is crucial for both your comfort and the health of your piercing. In this blog, we will discuss the most commonly used materials, their properties, and help you determine which material is best for you.
Why is the material & quality of your piercing jewelry important?
The material & quality of your jewelry not only affects the appearance, but also the healing process and the risk of allergic reactions. High-quality, biocompatible materials reduce the chance of irritation and promote healthy healing.
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Common materials for piercing jewelry
Titanium
Titanium is a popular material in the piercing world because of its light weight, strength, and biocompatibility. It is hypoallergenic and contains no nickel, making it ideal for those with sensitive skin or nickel allergies. Additionally, titanium can be anodized, a process that gives the material different colors without the use of paint or coatings. See also our blog on anodizing.
Surgical steel (316L)
Surgical steel, specifically type 316L, is often used for piercing jewelry. While it is durable and affordable, it does contain a small amount of nickel. For people with nickel allergies, this can be problematic, as the nickel can be released slowly and cause irritation.
Gold
Gold jewelry exudes luxury and is suitable for piercings, provided it is of high quality. For new piercings, it is recommended to use 14 or 18 carat solid gold. Gold-plated or gold-filled jewelry is less suitable, because the thin gold layer can wear off, exposing the underlying metal and causing irritation.
Niobium
Niobium is similar to titanium and is known for its hypoallergenic properties. It is slightly heavier, but can also be anodized in different colors. Niobium is an excellent alternative for people with metal sensitivities.
PVD coating
PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) is a process of applying a thin, hard layer to another metal, often to create a gold or black finish. While PVD coatings are durable, if damaged they can expose the underlying metal, which can be problematic for people with metal allergies.
Materials to Avoid in New Piercings
Some materials are less suitable for new or healing piercings:
Silver : May oxidize and discolor, which may cause irritation, delayed healing, and permanent skin discoloration. (Argyria)
Brass and copper : May cause allergic reactions and discolour quickly.
Natural materials : Such as wood or horn, are porous and difficult to keep sterile, making them better suited for healed piercings.
How do you choose the right material for you?
When selecting a piercing jewelry of the right material & quality consider the following:
Skin Sensitivity : If you have a history of metal allergies, opt for hypoallergenic materials such as titanium, niobium, or high-quality gold.
Healing time : For new piercings, materials such as titanium and high-quality gold are ideal because of their biocompatibility.
Aesthetics : Consider which material and finish best suit your personal style and desired look.
Choosing the right material & quality is essential for a healthy and beautiful piercing. Always consult a professional piercer for tailored advice and invest in high-quality jewelry to avoid complications and enjoy your piercing to the fullest.
Learn more about All Perfectly Pierced
Curious for more tips, trends or inspiration? Then definitely take a look at our other blogs for everything you need to know about piercing!
Easily make your appointment online
Are you ready for a new piercing or a complete styling upgrade? Make an appointment today through our online tool and discover why All Perfectly Pierced is the place to go for your next piercing.
✨ All Perfectly Pierced – Your piercing, perfectly placed.
📍 Located in Rhoon 📆 Easily make an appointment 📱 Follow us on Instagram for inspiration & new styles
Raquel Huygen van Weenen
About the author:
Raquel Huijgen van Weenen is the owner of All Perfectly Pierced and a passionate piercing expert with years of experience in setting and styling piercings. With an eye for detail, safety and personal service, she helps clients every day to a piercing that not only looks good, but also suits them. Through her blogs, Raquel shares her knowledge about care, trends and everything you want to know before getting a piercing.
Follow her tips for a stylish, responsible and above all perfectly pierced look.
Your Guide to Healthy and Fast Healing
A new piercing is an exciting way to express yourself, but it is also important to take good care of your piercing so that it heals properly. At All Perfectly Pierced we strive for perfection, not only in placing piercings, but also in guiding the healing process . In this blog we discuss how to optimally care for your new piercing.
What is Piercing Healing?
Healing refers to the natural process by which your body repairs the wound caused by the piercing. The length and progression of healing can vary depending on the location of the piercing, your overall health, and the aftercare you provide.
Average Healing Times
It is important to understand that each piercing has its own healing time:
Earlobe
6-8 weeks
Ear (cartilage)
3-9 months
Nostril
2-4 months
Septum
2-3 months
Eyebrow
3-6 Months
Lip
3-6 Months
Tongue
4-8 Weeks
Smiley
2-4 Weeks
Navel
3-9 Months
Nipple
3-9 Months
Surface
3-9 Months
Dermal
1-2 Months
Intimate
3-9 Months
Please note : Even if a piercing looks healed, the underlying tissue may still be healing. It is important to be patient and wait for complete healing before changing jewelry or discontinuing care.
Preparing for your piercing
Successful healing starts with good preparation. Therefore, always choose a professional piercing studio that works according to strict hygiene standards. A clean environment, experienced piercers and clear communication are essential. Take the time to read reviews and feel free to ask about certifications or licenses of the piercer - after all, it is your body. Get to know All Perfectly Pierced better here.
The jewelry you start with also plays an important role in healing. Hypoallergenic materials such as titanium or real gold (14 or 18 carat) are ideal to prevent irritation. Read more about the effect of material choice on the healing of your new piercing in our blog.
And finally, avoid blood thinners such as alcohol or aspirin before your appointment. These can increase the risk of bleeding and negatively affect healing.
Use of Sterile Gloves
Tips for Optimal Healing
A clean piercing is essential to prevent infections. Follow these tips:
Wash your hands: Only touch your piercing with clean hands.
Clean twice a day: Use a saline solution for this. Spray this on the piercing in the morning and evening, let it soak in for a while and then dry it well with kitchen paper. In addition to the saline solution, it is also important that the piercing is rinsed well. It is best to do this directly in the shower. Start the shower by rinsing the piercing thoroughly, continue the shower as normal and end the shower again by rinsing the piercing so that no soap residue remains. During all this, you do not have to move or turn the piercing.
Keep the piercing as dry as possible: Make sure you dry the piercing very well after showering and after the saline solution. Use a paper towel to do this and gently but thoroughly pat the piercing and the area around it dry. Also make sure that you do not wear wet hair next to the piercing and do not go to sleep with wet hair.
Avoid alcohol and hydrogen peroxide: These can irritate the skin and slow the healing process.
Avoid irritating factors
During healing, it is important to keep the area around your piercing as calm as possible:
Do not touch or twist: Although it may be tempting, too much touching can cause irritation.
Avoid swimming: Avoid swimming pools, ocean and hot tubs to minimize contact with bacteria.
Be careful with make-up and care products: Make sure that products such as foundation, perfume and hairspray do not come into contact with your piercing.
Watch for signs of problems during healing
Keep an eye on your piercing and be alert for signs of problems such as:
Redness, swelling or warmth: This may indicate an infection.
Pus or discharge: A small amount of white discharge is normal, but yellow or green pus can be a problem.
Persistent pain: If the pain gets worse instead of better, consult your piercer or doctor.
Be patient
Healing takes time. Even if your piercing looks healed on the outside, it may still be fragile on the inside. Continue with your routine until you are sure your piercing is fully healed.
Why Choose All Perfectly Pierced?
At All Perfectly Pierced, we combine craftsmanship with high-quality materials to provide a safe and luxurious piercing experience. Our experts will guide you not only through the piercing process, but also throughout the healing process
Sterilization of piercing material
Discover More
Want to know more about the piercing process or our studio in Rhoon? Read our other blogs:
All Perfectly Pierced – Your Piercing Shop in Rhoon
The Piercing Process: What to Expect
Conclusion
Good aftercare is the key to a healthy, beautiful piercing. Follow the tips in this blog and always listen to your piercer's advice. This way you can proudly show off your new piercing without any hassle or discomfort!
Make an Appointment Today
Are you ready for a new piercing or do you have questions about healing? Then simply book an appointment via our online agenda . Our specialists are ready to guide you to a beautiful and healthy piercing.
✨ All Perfectly Pierced – Your piercing, perfectly placed. 📍 Located in Rhoon 📆 Easily make an appointment 📱 Follow us on Instagram for inspiration & new styles