1. Know your piercer and parlor
Do your research to find the best place to get pierced in your area. Go somewhere that has a good reputation in the area (don’t simply search for the cheapest option). Look at online reviews, ask your friends and get a good grip on the best piercer and parlor for you.
2. Know how to care for your future piercing
Make sure you are prepared to take extra care of your piercing while it’s healing; for some piercings, this process could take a year. Know which soaps your piercer recommends (definitely avoid any that have scrubbing beads in them), and avoid purchasing any jewelry that dangles. Ask your piercer what type of clothing they recommend wearing while your piercing heals.
3. Make sure the piercing fits your lifestyle
If you live a very active lifestyle, look into what piercing placements are okay and which aren’t. Often navel piercings, nipple piercings and some others can get caught on clothing while working out, performing or playing. Also, make sure you are prepared to take out the piercing if you get a job or internship that doesn’t allow them.
4. Be aware of the risks
No matter how well you care for a piercing, sometimes they reject for no discernable reason. Know the signs of rejection (excessive redness, migration of the piercing towards the surface of the skin, etc.) and see your piercer if this happens. Be aware that there is always a possibility of infection, tearing, and if the piercing is torn out, scarring.
5. Ask your piercer about the metal he/she is using and the gauge size
It is important to know what metal your piercer uses in case of an allergic reaction. This is also important to know if you ever need medical attention that requires an MRI or CT-SCAN; some metals cannot go into these machines and will need to be taken out. Know your gauge size for future jewelry purchases, and in case a piercer recommends you go up or down a jewelry size.
6. Let someone know where and when you’re getting pierced
If you choose not to bring a friend with you for moral support (which you should consider doing), make sure someone knows where you are going and when you’re being pierced. Of course you should go to somewhere reputable, but treat this like a Tinder date and let a friend know where you are. Better safe than sorry!
7. Be comfortable with what you are doing
Never let anyone pressure you into getting a piercing. Make sure you are doing this for you alone. Be completely certain that you are comfortable with the process of being pierced from feeling a little pain to exposing a part of your body to the piercer. Know that your body will change a little with a piercing and accept this change before moving forward.
Piercings can definitely be a fun adventure and a great way to express yourself. Just be sure of what you want and the risks going in, and if you’re ready, go for it!