What is a Nostril Piercing L-Bend? A nostril piercing L-bend is a type of jewelry specifically designed for nostril piercings. It features a curved shape resembling the letter "L," with one end of the jewelry entering the piercing hole and the other end resting inside the nostril. This unique design ensures a secure fit while providing a stylish and streamlined look.
Comfort and Security: One of the significant advantages of L-bend jewelry is its comfort and security. Unlike straight studs or rings, L-bends sit snugly in the nostril, reducing the risk of accidental snags or falls. The curved shape prevents the jewelry from protruding too far, allowing for a comfortable fit and reducing irritation or discomfort during daily activities.
Style and Versatility: Nostril piercing L-bends offer an array of style options to suit your preferences. From simple and minimalistic designs to intricate and embellished pieces, there's an L-bend for every aesthetic. Explore different materials like stainless steel, titanium, or gold to find the perfect match for your style and skin sensitivity.
Easy to Change: Changing jewelry in a nostril piercing can sometimes be challenging, especially for those new to the piercing world. However, L-bends are relatively easy to swap out compared to other types of jewelry. Their curved shape allows for smooth insertion and removal, making the process hassle-free and accessible for both beginners and experienced pierce enthusiasts.
Caring for Nostril Piercing L-Bends: Proper aftercare is crucial for maintaining a healthy nostril piercing. Clean your L-bend jewelry regularly with saline solution or a mild soap to prevent infection and keep it looking its best. Avoid touching the piercing with dirty hands, and be gentle when cleaning or rotating the jewelry to avoid irritation.
Nostril piercing L-bends provide a winning combination of style, comfort, and versatility. Their curved design ensures a secure fit, reducing the chances of accidental snagging while offering a streamlined aesthetic. Whether you prefer a minimalistic or elaborate look, L-bends come in various designs and materials to suit your personal style. Remember to take proper care of your nostril piercing and L-bend jewelry to enjoy a stylish and comfortable experience.
Embrace the uniqueness of L-bends and elevate your nostril piercing game with this trendy and practical jewelry option.
Shop our nose piercing body jewelry collection below!
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The vertical labret piercing is a captivating and unique choice that adds an edgy flair to your look. Positioned vertically through the center of the lower lip, it's a daring statement that catches the eye and showcases your individuality. But what really completes the look? The perfect jewelry, of course!
When it comes to vertical labret piercings, the most popular design is a curved barbell.
Curved barbells are sleek and versatile. With a gentle curve that follows the contour of your lip, they provide a comfortable fit. Available in different lengths and gauges, you can find the perfect size to suit your preferences. The gauge size for a vertical labret curved barbell typically ranges from 16g (1.2mm) to 14g (1.6mm). These are the most common gauge sizes used for vertical labret piercings, providing a comfortable fit while still maintaining the necessary stability and durability for the jewelry. Experiment with different colors and materials to make a bold statement or keep it simple and elegant.
Remember, comfort is key when choosing jewelry for your vertical labret piercing. Look for high-quality materials that won't irritate your skin or cause any discomfort. Surgical-grade stainless steel or titanium are excellent choices due to their hypoallergenic properties.
Lastly, don't be afraid to experiment and have fun with your vertical labret piercing! Express yourself through different styles, colors, and sizes. Whether you want to make a bold statement or keep it subtle and refined, there's a jewelry style out there that perfectly complements your personality.
So, go ahead, rock that vertical labret piercing with confidence and style. Embrace your individuality and let your jewelry shine!
Shop our lip piercing jewelry collection below!
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The term "labret" refers to an ornament worn in a perforation of the lip, and the word has been used since 1831. Nowadays, the term is commonly used to describe the style of body jewelry piercing shaft of a flat back labret stud with a wide variety of ball, gemstone, or cluster tops on the front.
In addition to lip piercings, many 16g and 14g ear piercings are also suitable for flat back labret studs. Earlobes, lips, and cartilage piercings can all comfortably accommodate this type of jewelry. Here are some other body piercing locations where you can wear a flat back labret stud:
It's important to note that the suitability of a flat back labret stud may vary depending on the size and shape of the piercing, as well as the length and gauge of the jewelry. It's always best to consult with a professional piercer to ensure that you're using the right type of jewelry for your piercing.
It's important to note that the most common type of flat back labret stud has a fixed disc that does not come off the straight shaft. However, you can easily call a straight barbell shaft with a removable disc backing a flat back labret style stud. For example, perhaps you wear a 14g straight barbell in your tongue or cheek piercings and decide to wear a 4mm disc back instead of a round, ball backing. You could call that a flat back labret style design with a removable flat disc back.
One of the most popular reasons to enjoy a flat back labret stud is the variety and convenience of being able to purchase and wear them in multiple body piercings. If the thickness (or gauge) is thin enough, you might find a flat back labret stud in an 18g or 16g nostril piercing. That way there's less metal in the nostril cavity to be seen or felt.
Whether or not you've tried a flat back labret stud or not, it's an experience for each body piercing jewelry enthusiast to try out for themselves. Even if you were originally pierced with a hoop, you can easily buy and try out your very own flat back labret stud and see how much mixing and matching you can do on your own with this popular body piercing jewelry style. Perhaps you'll find an entire new body jewelry collection to enjoy in your very own body piercings.
“Labret.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/labret. Accessed 13 Jan. 2023.
]]>Author Marti P.
Butler, Katherine. “11 Stunning Images of Rainbows and Their Less-Famous Cousins.”
Treehugger, Treehugger, 5 Nov. 2020.
Waters, Mark. Freaky Friday. Buena Vista Pictures, 2003
All orders are now shipped almost as quickly as they come in.
Estimated wait time for new orders is 1-2 business days. Although, sometimes we get orders out on the same day! Not always, but we do try very hard.
*Custom orders have their own time frames.
Thank you for your business. It's been great.
Best regards,
Siren Body Jewelry
]]>To aid you in your exploration and help you determine what approach is best for your body piercing, consider the following resources:
Many body piercing studios offer their own unique set of body piercing aftercare instructions, along with cleaning soaps, foams and saline solutions.
Body piercing saline sprays and foams are available online and in-store. It's important to evaluate the ingredient list if avoiding additives and preservatives is your goal. Do your research to make an informed decision.
Some body piercing consumers may have adverse results when using saline solutions containing these ingredients.
Examine the product ingredient list to be informed on additives.
Works Cited
“Suggested Aftercare For Body Piercings.” The APP’s suggested aftercare instructions for body piercings, 03 May 2020, https://safepiercing.org/aftercare/. Accessed 5 March 2021.
“Preservative.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/preservative. Accessed 5 Mar. 2021.
]]>Today, piercings are no longer exclusive to the earlobe. In case you haven’t noticed, they are now done in different parts of the body, and some of them just mighty blow your mind away. Take a deep breath, gather up some guts, then read on to know these 15 unusual body locations that you can get pierced.
1. Between The Butt Cheeks
Typically, when you bend or sit down, your pants are pulled down a bit, exposing your bum cleavage. Imagine that is happening in front of you, and you see a silver stud in between the butt cheeks. Yes! That is the location for this body piercing. But according to an article in Trend Hunter, it takes a special kind of skin to be able to have this done. (Holger Mohr)
2. Through The Cheek
We are not talking butt cheeks this time. This is the actual facial cheeks. This body piercing is done from one side of the mouth to another, and then a large ring is placed to keep the whole open, exposing the molars. It appears like you have a mouth on the side of your face. It is certainly uncommon, but a guy from Germany has it done he enjoys sticking his tongue out through his cheek.
3. Corset Piercing On The Back
Well, you know what a corset is. Instead of the loops through which the string goes, a corset piercing has piercings on your back with rings for the string to go through. This looks just as pretty as it is painful, but some brave girls are happy to have that done all along their back, legs, or wherever you can think of putting the studs. You should, however, know your skin type before you do this.
4. Nose Bridge
This is one you can have fun with. Just above your nose where the eyebrows usually meet, that is where this piercing is done, creating a bridge from one side of your nose to another. Some people have thought of this idea to fit reading glasses on that bridge. Maybe they imagined the price of a nose piercing would be cheaper than buying a pair of reading glasses.
5. Finger Piercing
Finger piercing is typically done at the base of a finger, usually located where you wear a ring. Unlike most piercings, this type is a single-point piercing that doesn’t go out to the other side. It is done by an O needle punch or single needle to pierce through the skin layers and make a pocket. Finger piercing also uses a different kind of piercing jewelry called a dermal anchor base. If you want this kind of body piercing, you have to look for a professional piercer to perform this on you.
6. Spinal Spikes
These piercings are done from the inside out to set spikes on the back along the line of your spinal cord. Some people do it from the head down to the lower back. You probably would not want to jump on their back for a piggyback ride.
7. Horizontal Lip Piercing
Lately, a lip piercing is something not so unusual. Well, what if the piercing runs across the lip like a smile? That is the piercing being described here. You probably will not be kissing with your lower lip for a while after getting this done. Due to the high amount of movement, you might not keep this one in long. Imagine smiling with a bar in your lip. Yikes.
8. All Over The Face
You can pick particular parts of your face to pierce, but Elaine Davidson, from Scotland, chose to pierce just about every part of her face. It is an odd choice, and she is one of the only ones with such a piercing collection, making her to way to the Guinness Book for having the most piercings. How many does she have? Davidson has over 9,000 piercings on her body. Do you dare to be like her?
9. Through The Gum
If you fear visits to the dentist because of the injections you may get, this is not something you will want to try. The piercing is done right on the gum above a tooth where there are just flesh and no teeth. Yes, it is quite intense, but it takes a lot of courage to get one.
10. Uvula
So you thought you have seen it all? There is still more to see. It is a mystery why someone would pierce their uvula, but some people have done such a thing. If you wish to get this body modification, make sure that you will think this through. There's a high risk of swallowing the body jewelry.
11. Eye
This is not about the upper eyebrow, but this is a piercing through the eyelid itself. It means that every time you blink, the metal rubs against your eye. Unless of course you do not have an eyeball. A heavy modification not recommended for the general public, if anyone other than Tuerto.
See more Tuerto here.
12. Lower Chin
This is somewhat similar to the cheek piercing. But the difference is that it is done just below the lower lip. Once the piercing is done, a big ring is inserted to keep it open like a second mouth. Often glass or stone flat back labrets are worn in large gauge sizes to allow teeth to show through. Does it sound like something you can do?
13. Along The Nose
Here is another similar to the one mentioned earlier. It is like getting a number of nose bridge piercings along the nose, but then a flexible metal snakes itself through the piercing just like the corset.
14. Dog Collar
The name says it all. A dog collar piercing is a series of piercings around the neck, just like how a dog collar is placed around the dog’s neck. Curved barbells or single point piercings are utilized to create such a pattern. This certainly is a unique way to stylize your body.
15. Leg piercing
You can have any part of your leg pierced and a number of studs inserted through them. One of the most insane leg piercings is a barbell through the Achilles tendon. Single point piercings (aka dermals) are possible all down the legs. Some people choose to adorn their tattoos with dermal piercings on their legs.
Well, there you have it, the 15 unusual body locations for a piercing. Do you have an unusual piercing? Tell us in the comment section below.
Author Notes:
Enthusiast Piercing Fan & Guest Blogger, Carmella Johnson from CostFreak.com
*Some content and images added and edited by Valerie S.
Holger Mohr. “Butt Crack Piercing.” TrendHunter.com, TREND HUNTER Inc., 26 Nov. 2008, www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-illusion-of-a-navelpiercing-unsually-bodymodimodification. Accessed 6 Mar. 2021.
]]>When shopping for body jewelry online, it' important to know your specific sizing needs. Without this information, ordering can be a frustrating process. Not only can you waste your own time and money, but you just might order body jewelry that isn't right for your specific piercing. Not exactly a fun scenario.
A valuable tool to have is our measuring magnet, it makes measuring for gauge thickness a breeze.
When it comes to the thickness of the piece, we refer to its gauge.
Gauge Sizes: (thin to thick)
After 00g, we then refer to the thickness in inches:
There are some in between sizes, but they are not quite as common. 1g is just one example, and this gauge thickness is typically found in ear stretching jewelry like eyelets, tunnels, plugs and tapers.
20g is the thinnest in our example, the rest follows as thicker...18g, 16g, etc.
Body jewelry that is used to stretch can be referred to as a plug, eyelet, single flare, double flare, tunnel or taper.
You may hear someone say,
"I'm gauging my ears to 4g, do you have any 4g plugs?"
Gauging is synonymous with stretching in this phrase, 4g describes how thick and plugs refer to the body jewelry to be inserted needing to be a size 4g. In this case, plugs refer to a piece of jewelry that has no hole in the center.
If you're stretching up from a 6g to a 4g, 4g is thicker in gauge (larger). Therefore, you'll need a 4g taper to help increase your gauge size from 6g to 4g.
For example, many clients choose to use single flare glass or natural stone plugs with O rings to stretch slowly over time. This allows the body to progress into large gauge sizes as it will allow. Each individual client may progress over different timelines which can span 6 months or more. Patience is key with natural stretching methods.
Most commonly, tapers are used to assist in the stretching process. A taper used to stretch will have a matching gauge thickness as the jewelry to be inserted.
For example,
When stretching your earlobe from an 8g to a 6g, you'll need to have a 6g taper and a set of 6g body piercing jewelry like plugs, tunnels, labrets or captive bead rings.
Gauge sizing can be difficult to easily grasp at first glance, but over time, you'll have it down. It's a good practice to refer to a gauge sizing chart. Understanding the different methods used to increase gauge size to insert body jewelry allows you to order with confidence and minimize ordering errors when shopping for body jewelry online.
It can be really confusing to order your own body jewelry online. Let us help you understand and learn how to know the right gauge, length and diameter for your piercing.
In this short, Siren Quick Tip video, I discuss a common issue when switching from a captive bead ring or hoop to a curved barbell.
A client of ours contacted us via text and then over the phone to discuss what length she might need to order for her daith piercing.
She described the need to conceal her daith piercing for her work as a nurse. So she was searching online and found our website. A curved barbell with no gemstones was her goal purchase, and she was able to find that on our website.
Get your own minimalist, sleek and concealing curved barbells below.
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Here's our awesome magnet!
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There's always a lot of nervous and exciting energy and verbal instructions can be easily forgotten when you're getting a piercing!
There's nothing worse than getting a belly button piercing and not knowing how to change it out yourself.
It's important to know how to change your belly button piercing for the first time.
Usually a few months after getting pierced, you'll start to look for new belly rings and think of switching to a new style.
While this is enjoyable, if you buy a belly ring and don't know how to switch it out, it won't be able to be on display!
You're not alone. It's easy to forget aftercare instructions, especially after the adrenaline rush as ended after your awesome new body piercing.
In this video, I explain how to clean your belly button piercing (and jewelry).
Read our aftercare instructions.
Watch the raw, unedited video below!
Questions of your own?
Email us at SirenBodyJewelry@gmail.com.
Want one of our gorgeous, 18g titanium hinged segment rings for yourself?
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Well I'll tell you in the VLOG. I kind of quickly go over some basics like anatomy, titanium body jewelry styles including gauge size and length.
I also discuss how these piercings are anatomy dependent.
Watch the VLOG, what are you waiting for!? It's sometimes more fun than reading.
Just a few of our favorite VCH piercing jewelry options. ]]>
This frequently asked question is covered in this Vlog.
The lengths in order are as follows:
3/8" (10mm)
7/16" (11mm)* the MOST common length
1/2" (12mm)
Watch the Vlog to have me explain the lengths to you.
]]>Me too, that's why in this video I quickly go over some tips for the simple cleaning and maintanence of your body jewelry collection.
This video is NOT and extensive list, it is a quick introduction.
We perform routine cleaning services at our physical shop in Sauk Centre, MN. So if you're not interested in doing it yourself, or need help cleaning all your amazing piercing jewelry, please stop in.
If you have a large amount of piercings and jewelry to clean, please schedule ahead by calling our studio at #320-262-6204. Leave a message if we do not answer and we'll get back to you.
Word to the wise, watch the video!
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These are NOT the only options, that's another video where I introduce you to threaded and threadless titanium labret styles options...which is another whole amazing world of nostril jewelry!
So in the meantime, brush up on what styles you love already and see if you learn something new.
Jewelry in the video is available both online and in-store.
Jewelry Links:
Opal Titanium L Bend
Yellow Gold Nose Bone Gemstone Trio
Hand Bent Titanium L Bend
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In this video I explain how to properly open and close our heart shaped earrings. They are technically a type of seam ring that has been bent into the shape of a heart.
When it comes to opening and closing seam rings, there really is a right and a wrong way to go about it.
Watch the video to learn how to open and close them the right way.
Interested in buying one for yourself? We have a few different styles ready to ship. Other opal and gemstone combinations are available, call us at 320-262-6204 to order.
Not sure when you can change out your new daith piercing? Read our blog post here about when you can change your daith piercing jewelry out.
]]>At Siren Body Jewelry Tattoo & Piercing, we offer eyeliner tattoos (and other cosmetic tattoos). With over 5 years of tattooing experience, we excel at making the eyeliner tattoo procedure stress free. We always offer a free consultation in which we discuss at length your concerns, questions and worries about the procedure. We do not take this lightly and we work hard to answer every inquiry with a quality discussion. No question is too difficult to answer.
One of the most important parts of this consult is then setting up a test line. A test line is really a small, thin line tattooed somewhere inconspicuous on your body with the cosmetic tattoo ink we'll be using the day of your eyeliner tattoo procedure. This test line is then left to heal. After a few weeks, we have you stop in and we evaluate how it healed. Any adverse reactions would need to be address, skin sensitivities, etc. 9 out of 10 times this test line heals beautifully, with no adverse results. Now it's time to move on to the procedure.
The day of your eyeliner tattoo procedure, we'll advise you to eat a healthy breakfast and to drink water. When you arrive at the studio, we'll complete your consent form paperwork and set up for your procedure. The next step before we even start tattooing is the application of topical anesthetic to your upper and/or lower eyelids. You'll have to wait at least 20 minutes for the topical cream to begin numbing your eyelids. Once the time is up, you'll be ready for your first eyelid tattooing session.
The most common color chosen for eyeliner tattoos is a dark black. Warm browns and pastel colors also are possible, however the darker the color, the longer they tend to look best. Highlights are also possible over and above black eyeliner, similar to how you'd emphasize your eye shadow. The possibilities are almost endless but the classic combo of black or brown eyeliner is always stunning and natural.
Now that you've already decided on your colors, it's time for the test line on your eyelids. What this means is we'll do a small line to make sure our depth is correct for your individually eyelids. Once we've confirmed our depth and watched our line lay down nice and solid, we continue. During this time, we will also be applying another topical cream that helps reduce any swelling. This cream works to prevent pain while we are working, almost assisting the initial cream you had put on. One eye at a time and with one or two passes, your first session will be finished. We'll clean and wipe the eyelids down and put an ointment on them to keep them moisturized, but also to prevent anything entering the fresh tattoo.
That's it! You made it through your first session of your eyeliner tattoo. You might experience swelling, redness and sore eyelids your first day after the session. You'll be instructed on how to care for your eyeliner tattoos before you leave our studio and we'll supply ointment for the healing time. Approximately 4-6 weeks is all it takes to heal eyeliner tattoos.
Around week 4 you can stop back into the studio to set up your 2nd eyeliner session. Our eyes have a high cell turnover rate which means that sometimes the eyeliner ink can fade up to 60% from the first session. This fading does depend on various factors like how well you cared for them during the heal time, etc. A second session is highly suggested to get that solid, satisfying eyeliner tattoo you're wanting. After 6 weeks you should come back in for your second session. During the second session, we can thicken any lines up or make the lines longer at this time. It is not always needed to go entirely over the lines again; we'd like to think of the 2nd session as the refinement session.
The second session would be a repeat of the first session with the topical anesthetics, but this time you already know what to expect and you've already gotten over the initial nervousness. Plus, you probably feel like a badass, which you should!
After the second session, we always suggest coming in for maintenance ink. Eyeliner tattoos are high maintenance in the sense that you should have them touched up over the years, more so than you would with a traditional tattoo. Again, this is due to the location of the tattoo. Similar standard tattoos like the finger tattoos also require a similar maintenance due to the location and high skin cell turnover rate. This means fading occurs more quickly than say a shoulder tattoo.
Financially, your first and second session will run at least $400 and up. As for choosing to go with bottom eyeliner, sometimes it is better to add very small dot work style tattoo work in between the lashes. This can create the effect of fuller bottom eyeliner without the harsh solid line on the bottom. However, based on your eye anatomy, you might choose only to go with bottom eyeliner. This can work beautifully, depending on your own eye structure.
In the end, the choice to get eyeliner tattoos is a good one. If you're informed, comfortable and you can endure not moving around, getting them done is a breeze. The long term benefits really outweigh any pre-tattoo jitters.
Stop by our studio located at 331 Main Street South in Sauk Centre, Minnesota and ask for me (Valerie). I look forward to introducing you to the world of cosmetic tattoos.
]]>Bumps may occur in or near the piercing site due to dirt, debris, pet hair, makeup, etc. A common culprit for nostril piercing bumps is touching the site with unwashed hands, covering the site in makeup, applying facial masks, creams and lotions that irritate the site and introducing your piercing to unclean pillowcases, towels, etc.
It is important to practice proper aftercare on all new and healing body piercings. When going to a professional body piercing studio, you may be given aftercare products and instructions to assist you in taking care of your new body piercing.
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Bumps may also appear after trauma to the piercing site. Catching your jewelry on your clothes, hairbrushes, having other people snag it...these things may traumatize the piercing site and lead to the formation of bumps in response. A bump may be a minor reaction or it can lead to a Keloid. Ear and nose piercings are more vulnerable to Keloid formations, however they are more rare than the more common piercing bump.
Allergic reactions to body jewelry worn in your piercing site may also lead to piercing bumps.
If you suspect an allergy to your jewelry, visit your local body piercer for a consultation. Often times, a switch to titanium may alleviate allergic reactions. Improperly placed piercing jewelry can often cause irritation and the formation of bumps in the process.
One of the best things you can do when you experience a piercing bump is to visit your local piercer. They may be a knowledgeable source of information on the subject and can often assist you in determining the best course of action in your case. If you find that your local body piercer doesn't offer this type of consultation, try another piercing professional in your area.
Saline soaks, warm water compresses and jewelry changes are the most effective ways to get rid of piercing bumps. In some cases, an infection may be present and you may need to see a doctor. Again, consult a professional body piercer.
Please note that these are suggestions and that some or none of these methods may be effective for you. It's best to consult a professional body piercer near you.
]]>READ FULL AFTERCARE INSTRUCTIONS
Select a cleaning solution.
We suggest using either an all natural sea salt solution or wound wash.
If you're making your own sea salt solution, make sure you have the proper ratio of salt to water. Too much salt may cause unnecessary irritation.
Choose a mild, fragrance free soap.
Using your choice of mild, fragrance free soap, wash the piercing site and body jewelry in the shower.
It's best to soak the area in warm water first, helping any build-up soften.
Then use your soap to clean the area and the jewelry.
Do not turn, twist or pull your jewelry back and forth. This can pull bacteria into the piercing channel, leading to irritation and possibly infection.
Try to clean off your jewelry as best as you can.
Avoid using harsh shampoos, conditioners and body wash products near or around the site. If you get some product on your new piercing, rinse the area well to remove. Fragrances and chemical compounds in hair and body products can easily irritate a new piercing.
After showering, use the saline solution or wound wash to once again cleanse the piercing site. You can do this twice per day. Cleaning more than twice per day can lead to dryness and irritation. Pat the area dry with a clean paper towel.
Check for tightness, ball ends, gems, etc. Make sure your threaded ends are secure and not loose. Right after cleaning is the best time to double check your ends. Feel free to use a clean pair of gloves (latex or nitrile) to make tightening a breeze. Our fingers can be oily, unclean and not provide the proper grib.
We also strongly suggest investing in our tightening tool to make it a breeze to secure threaded ends and to make installation and removal simple and effective.
See our tightening tool here.
Save our info graphic for future use!
Along with proper cleaning, there are a few things you'll need to avoid while your piercing heals. Over-cleaning, using the wrong aftercare products and submerging your piercing in bodies of water are some of the things to avoid.
Over cleaning your piercing is never a good thing. If you have a habit of over cleaning your new piercing, you may irritate your piercing and delay it's healing. An irritated piercing does not heal well. Cleaning your piercing more than three times a day is not ideal. Stick to cleaning it once or twice per day.
Using improper aftercare products can cause major issues in the healing of your new body piercing. Products like Betadine, Hibiclense, alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, Dial and other harsh soaps can damage cells in and around your piercing channel. This can disrupt proper healing and lead to complications. Do not use anything other than saline solution or wound wash to clean your piercing.
Avoid hot tubs, bath tubs, chlorine pools and bodies of water. All kinds of chemicals, germs and bacteria can live and survive in water. It's best to keep your new piercing out of bodies of water until fully healed. Above the chest piercings can be kept out of water if you are wading, just make sure to clean your piercing shortly after. Submerging a new piercing is not suggested and can lead to infection and adverse reactions. If you have to be exposed to water, use a waterproof wound sealant bandage over the site.
*Disclaimer: This is not to be considered a substitute for medical advice from a doctor. If you suspect infection, seek medical attention.
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What Piercings Are Stretched?
Earlobes are the most commonly stretched body piercing, along with septum, lip, nipple and genital piercings. A standard gauge piercing of 16g or 14g is a frequent starting point for most earlobe stretches. However, some piercers can perform an initial piercing of larger gauge to speed up the process. It isn’t uncommon to see 8g initial lobe piercings on a piercing enthusiast who’s excited to start stretching their earlobes. The larger initial gauge can take a bit longer to heal, but the smaller gauge stretches are completely skipped.
How Do I Stretch My Earlobes Safely?
Safe stretching is vital. To encourage proper healing, it is important that you do not stretch too quickly. Forcing a taper through when your earlobe is not elastic and ready to size up creates tears and rips in the Fistula. These tears and rips are unhealthy and can result in the formation of scar tissue, which can cause resistance for further stretching.
Earlobes that have been forced to stretch and have tears or rips can be prone to irritation and infection. Bacteria can become trapped in those tears and rips and can encourage infection. Stretching when your ears are ready is the easiest way to avoid irritation, infection, rips and tears.
How Long Should I Wait Between Stretches?
A general rule of thumb is to wait at least 3-4 months between stretches. The longer you wait, the better. Our bodies heal from the outside in, protecting the outer surface from external hazards first, then healing the internal channel. While the outside skin on a stretched earlobe may look healed, it will not be healed all the way through. Waiting at least 3-4 months between stretches gives your earlobes enough time to heal and be ready for another stretch.
What Type Of Jewelry Is Used To Stretch?
Single flare, metal or glass plugs are safe to use when stretching. Wood, silicone and other porous materials may trap bacteria and increase the chances of infection. Single flare styles are secured by a small O-ring in the back, allowing for extra space while healing. Longer single flares allow for any swelling caused by stretching to expand. A piece that is too short may inhibit any swelling, causing irritation and redness. It’s always best to allow the ear to “breathe” when stretching. A constricted, swollen stretched earlobe with too short jewelry may not heal easily or at all.
What Jewelry Can I Wear When My Earlobes Are Healed?
When you reach your target size, it’s time to go window shopping.
Stretched earlobes can be adorned in some of the most exotic woods and metals. Double flared eyelets, tunnels, gemstone screw fit plugs and stone plugs are just the beginning of the list. Comfortable silicone flesh tunnels are a choice option, especially if you're active and enjoy flexible body jewelry. The variety is almost endless for stretched earlobes. The larger the gauge your earlobes are, the more options you have to choose from.
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Bad aftercare advice is plastered all over the internet.
See our piercing aftercare instructions here.
One of the most destructive aftercare tips is to twist your jewelry in your new body piercing.
The reasoning behind this bad advice is that twisting or turning your jewelry will keep it from being "stuck" in your new piercing.
Proper body jewelry will never allow skin to permanently adhere to its surface. Twisting body jewelry in a new piercing to prevent it from "sticking" is awful advice.
Inviting Bacteria
While it may seem like a good idea, turning or twisting your jewelry in a new and healing body piercing is a really bad idea.
What happens when you twist your body jewelry in your new piercing?
You disturb the piercing channel, ultimately destroying any healing progress.
You also invite in bacteria and open the door to possible infection when twisting and turning your body jewelry.
Moving it back and forth through your piercing channel can pull in the "crusties" that have formed, inviting surface bacteria into a puncture wound.
Our hands are a constant source of germs, bacteria and icky things. Imagine how many surfaces you touch a day.
Now if you twist your new piercing jewelry and forget to wash your hands, you can bring even more bacteria your open wound.
Exposing your body piercing to dirty hands and twisting motions are a bad idea. This is harmful and certainly is not good for you or your healing body piercing.
Promoting Irritation
The movement required to twist and turn your body jewelry can lead to inflammation and irritation.
If you've ever had a lip piercing, then you might understand how sensitive new body piercings can be.
Pushing and pulling body jewelry in a new piercing can cause irritation and inflammation.
The worst thing you can do for a newly healing piercing is to cause it to become inflamed.
Inflammation and irritation go hand in hand and delay the natural healing process.
It's good to remember that a new piercing is an open wound and that the goal is to reduce inflammation and irritation, not cause it.
Movement in this case is not productive and can lead to delayed heal times. Try not to touch your new body piercing at all unless you are actively cleaning it with clean hands.
Now that you understand a bit more about why you should not twist or turn your body jewelry, you can actively promote good health and quick healing in your new body piercing.
If you ever have questions regarding proper body jewelry aftercare, you can consult with our licensed body piercers. They are available to answer your body piercing questions and help guide you on your aftercare journey.
Remember that every body is different and that you are in charge of completing appropriate aftercare to protect and heal your new body piercing.
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Shop Our Daith Body Jewelry Collection
Healing Time Frame
Has it been at least 4 to 6 months since you got your daith pierced? If so, you are in the safe zone for changing out your daith jewelry. Although you can change out your jewelry at 2 months out, doing so is risky. Waiting at least 4 to 6 months ensures that you won't be hindering the healing process. After about 4 to 6 months, you can change out your jewelry. Remember that cartilage piercing, like the daith piercing, do take between 6-9 months to heal completely, if not longer depending on your own body and how well aftercare was performed.
Daith Piercing Appearance
Is your piercing free of discharge, redness and irritation? If so, you can change out your daith jewelry. Just be aware that when you do change out your jewelry, it may cause irritation and redness in or around the piercing channel for a few days after as your daith piercing is still not fully healed and the new jewelry creates a response. Monitor your daith piercing and clean it like normal after switching to new daith jewelry. This will help ease the transition into the new body jewelry.
What's The Size I Need?
Do you know the gauge and diameter that you are currently wearing in your daith piercing? If so, you're cleared for a shopping spree! The most common gauge and diameter for a daith piercing is 16g and 5/16" (8mm). A larger diameter of 3/8" is also appropriate for a daith piercing. If you have larger daith anatomy or just like to wear larger pieces, 3/8" is perfect too! With this knowledge, you can safely shop for the right gauge and diameter, making sure that you're putting in the correct size for your daith piercing. If you need help with sizing or feel like your daith jewelry is larger than 16g, you can contact us for assistance.
Do I Feel Good?
Am I in good health and not under extreme stress? Being sick and being subjected to stress can hinder your daith piercing healing process. Even if you've had your daith piercing for over 4 months and you have no visible discharge, irritation or redness, being sick and/or under extreme stress can subject you to a hindered jewelry change. Make sure that your body is in good health, you're not currently experiencing a cold or have a broken bone. Also double check your stress level, if school exams or work schedules are hectic, wait until the extra life pressure subsides. Your body and daith piercing will thank you!
Don't forget to check out our Daith piercing jewelry collection! You'll love it!
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Shop Our Rook Piercing Jewelry Collection
The Rook piercing is a stylish, vertical piercing of the upper ear cartilage ledge above the Tragus and below the upper Conch area. It can house two different styles of body jewelry:
Curved Barbells and Captive Bead Rings
Curved Barbells: Do you like the idea of a simple, streamlined piece but want variety?
Curved barbells are an excellent option for your Rook piercing. They contain three parts, the two threaded ends and a curved barbell shaft. Since both of the ends are removable, this allows for a greater variety of ends and combinations. You can put a red opal on top and a heart piece on the bottom or pick a colorful gem top and a star shaped bottom piece. Curved Barbells create many options; allowing you to customize your Rook piercing and even color coordinate it with your outfits!
Captive Bead Rings: Want to put your own spin on a classic piece?
Captive Bead Rings are another great option. They contain two parts, the incomplete circular piece and the indented ball, bead or piece. Using the strength and tension of the circular piece, an indented bead or gem is set after snapping it in place. The look of a Captive Bead Ring is different than the Curved Barbell since it completely encircles the piercing channel and the outer ledge.
Captive Bead Rings come in many different styles, colors and combinations. You can start with a plain circular piece and add a splash of color by picking a brightly colored bead or gem. Captive Bead Rings also can house a cluster of gems instead of a bead or gem, thus allowing for more options!
Both Curved Barbells and Captive Bead Rings offer fun and style. I personally like to wear a Curved Barbell in my Rook piercing. It is simple, stylish and comfortable. I do like the look of Captive Bead Rings in the Rook piercing but haven’t yet opted to introduce a ring in my own Rook piercing. I feel that a properly sized Curved Barbell or Captive Bead Ring can look fabulous and offer a little fun and variety in a Rook piercing.
When shopping for a new piece for your Rook piercing, examine the quality and stick with internally threaded or snap-fit. High end body jewelry companies, like SirenBodyJewelry.com, offer the most options and colors for both the Curved Barbells and the Captive Bead Rings. Before you know it, your Rook jewelry pieces might outnumber your shoe collection! Make sure you consult with a licensed professional piercer, like myself, to find the proper fit for you!
Also check out this personal video by Emma on YouTube! She describes her rook piercing experience along with her aftercare process and personal pain level.