Piercing Guns vs Needles: Which is Better?

When you’re getting your next piercing, you may end up having to choose between a professional that uses either a piercing gun, or one that prefers a needle. Depending on which one they use, you may end up with different results at the end of the process. But what’s the difference between the two? Before making a decision about which way you want to go, it’s a good idea to find out what you’re in for with either option. Today, we’ll be touching on the pros and cons of each, before making an assessment of which is generally better to go for based on the latest industry trends. 

Piercing Guns and Needles: The Basics

To understand the core difference between the piercing guns and needles, it's helpful to understand each on their own. A piercing gun is an ear piercing instrument that drives a pointed starter earring through the lobe. These are reusable and commonly found in jewelry shops in shopping malls. As a result, they aren’t always used by people who have had sufficient training. Needles are commonly used as an alternative, and in the piercing space they are the same as those used by medical professionals. These needles are not designed to remove tissue, rather just opening up space in the skin for the jewelry to nestle gently into. 

Piercing Gun Pros & Cons

One of the first positives about piercing guns is that they are relatively easy to use, and are widely accessible. You won’t struggle to find somewhere on short notice, although it can be risky to take a gamble on a new space you haven’t been referred to. Piercings from guns are cheaper if they come from a person that isn’t professionally trained to conduct them, and are very quick (a single pull of the trigger). The associated risks are however pretty high. Piercing guns are less versatile than needles: they are designed to be used exclusively for earlobes. Tissue trauma is more likely than with a needle, which can cause additional swelling and increase the risk of trauma. 

Needles for Piercings: Pros and Cons

Needles are single-use objects, meaning they won’t be used from one person to the next. This offers a clean, sanitized solution that reduces the risk of infection. Done correctly, needle piercings should not be overly painful, as they are very sharp. They are versatile instruments that can be used in many different parts of the body, leaving room for you to explore from piercing to piercing. There is an important downside to keep in mind. Needle piercings require trained professionals, meaning that they will likely be more expensive than when you use someone with a piercing gun in a mall. The added cost for professional care may end up being well worth it, especially once the piercing has healed without any problems. 

The Better Fit Based on Your Needs