BodyJ4You Blog
Top 3 Unique Piercing Trends of 2023: Stand Out and Express Your Individuality with BodyJ4You
If you want to start your year with a bang, go for an uncommon piercing that will make you stand out, even in the piercing community. These are (drumroll please) the joker piercing, the rhino piercing, and the angel bites piercing. This blog will walk you through the pain scale, healing process, and aftercare of these out-there piercings. And, of course, what kind of jewelry will make your new stand-out piercing pop. 💁♀️ Dahlia (Joker) Piercing The dahlia or joker piercing consists of two studs on either side of the mouth. The original name for this piercing has some pretty sinister roots. It’s named after the ‘Black Dahlia’ — an actress murdered in 1947 who was found with a smile cut into her face. It has been nicknamed the ‘Joker’ piercing after the scars on the infamous Batman character. For some, the macabre roots add to the edginess of the piercing, or you may just want to draw attention to your luscious lips. Whatever your reasoning, this piercing is certainly eye-catching. via GIPHY How Much Does a Dahlia Piercing Hurt? Now, we can’t tell you exactly how painful you will personally find this piercing. Everyone’s pain threshold is different. However, on a piercing pain scale of 1-10 (10 being the most painful), dahlia piercings are around a 4/10. Any piercings around the lip can be a bit more painful as it’s a sensitive area of the body. Since you’re getting two piercings, if you have a low pain threshold, you can ask your piercer to take a break between the two. Regardless of how much it hurts to get this piercing, you will probably experience swelling, and the site will be tender for a few days. How Long Does a Dahlia Piercing Take to Heal? View this post on Instagram A post shared by Underground Tattoos Watford (@undergroundtattoos) On average, you can expect your dahlia piercing to heal within 12 to 20 weeks. However, healing time differs from person to person and depends on how strictly you keep up your aftercare. Dahlia Piercing Aftercare Like any new piercing, you want to pay attention to your piercing aftercare routine. Taking care of your new Dahlia piercing makes such a difference to the healing time and your chance of infection. Here are some simple steps to ensure your piercing heals as quickly and as safely as possible: Wash your hands before you touch your new piercing. Clean your mouth with a safe mouthwash - like this sea salt mouth rinse. Spray your piercing with a saline solution. Be careful when eating or drinking not to bump the piercing. Avoid immersing the piercing in water. No swimming or taking a bath until it’s fully healed. Since this piercing is so close to your teeth, you’ve got to watch out for what you chew. Preferably not your new piercing. 😅 Dahlia Piercing Jewelry The best jewelry for a dahlia or joker piercing is a flat back stud or a clicker ring. Your piercer will probably use a flat back stud as your initial jewelry, but once your piercing has fully healed, you can have some fun trying different styles. If you want to go for something a bit more snazzy, try out this silvertone steel stud. Or get creative and try out different colors, like this electric blue segment ring. Rhino Piercing View this post on Instagram A post shared by Calypso Tattoo (@calypsotattootexas) You may not have heard of a rhino piercing, and we don’t blame you. They’re pretty uncommon in Western culture. Popular in South American and African tribal cultures, the rhino piercing is a bar that goes from your septum through the tip of your nose. The boldness of this nose piercing is great if you want to stand out from the crowd. How is a Rhino Piercing Done? A deep rhino piercing (one that goes through the tip of your nose) is done by pushing a needle between the cartilage in your nose. This has to be done by an experienced piercer to make sure the hole is in the right place and misses the bone. 😬 How Much Does a Rhino Piercing Hurt? View this post on Instagram A post shared by The APP (@safepiercing) Some say that it’s more uncomfortable than painful, but this will depend on your pain tolerance. The needle has to make two holes so you will feel the initial pain of a piercing twice. On a scale of 1-10, rhino piercings are about a 3/10. How Long Does a Rhino Piercing Take to Heal? A rhino piercing should take about 4-6 weeks to heal fully. To aid healing, try not to play with your piercing or touch it other than when cleaning it. Rhino Piercing Aftercare So you’ve stepped out of the piercing studio, happy with your new rhino piercing. Now what? Well, you’re going to want a good aftercare routine. Here is a simple aftercare routine for your rhino piercing: Wash your hands before you touch your new piercing. Clean your piercing twice a day with a saline solution. Gently dab dry with a paper towel. Use a piercing bump solution to reduce the chance of bumps appearing. Don’t go swimming or have a bath until it’s fully healed. Rhino Piercing Jewelry For a rhino piercing, you’ll want either a straight barbell or a curved barbell. Luckily, there are so many different styles of these barbells to choose from. If you’re looking for a pop of color, the straight rainbow barbell is the one for you. If you want to add even more of an edge to this unique piercing, go for this studded curved barbell. Angel Bite Piercings View this post on Instagram A post shared by Jessica Willis (@piercings.by.jessica) Sitting symmetrically on your upper lip, the angel bite piercing combines the Madonna and the Monroe piercings. Not to be confused with the more popular snake bite piercings on your lower lip. (Psst, you can find out about all the different lip piercings here.) This uncommon piercing draws attention to your lips, making your pout stand out. 💋 How Much Do Angel Bite Piercings Hurt? As we mentioned before, the mouth is a pretty sensitive area, so piercings can hurt here a little more. On a scale of 1-10, angel bite piercings come in around a 6/10 pain-wise. How Long Do Angel Bite Piercings Take to Heal? View this post on Instagram A post shared by 𝕾𝖎𝖈𝖐𝕯𝖔𝖑𝖑𝖘 (@sickdollss) On average, angel bite piercings take around 12-16 weeks to heal. As we’ve mentioned already, taking good care of your piercing will aid the healing process. So remember your aftercare routine! Angel Bite Piercings Aftercare We may sound like a broken record, but a good aftercare routine is vital. It’s particularly important for mouth piercings since they can come into close contact with food. Your aftercare routine for an angel bite piercing will be similar to that of a dahlia piercing. So here is how you can take care of your new mouth piercing: Wash your hands before you touch your new piercing. Clean your mouth with sea salt mouthwash three times a day - DO NOT use normal mouthwash. Spray your piercing with a saline solution. Be careful when eating or drinking not to bump the piercing Wait until your piercing is fully healed until you go for a swim or have a bath. Angel Bite Piercings Jewelry Just like the dahlia piercing, it’s best to opt for a flat back stud to put in your angel bite piercings. Since it consists of two piercings, you have more room to play around with jewelry. You can go classic and match your studs or have fun trying different combinations of studs. Try out different-shaped studs with this heart and star bar set. Or mix it up with different colors with this three-piece Monroe stud set.
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Reasons why it's much better to get a piercing with a needle than a piercing gun
5 reasons why getting a piercing with a needle is BETTER than using a piercing gun Needles cause less tissue damage to the area being pierced, resulting in a quicker healing time. Needles offer more precision when piercing, allowing for a better placement of the jewelry. Needles are more sterile, reducing the risk of infection. Needles make the piercing process less painful and traumatizing than the piercing gun. Needles give the piercer more control over the placement of the jewelry and the depth of the piercing. 5 reasons why getting a piercing with a piercing gun is NOT a good idea Piercing guns are not sterile and can spread infection. It is recommended to use sterile, single-use needles in a professional setting to minimize the risk of infection. Piercing guns can cause tissue damage, including bruising and scarring. Piercing guns may not be able to be used on certain body parts, such as cartilage. Piercing guns can be difficult to use on thicker skin, leading to an uneven piercing. There is a risk of jewelry being inserted incorrectly, which can result in a painful piercing. What to think about before doing a piercing at home. (we highly recommend you go to a professional piercer!) Before doing any type of piercing at home, it is important to consider a few things. Firstly, be sure that you have all the necessary supplies and tools for the procedure. It is also essential to thoroughly research the piercing to ensure you know the correct placement and how to take care of it afterwards. It is also important to get professional advice as it can be dangerous to do a piercing at home without proper guidance. Finally, make sure you are in a clean and comfortable environment and that you are mentally and physically prepared for the piercing. 10 reasons you should get your piercing done by a professional and not do it at home Professional piercers are trained and certified in proper hygiene, providing you with a much safer experience than DIY-ing it. Professional piercers know how to properly place piercings for optimal healing and aesthetics. Professional piercers have access to sterile, high-quality needles and jewelry specifically designed for piercings. Professional piercers know how to handle and clean the jewelry so that it is safe to use. Professional piercers are well-versed in the proper aftercare of piercings, providing guidance and advice as your piercing heals. Professional piercers are knowledgeable about the risks associated with certain piercings, helping you make an informed decision. Professional piercers can provide you with a wide range of jewelry options, allowing you to customize your piercing to your liking. Professional piercers are experienced in dealing with many different types of piercings, so they can help you choose the best option for your body and lifestyle. Professional piercers can provide you with advice on the best type of jewelry and materials to use for your specific piercing. Professional piercers are dedicated to providing a safe and comfortable experience, making sure that you get the best possible results. 10 tips on how to make sure the piercing shop you are going to is a good place to get pierced Research the piercing shop online. Check customer reviews, look at pictures of the shop and piercings they have done, and make sure they have a good reputation. Make sure the piercing shop is licensed and follows all safety regulations. Ask the piercer questions about their experience, certifications, and safety protocols. Look for a shop that is clean and well-maintained. Look for a piercer who is experienced, friendly, and knowledgeable. See if the piercer has any references or recommendations from previous customers. Ask about their sterilization and disinfection practices. Make sure the piercer uses quality jewelry that is made of safe materials. Ask the piercer what kind of aftercare advice they provide. Make sure the piercing shop has an up-to-date autoclave and follows all safety protocols. 5 tips on how to decide which type of piercing to get Consider the location: Different piercings can be placed in various parts of the body, so take a moment to think about where you’d like the piercing to be. Research the healing time: The length of time it takes for a piercing to heal can vary depending on the type of piercing, so be sure to research how long it takes for the particular piercing you are interested in to heal. Look into the aftercare: Different piercings require different types of aftercare, so be sure to look into what will be expected of you to ensure the piercing heals properly. Think about the pain: Every individual experiences pain differently, so consider how much pain you’d be willing to tolerate when making your decision. Consider the cost: Different piercings can have different cost associated with them, so take into account the cost before you make your decision. How to take care of a new piercing Congratulations on getting a new piercing! Taking proper care of it is essential for the healing process and to prevent infection. Here are some tips to help the healing process: Wash your hands before touching the piercing. Clean the piercing with a saline solution or mild soap and lukewarm water, twice a day. Avoid using harsh products, such as alcohol, peroxide, and lotion, as these can irritate the piercing. Avoid swimming, as this can introduce bacteria to the piercing. Avoid touching the piercing more than necessary. Wear loose fitting clothing to avoid irritating the piercing. Be sure to follow any special instructions given by your piercer. Following these steps can help ensure a safe and successful healing process. Good luck! Things to consider when getting a new piercing When considering a piercing, there are a few important things to keep in mind. First, make sure to do your research and find a reputable and experienced piercer that can provide you with the best results. Additionally, it’s important to research the piercing you’re considering to learn about aftercare and potential health risks associated with it. It’s also important to consider the healing time and potential pain associated with the piercing - some piercings take longer to heal than others and cause more discomfort during the healing process. Lastly, make sure you’re comfortable with the piercing and care for it properly - this will help to ensure that your piercing heals properly and lasts for years to come.
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The Holiday Gift Guide for the Piercing Junkie in Your Life (for 2022)
The holidays are fast approaching, so it’s time to start thinking about what you’re going to put on your list for Santa. Also, you might be thinking of what to get your loved ones. Whether they’ve been naughty or nice, some people are notoriously hard to buy gifts for, so we thought we’d give you some ideas. If they’re a fan of body piercings and jewelry, all the better. 😉 Without further ado, here is your guide to what to get the piercing fanatic in your life! Pssst: Keep reading until the end for non-piercing related gift ideas. 🙆♀️ Ear Stretching Gifts Know someone who is thinking about stretching their lobes? Or maybe your friend is looking to go up a gauge size. If that’s the case, we have the perfect gifts for them. We’ve got gauge kits in all shapes and colors. Why not Get them this gorgeous rose gold stainless steel kit (also available in other colors)? Or, if you want to give them more options for stretching, get them this multicolored kit with acrylic spirals and jojoba oil. If you know what size they want to go up to, and they like a surprise, get them this randomly selected gauge kit. You get five random plugs of one size (which you can select), an aftercare balm, jojoba oil, and a portable container, all included. Belly Piercing Gifts Get your friend a brand new belly button ring to show off in the new year. We’ve got heaps of gorgeous belly piercing jewelry to choose from these holidays, so here are some of the highlights. This glittering set of floral belly rings is perfect for this time of year. With these they’ll be ready for all the holiday parties. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Body Piercing, Fashion Jewelry (@bodyj4you) This opal naughtical belly ring is a great gift for the secret mermaid in your friendship group. 🧜♀️ If they like to change things up regularly, get them this 15-piece belly ring set. Piercing Aftercare Gifts If you’re buying for someone who has just got a new piercing (or a few), they will love you if you give them some gifts to help with their piercing aftercare. To help keep pesky piercing bumps away, get them this piercing bump aftercare treatment solution. If they’ve just got a new mouth piercing, they will really appreciate this sea salt solution mouthwash. Give them the works with this piercing aftercare kit, including a saline solution spray, jojoba oil, and our ear stretching balm. This is best for someone who has got a range of new piercings and is stretching some old ones. Gifts for People With Mulitple Piercings More likely than not, the person you’re buying a present for has more than one piercing. This is where a versatile gift comes in handy. Why not get them a gorgeous straight barbell? This is one of the most versatile pieces of body piercing jewelry. You can use them for nipple piercings, tongue piercings, cartilage jewelry, or industrial piercings. If you’re looking for something simple but stylish, get them these steel barbells with clear crystals. If you want to give something with a pop of color, get them these flower barbells with black and green gemstones. Another piece of jewelry that suits multiple piercings is the segment clicker ring. Ready to use for a septum piercing, helix, tragus, nipple piercing, lip, or eyebrow piercing, the clicker ring is perfect for any body piercing addict. Our simple segment rings come in many colors, like this rainbow segment ring. If you’re looking to splash out for something special, get them this gold-lined opal segment ring. Gifts for People Without Piercings But what about if the person you're buying a holiday gift for doesn’t have any piercings? No need to panic. We’ve got you covered. Clip-on Piercings Fake piercings are great for those who want to try before they buy (or rather permanently pierce their skin). We have a range of clip-on piercings for that person in your life who is still deciding if a permanent piercing is for them. Maybe they are considering a classic nose ring. This clip-on nose ring is a perfect way to try out this popular piercing before making a lifelong commitment. If they’re thinking about taking a bigger step piercing-wise, get them this set of clip-on septum piercings so they can mix and match to decide if it’s really for them. They could be considering a number of different piercings; there are so many to choose from. Let them be indecisive with this clip-on spring hoop. You can wear it as a cartilage piercing, a nose ring, or a septum piercing. Choker Necklaces If you’re buying for a fashionista that isn’t into piercings at all, never fear. We have a large range of on-trend choker necklaces to choose from. They’re fun, come in so many colors, and make a great stocking filler. 🎅🏻 If they go for the surfer chic, get them this set of shell choker necklaces. Maybe they take on a more gothic look. Then this set of velvet choker necklaces will be perfect for them. For a cute Christmassy gift, why not get them this Santa hat tattoo choker? Or maybe you want to give them a lot of choice, so they can wear a new choker every day. Then this 24-piece choker set is right up their street. Here are just a few ideas of what to get your jewelry loving loved ones for the holidays in 2022, whatever their style. For more ideas, check out our newest arrivals to get them the latest body piercing jewelry and chokers hot off the press.
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All You Need to Know about Vertical Labret Piercings: Cost, Pain, and Aftercare
If you’re looking for a piercing that will stand out, the vertical labret piercing will be right up your street. Since vertical labret piercing jewelry sits in the middle of your bottom lip, showing both above and below the lip, this is not a piercing for the faint-hearted. But if you’re a facial piercing fiend that wants your lower lip to pop, this unique piercing opens up so many options for you to experiment with your style. 💁♀️ Vertical Labret Piercings: The Basics If you've never heard of this piercing before, don't worry. We've got you covered. Swat up on the need-to-knows about vertical labret piercings. What is a Vertical Labret Piercing? Sharing a name with the traditional labret piercing, it’s also a piercing on the lower lip. However, the normal labret piercing sits just below the bottom lip, while the vertical labret goes through the middle of the lip. You can show it off with a curved or circular barbell. As you can see on the gorgeous gal in the picture above, it sits upright, as the name suggests. Does a Vertical Labret Piercing Hurt? @gothic.fairytales Reply to @lylabrehmer1 #piercing #lippiercing #verticallabret #painful #experience #fyp #fypシ゚viral ♬ original sound - Dark We’re not going to lie to you, yes. But all piercings hurt to some extent. We can’t tell you exactly how much it’s going to hurt because everyone’s pain threshold is different. The lip is a more sensitive part of the body surrounded by more nerve endings, so it will probably hurt more than getting your ears or your nose pierced. Piercing experts give it a score of 4 on a scale of 1 to 10 on a piercing pain chart. You’ll most likely feel a sharp pinch, but an experienced piercer will do it swiftly and cleanly so you shouldn’t feel too much vertical labret piercing pain. However, we wouldn’t recommend this as your first piercing. NOTE: Vertical labret piercings should always be done with a needle and NOT a gun. Since this is a sensitive part of the body, piercing the lip with a gun can be very dangerous. Any experienced piercer will use a needle, so ask how the studio you go to performs the piercing before you sit down in the chair. 😬 How Much Does a Vertical Labret Piercing Cost? The answer to this question very much depends on which piercing studio you go to. Most studios will charge somewhere between $30-$100. Different studios will have different rates depending on the experience of the piercer and the quality of the vertical labret piercing jewelry. This piercing should be done with stainless steel, gold, or glass jewelry. Psst - All of our jewelry at Bodyj4You is made out of safe, sterile materials. Perfect for when you’re ready to change out your fabulous new piercing. 😉 Vertical Labret Piercing Aftercare View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Black Pearl Tattoo Co. (@blackpearltattoony) Like all piercings, the right aftercare will make or break how well your vertical labret piercing heals. If you’re unsure where to start, check out our complete guide on piercing aftercare. Keep reading for specific tips to help your vertical labret piercing heal. How Long will a Vertical Labret Piercing Take to Heal? Most lip piercings take between six and eight weeks to heal. This timeline could be longer or shorter, depending on how well you keep up your piercing aftercare. This piercing can also take a bit longer to heal because it’s more likely to get irritated. On a day-to-day basis, you probably don’t think about how much you put in your mouth, but this part of the body gets a lot of action. You don’t need to stop eating or drinking altogether, you just don’t want anything to bump the vertical labret piercing jewelry or get stuck in it. So be mindful of what you’re putting in your mouth. 😂 How Do I Look After My Vertical Labret Piercing? Apart from the risk of food getting in it, vertical labret piercing aftercare is pretty similar to looking after other forms of piercings. To look after your vertical labret piercing, follow these steps: Wash your hands before you touch your new piercing. Clean your mouth with a safe mouth wash - like this sea salt mouth rinse. Spray your piercing with a saline solution. Be careful when eating or drinking not to bump the piercing Avoid immersing the piercing in water. No swimming or going in the bath until it’s fully healed. Side Effects of a Vertical Labret Piercing There is a possibility of side effects with any piercing, especially if you don’t follow a strict aftercare routine. If you’re worried about any of the following side effects, consult your doctor or your local piercing studio. The side effects you may get from your vertical labret piercing include: Swelling: it is pretty normal for a piercing to swell just after you’ve had it. However, if it stays swollen for a number of weeks or starts to bleed, it’s time to get it checked out by a doctor. Infection: because of the placement of the piercing, infections can be quite common. Bacteria can sneak their way in when you eat, drink, or touch your mouth. This is why you need to be careful with it in the first few weeks. Rejection: sadly, not all piercings work for everybody. There is a chance your body rejects the piercing, your skin literally pushing the piercing out. 🤢 Tooth/Gum Damage: being so close to your teeth, a vertical labret piercing can rub against the enamel of your teeth (the white bits round the edge), or cause a gum infection. When Can I Change Out My Vertical Labret Piercing? View this post on Instagram A post shared by Body Piercing, Fashion Jewelry (@bodyj4you) Here comes the fun part. You’ve waited patiently for your piercing to heal, and now you can swap it out for some other fabulous vertical labret piercing jewelry! You can change out this piercing once it has fully healed, so usually after six to eight weeks. Don’t change it out if it is taking longer to heal or has got infected. 😕 You can go for a classic curved barbell, or you could opt for a segment ring like our friend Lexi shows in the video above. So go ahead and try out all the different types of vertical labret piercing jewelry to make this piercing pop.
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Everything You Need to Know Before Getting Nipple Piercings (From Pain to Pleasure)
Chances are you know someone with a nipple piercing. They are becoming increasingly popular, and we can see why. They’re stylish, make you stand out (literally), and have some added benefits in the bedroom. 👀 But these infamous piercings have a bit of a bad rep. From horror stories to slut shaming, you won’t be short of opinions on them. Thinking of taking the plunge? This blog will take you through everything you need to know about nipple piercings, from pain level to aftercare. Nipple Piercings: FAQs Still on the fence about nipple piercings? Get all the essential facts on them right here. Why Do People Get Nipple Piercings? People get their nipples pierced for a whole host of reasons. For aesthetics, cultural reasons, or to boost sexual arousal. Piercing your nipples can increase their sensitivity. After having their nipples pierced, people report more intense levels of arousal when they are touched, even some being able to achieve orgasm from this alone. Others are proud of their chests and enjoy being able to show off their nipple piercings through their clothing. For some it is an act of appreciation and body positivity. They also look quite cool. 💁♀️ How Much Do Nipple Piercings Cost? Prices will vary depending on the studio you go to, but from a professional a nipple piercing can cost you anywhere between $30 and $100. Is There More Than One Kind of Nipple Piercing? View this post on Instagram A post shared by 𝐂 𝐉 𝐒 (@constantinjustusserwe) Yes! The most common form of nipple piercing is a horizontal piercing. You can actually get your nipples pierced in a number of ways. Here are just some other examples: Vertical piercings Diagonal piercings Cross shape - usually horizontal piercing in front and vertical one behind X shape - two diagonal piercings Double horizontal - two parallel bars How Much Do Nipple Piercings Hurt? It’s hard to say exactly how much a nipple piercing will hurt as everyone’s pain threshold is different. However, the nipple is a more sensitive part of the body, so the likelihood is that this will hurt more than getting other parts of your body pierced. On a pain chart of body piercings, nipple piercings are on the higher end along with genital piercings. It all depends how sensitive your nipples are, some people’s are sensitive enough to cause them to climax. This being said, some people who have had their nipples pierced report no more pain than piercing other parts of the body. An experienced piercer will perform the procedure quickly to reduce how much it hurts. Will My Nipple Piercing Affect Breastfeeding? Getting your nipples pierced can affect your breastfeeding experience. The piercing itself and the jewelery can make it hard for milk to come out, scar tissue potentially blocking the milk ducts. If you’re planning on breastfeeding, it might be better not to get both nipples pierced. Your baby could have trouble latching onto a pierced nipple, or even swallowing and choking on the jewelery. If you’re already pregnant or breastfeeding, it might be better to wait few months after you’ve finished breastfeeding until you get your nipples pierced. Do Nipple Piercings Cause Cancer? No. There is no proven correlation between nipple piercings and breast cancer. Breast cancer is caused by a mutation of cells in your breast tissue, not by injury or trauma. That being said, if you notice any irregular lumps, oozing, or bleeding weeks after you’ve had your nipple pierced, do get it checked out by a doctor because it could be infected. Can Nipple Piercings Cause Infections? If you feel your piercing is not healing properly, your skin feels hot, or there is yellow, green, or brown colored discharge coming from the wound, call your doctor. What Kind of Jewelery Can You Use For a Nipple Piercing? This is where the fun part comes in. There is a whole host of jewelery you can use for your nipple piercing, so get ready to experiment (as soon as they’re fully healed of course 😉.) Whatever you pick, make sure it's made from sterile, safe materials, like stainless steel or glass. Here are some of the different kinds of jewelery you can use for a nipple piercing: Straight barbells - you can get anything from a simple silver bar, to a fun bejewlled barbell, like these gorgeous pink opal ones. 2. Segment rings - get gold rings, silver rings, gemstone rings. You name it we’ve got it. 3. Circualr barbells - a horseshoe is a classic shape for nipple piercing jewelery. Check out our collection including these green steel barbells. 4. Other shapes - get creative and try out nipple piercing jewelry in range of fun shapes and sizes, like these heart shaped barbells or these tribal steel barbells. Nipple Piercing Aftercare It is very important to follow all aftercare protocol that your piercer assigns to ensure a smooth healing process. Your piercer should provide you with aftercare instructions, if not make sure to ask before you leave the studio, or check out our ultimate guide on piercing aftercare. If you need a refresher, here’s the lowdown on your to look after your nipple piercings to avoid infection and keloids. How Long Do They Take to Heal? View this post on Instagram A post shared by Nancy (@nancychen_) Nipple piercings on average take longer than other piercings to heal, usually around 12-16 weeks, but they can take up to six months. This is because the site of the piercing doesn’t always stay the same. As soon as you're cold or aroused, your nipples may get bigger and perkier. So it’s even more important to stick to a consistent aftercare routine while they’re healing. How Do You Clean a Nipple Piercing? When it comes to any piercing, following a good aftercare routine is essential for faster and safer healing. Here are the steps to acing nipple piercing aftercare: Wash your hands before you touch your new piercing. Clean your nipples with sea salt solution. Spray your piercing with a saline solution. Avoid immersing the piercing in water. No swimming or going in the bath until it’s fully healed. Nipple Piercing Risks Being in a more sensitive part of the body, nipple piercings may be associated with some risks that don’t affect other piercings. Here are the most common risks associated with nipple piercings: Infection - due to their placement near the milk ducts, nipples do have a higher risk of infection than other piercings. To avoid infection, it’s important to follow a strict aftercare routine. Abscess or keloids - this is a risk with any piercing. You can avoid getting bumps by keeping to your piercing aftercare, using a products like piercing bump aftercare treatment. Skin tears - it’s important to be careful when putting on or taking off your clothes while your nipple piercing is healing. If your nipple piercing is pulled out it can cause the skin to tear and lead to permanent scarring. 😬
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The Shocking History of Chokers (And How to Style Them)
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve probably seen a choker necklace or two in your time. Whether it’s a grungy tattoo 90’s affair or a surfer-girl shell choker, this versatile piece of jewelry provides something for everyone. But did you know that the choker actually has a long history across a variety of cultures dating back to ancient civilization? Sit tight while we take you on a journey through the fascinating history of the choker, as well as provide you with some hot tips on how to style these bad boys. What is the Meaning of a Choker Necklace? You may be surprised to hear that chokers actually hold more significant meanings than just being fashion staples worn by the likes of Britney and Gigi Hadid. Throughout history, the purpose of a choker necklace has been symbolic and practical. In Indian and Native American cultures, people of all genders have worn them for religious reasons or to cover or protect their necks from harm. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Body Piercing, Fashion Jewelry (@bodyj4you) History of Choker Necklaces To understand why chokers are so popular, you really have to look at the history of this iconic piece of jewelry. Ancient Mystic Powers Believe it or not, chokers date back further than your mom’s hippie braided necklaces. The earliest records of these tight necklaces are from Ancient Mesopotamia (about where modern-day Iraq is). Many of these necklaces were made of metal or intricate beadwork and would’ve been darn heavy. There is evidence of chokers also being worn in Ancient Egypt. And, they weren’t just worn for style. They also had spiritual significance. According to Yvonne Markowitz, previous Curator of Jewelry at the Museum of Fine Arts, ancient women wore jewelry on the most vulnerable parts of the body (e.g. head, wrists, throat) as they believed it infused them with special powers. Yes, even before Sabrina the teenage witch got her hands on them. Anne Boleyn’s Infamous “B” Choker One of the most iconic chokers was worn by everyone’s favorite side-piece, Anne Boleyn. Yes, the second wife of the infamous womanizer, King Henry VIII, had pretty damn good taste in jewelry, as can be seen below. Anne Boleyn was Henry’s second wife, and he had her beheaded in 1536 after she was accused of adultery. So much for wearing necklaces for protection. The harrowing fate of Anne Boleyn is part of the appeal of the necklace. Its history is also very mysterious. According to historian Claire Ridgeway, its origin and exact whereabouts are unclear. It was thought to be passed down to her daughter Elizabeth (later Queen Elizabeth I), and some say it’s part of the Imperial Crown of Queen Elizabeth II, but Ridgway says that there is no proof of this. This chocker has reemerged throughout pop culture, its fans ranging from Ugly Betty to Bella Hadid. You can even get replicas with your own initial on them from Etsy, but the original “B” has the edge. Symbolic Chokers, French Prostitutes and English Mockery The next time we saw the choker make a comeback was in 18th Century France. Marie Antoinette was another queen who was beheaded but also loved a good choker. Her chokers weren’t just a fashion statement; they also became a political statement. After Marie Antoinette and a number of other influential people lost their heads to the guillotine, people in France started wearing red ribbons around their necks in solidarity. This sparked a new trend in England in a truly British fashion, ironically. English teenagers started wearing similar red necklaces mocking the French Revolution. That’s some Cardi B level pettiness. By the time the 19th Century came around, chokers had a much more seedy reputation. A black ribbon choker was associated with prostitutes in this period in France. The picture above is the famous 1863 Edouard Manet painting ‘Olympia’. Many of the features, including the black ribbon around her neck, identify her as a prostitute. It caused quite a scandal at the time, and not even because of the nudity. You can still get this salacious style of choker; check them out on our website. Alexis Karl: Accidental Choker Icon Back over in England, the chocker trend was set to unintentionally boom. At the turn of the century, Queen Alexandra of Denmark rose to the throne with her husband, King Edward VII. Alexandra had been wearing extravagant chokers like the one below since she was a child, and not just because she was fashion-forward. Rumor has it that she wore these gorgeous pieces to cover up a scar she had on her neck since childhood. It’s debated whether or not that’s actually true. Nevertheless, the trend caught on in the UK. Gender Bending in the 70s Come the 1920s and 1940s, the choker was firmly in the American zeitgeist, being referred to as “dog collar” necklaces. However, they started to be adopted by male rock stars in the 1970s. David Bowie, Jimmi Hendrix, and Mick Jagger set the choker trends as part of the gender-bending-glam-rock-chique. They reclaimed the choker regardless of gender, and men, woman, and all glamorous beings still rock the subversive choker look. 90s Grunge Choker to Present Day If you’re old enough to remember the 90s, you’ll know that chokers were everywhere. It didn’t matter if you were a goth girl with a velvety vampiric choker, or a fan of the girly henna choker; there was a choker for you. Since the 90s, chokers have been mainstream, being worn by Victoria Beckham, Avril Lavine, and Arianna Grande. How to Style Choker Necklaces As you’ve seen in the long history of the choker, it is a versatile piece of jewelry, which can be made elegant or deviant, whatever your flavor. But if you want some more hot tips on how to style your choker, we’ve come up with some different essential choker looks for any occasion. 1.The Layered Effect This is a great choice for the elegant gal. You can carefully place necklaces of different lengths on your neck, chest, and décolletage. We advise starting with a dainty chocker at the top and layer as many necklaces as you like. This is works well as a casual look, but can also pair well with a stunning ball gown if you're heading out to a fancy event. Hot tip: change it up between pendants, beads, and chains for a multi-material look that will pop. 🤩 2. Match Your Choker with Your Outfit You can get chokers in so many different materials; you could match your velvet dress with a stunning velvet choker. This look is great if you're ready to hit the club. If you’re a fan of color coordination, this choker styling is for you. This way, you can have a choker for every outfit (the dream 😍). If this is your vibe, check out our 24-pack choker necklace set. 3. Make a Statement Alternatively, you can let the jewelry do all the talking when it comes to your look. Go for a bold, statement choker to stand out from the crowd. Bust out a statement gold choker or a choker with metal spikes like the one above. This look is fabulous for when you want to check out your local dive bar, or heading to a gig. Are Chokers in Style? The question should be, have they ever been out of style? Chokers are very much in style, being worn by supermodels and music icons alike. In the fashion forecast, it looks like chokers are here to stay. So why not check out our wide range of chokers? We're pretty sure you'll find something you like. 😉
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The Complete Guide for Piercing Aftercare: For Faster and Safer Healing
Getting a new piercing is always exciting, but the journey doesn’t end when you step out of the studio. Good piercing aftercare is vital for the healing process. A piercing is essentially a wound, after all, and your body needs time and the right care to recover fully. A sufficient cleaning and aftercare routine with the right products reduces the risk of your body rejecting the piercing. You’ll also be able to change out the jewelry sooner. This blog post will give you a step-by-step guide on caring for your new piercing, as well as the perfect products to help your piercing heal quickly and safely. What is Piercing Aftercare? Piercing aftercare is the act of looking after your piercing. This includes keeping your piercing clean, avoiding activities that will irritate it, and giving it time to heal before you change the jewelry. Aftercare Guide: How to Clean Your Piercing A trusted piercing studio should always give you aftercare instructions for your specific piercing. Some take longer to heal than others. But, here is a general cleaning guide that you can repeat until your piercing is fully healed. Wash your hands - Cleaning with washed hands is very important. Touching your piercing with unwashed hands is a fast track for infections. Wipe with a cue tip - soak a cotton pad or a cue tip in warm water and wipe away any crusty areas. (Sounds gross, but trust me, they’re a normal part of healing) Anti-bacterial soap - wash the site of your piercing with unscented soap. Saline solution - clean your piercing at least once a day with a piercing aftercare spray like saline solution. Some artists recommend cleaning it twice a day in the first four weeks until it is fully healed or whenever it’s infected. Rinse - rinse the area thoroughly using warm water. Pat dry - use a towel to pat dry. Piercing Aftercare Advice: The Dos and Don’ts of Piercing Aftercare Looking after a new piercing is easy when you follow the right steps. However, there are some things you should avoid to help protect against infection. No one wants a rejected piercing. So here are the dos and don’ts of piercing aftercare etiquette: Warning: some initial redness, tenderness, swelling directly after piercing, and white/yellowish discharge are a normal part of the healing process. But if you do notice any dark yellow or green discharge, you notice a large hard lump, or it smells funny, consult your piercing studio or your doctor. Do Clean Regularly Follow a strict cleaning routine, especially for the first four weeks after getting your piercing. Keep away those furry friends and only touch those earrings with clean hands. Do Avoid Irritants Whether it’s rolling over when you’re sleeping or taking your T-shirts off more carefully, do be careful around your new piercing. You can even use a travel pillow to elevate any ear piercings while you sleep. The less you touch it, the less likely it is to get infected. Avoid harsh chemicals that can irritate the wound, including cleaning products with alcohol in them. Swimming is also off limits thanks to chlorine or any other bacteria that might be found in a swimming bath or body of water. Don’t Change Jewelry Too Soon You need to give your piercing sufficient time to heal before you start changing it out for some fancy hoops. You can change earlobe piercings after a minimum of six weeks, and cartilage can be changed after a minimum of six months. It can take between nine months and a year to fully heal, especially if you have complications. Don’t Rotate Your Piercing You might want to turn your piercing while cleaning it or removing hardened discharge. Don’t. You can accidentally remove the ball from any jewelry, and you might agitate the wound and cause an infection. Piercing Aftercare Products View this post on Instagram A post shared by Body Piercing, Fashion Jewelry (@bodyj4you) It can be tempting to use every product under the sun to help your piercing heal. This isn’t a good idea. As we outlined above, there are some products to stay away from, especially ones containing alcohol. These products can actually cause irritation and your piercings to get infected. There are, however, a number of products that are perfectly safe to use during the healing process. Psst, you get all these piercing aftercare products from BodyJ4You. 🤫 Salt Solution Sea salt is a great natural cleanser for wounds. If you don’t happen to live by the ocean, you can buy a handy sea salt solution. You can even get a specialist piercing aftercare mouth rinse to clean mouth piercings. You can also make a salt solution at home with ¼ of a teaspoon of sea salt and a cup of boiled water. Make sure you use non-iodized salt. Saline Spray @bodyj4you Repost @jasminl33_ showing how she uses our saline spray to keep her ear piercings clean and healthy! #curatedear #piercingaftercare #piercing ♬ original sound - BodyJ4You As we mentioned before, saline spray is one of the safest cleaning products to help the healing process. This is a piercing aftercare spray that will help remove dirt and dried discharge and stop your new piercing from getting infected. Jojoba Oil Especially good for stretched piercings from gauges, jojoba oil is a product made from natural materials that can help speed up the healing process. It speeds up wound closures by encouraging the body to produce collagen. Jojoba oil also acts as a moisturizer which helps prevent skin irritations. Piercing Bump Treatment If you want to find out all about piercing bumps and how to avoid them, check out our previous blog. Piercing bumps can be a menace to anyone, even if this isn’t your first time getting a nose ring. This is when a piercing bump treatment might come in handy to help keep those annoying bumps away. Piercing Aftercare Summary A lot of piercing aftercare is common sense. There are some helpful products to speed up the process, but most of it takes time and patience. Here is a little summary of everything we covered on how to look after your piercings: ✅ DO only touch your piercing with clean hands. ✅ DO follow a strict cleaning routine for the first four weeks. ✅ DO use recommended cleaning products such as piercing aftercare spray and jojoba oil. ✅ DO avoid sleeping on your piercing while it’s healing. ✅ DO use a travel pillow or elevate your piercing while sleeping.✅ DO be careful not to aggravate the piercing when styling hair or taking off clothes. ❌ DON’T rotate or turn your piercing.❌ DON’T clean your piercing with alcohol, peroxide, or harsh products like Bactine.❌ DON’T go swimming for the first four weeks.❌ DON’T change your jewelry too soon.❌ DON’T pick or scratch at any dry matter around the site.❌ DON’T drink alcohol up to 24hrs after you get your piercing.
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How to Get Rid of Piercing Bumps (and Keep Them Away)
You’ve taken the plunge and got yourself a brand new piercing. Congrats! But you’ve started to notice a pesky bump around your piercing, even though you’ve been doing your piercing aftercare. Don’t panic. These bumps can show up for anyone, even veterans. So, how do you make a piercing bump go away? In this blog, we’ll give you the complete breakdown of the best piercing bump treatment, including what to avoid and which products to use. *Psst* We’ve made a handy video if you’re more of a listener than a reader. 😉 What is a piercing bump? Before we get started telling you how to get rid of a piercing bump and piercing bump treatment, let’s pin down exactly what one is. A piercing bump is a hard piece of tissue that forms inside or near the piercing. They usually occur in areas of more dense tissue like the cartilage or your nose. There are a few types of piercing bumps: hypertrophic scarring, cysts caused by dead skin or hair, or swelling of infectious fluid. Not ideal. Do piercing bumps go away? The short answer is yes; most piercing bumps will reduce over time. Even a persistent cyst or abscesses will get better with the help of some home remedies or a specialist piercing bump treatment. However, if you are dealing with a keloid, it might be a different story. Piercing bumps vs keloid There is an important distinction between a piercing bump and a keloid. So, what is a keloid? It is a larger, rubbery (often permanent) scar. It will stand out from any other kind of bump because it will be much larger than the surface area of the wound. These troublesome bumps have three times more collagen than hypertrophic scars and 20 times more collagen than healthy skin. Unfortunately, keloids can’t be as easily taken care of with at-home piercing bump treatment. If you think you have a keloid, it’s best to go to a dermatologist as you might need steroids, a chemotherapy injection, or even have it surgically removed. This may all sound scary, but keloids are rarer than the average piercing bump. You’re more likely to experience keloids if you have a darker skin tone or if there is a family history of keloid formation. The long and short of it is if you haven’t had a keloid by the time you’re in your 20s, the chances are you won’t be getting one anytime soon. How to make a piercing bump go away Now that you’ve identified that you have a piercing bump and not a keloid, here is a step-by-step guide on how to treat it. 1. Find out what’s causing the issue It may sound obvious, but it’s the most important step. There are many factors that lead to skin irritation, especially around the site of new piercings and tattoos. It might be something in your daily routine, so think about what you’ve been up to since you got your piercing. Common causes of bumps include a new piercing snagging or getting caught on something. This can happen in the first sixth months after getting your piercing if you sleep on it funny or catch it on something like your headphones. Other causes include poor fitting or poor quality jewelry, dirt getting in the wound, changes in humidity, or dramatic changes in air pressure (so maybe hold off on getting that helix before your holiday ✈️ ). New piercings are really exciting, but it’s important to remember that they act like wounds, and the skin needs time to heal. So remember to wash your hands regularly before touching your piercing, and maybe stay off the animal cuddles until it’s fully healed. 2. Check the jewelry When getting a piercing, there are a few things you need to check the quality of the jewelry is one of them. This is why it’s really important to get your piercings done at a professional studio. While it may be tempting to try and save a few dollars on a cheaper piercing, you’re going to pay for it in the long run. Make sure your stud or ring is made of an appropriate material like stainless steel, surgical plastic, or even glass. Even if it’s made from a good quality metal or plastic, a poor-fitting piercing can cause just as many issues. When the jewelry is being fitted, there needs to be enough room for swelling. If you think your jewelry might be poorly fitted, go to a trusted piercing studio in your area, and they should be able to check the quality of your piercing. 3. Clean your piercing One of the most important steps of a piercing journey is aftercare. Cleaning your piercing every day will reduce the chance of cysts or bumps appearing. You don’t necessarily need anything fancy; an antibacterial soap should be enough. But if you want to take that bit of extra care, cleaning the piercing with a sea-salt solution will help protect against infection. 4. Get a piercing bump treatment @bodyj4you New!! Piercing Bump Aftercare Treatment,Scar Removal Shrinking Keloid Soothing Skin Recovery,Ear Lobe,Tragus,Nose,Lip,Natural Solution Oil Drop (10ml) #bodyj4you #piercingbumb #oiltreatment #piercingtok #bodyjewlery #soothingskincare #skincaretiktok #oildrops #aftercarepiercing ♬ original sound - BodyJ4You All these tips are great for avoiding getting an abscess in the first place, but what if you’ve already got a piercing bump? Well, then it’s time to try a piercing bump aftercare treatment. Oils such as BodyJ4You Bump Solution can reduce redness, swelling, and scarring. Apply natural aftercare like this two to three times a day. 5. Try home remedies We’ve already mentioned salt solutions, but there are a few remedies you can try with things you can find in your (or your mom’s) kitchen cupboard. Some bumps respond well to a herbal press, which can be made from camomile tea and hot water. The camomile reduces the inflammation and the heat can help draw out some of the irritation. The same can be done with tea tree oil and turmeric (which has antiseptic properties). If none of these work, apple cider vinegar is a very effective home remedy. A study conducted by the European Journal of General Medicine concluded that it was an effective remedy against infection due to its percentage of acetic acid. 6. Be patient Sometimes the best remedy for a piercing bump is time. As we mentioned before, when you get a new piercing, your body is healing from a wound — and it’s very good at doing that. Before you jump to try all the forms of piercing bump treatment, give the site time to heal, which can take a few weeks or months. Experts recommend waiting three to six months before changing your jewelry. However, if you have a piercing bump that won’t go away after more than six months, consult your doctor or your dermatologist.
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Ear Stretching: What You Need To Know Before and After
Intro To Ear Stretching Ear stretching is a process that takes time and most of all patience. When stretching it is most important that you are paying very close attention to your ear lobes. Make sure there are no tears, cuts, or blowouts. When on your stretching journey, or even after, it is important to make sure you are still caring for your lobes with the right ear stretching aftercare products. Ear stretching is something that requires time, patience, and lots of attention. You have to always be keeping up with the care. That means paying attention to sizing, skin, cleaning, products, and doing some research. It’s a job but worth the work in the end! Ear Stretching Kit Recommendation If you are thinking about stretching your ears, you need to have the right material! Stainless Steel is best and highly recommended. BodyJ4You has a Stretching Kit of 37 pieces. This kit comes with tapers and tunnel plugs that go with each size you stretch to. Or if you prefer acrylic, BodyJ4You also has a variety to choose from! You also have the option of using silicone tunnels if preferred. Keep in mind everyone’s skin is different and what works for others might not work for you. This is where BodyJ4You comes in to help you find what's best in your stretching journey! Find what kit suits you! Shop here! Ear Stretching Aftercare Now that you have the jewelry, you need an aftercare product to stretch with. When stretching, you need a product that helps your skin to smoothly stretch and keep hydrated. At BodyJ4You we have a Gauge Stretching Balm. How this works: apply the balm to your ear lobes and around your ear stretching jewelry (plugs, tunnels, eyelets, hangers..etc). You then start to stretch. Remember to go slow and listen to your body. If needed, apply more balm to jewelry. Shop here! View our Ear Stretching Video to see a visual representation of how to stretch your earlobes correctly. More Aftercare Suggestions After you have stretched to a new size (gauge), it’s important to clean around your piercing so no buildup happens. This will help prevent infections or irritations. BodyJ4You has a Piercing Aftercare Solution to use on all piercings. Before cleaning, you should wash your hands and make sure everything being used is clean. If preferred to keep the piercing in, you could apply the solution to a q-tip, then apply the product around where the skin and jewelry touch. Make sure to get all around the jewelry and clean it very well! Or you can soak your lobes in solution to clean deeply. Shop here! Jojoba Oil is something that is highly recommended and widely used in the ear stretching community. It contains Vitamin E Complex, Vitamin B Complex, Silicon, Chromium, Copper and Zinc. Not only can it be used for your skin, but also for your hair. It's great to apply to healing skin or at whatever stage you are in your stretching journey. For best results, take out your jewelry and apply oil to your lobes. It is great to massage your lobes with oil for about 10 mins. This helps heal any wounds and helps strengthen your skin. Shop here! Maintenance The best way to keep your ears healthy is to try and clean them daily. For example, when you take a shower you can take out your jewelry and clean your lobes. After, massage your ear with the Jojoba oil. Then apply some balm and insert your jewelry. During this time you should also be examining your ear. Looking out for cuts or potential blowouts. If skins look a little too red or purple. If your skin seems to be thinning out, the jojoba oil is great as it helps thicken the skin. If really bad you must size down to help the skin thicken and repair itself. Be sure that whenever changing your jewelry, you are cleaning it well for the next use. BodyJ4You also has a 3 Piece Solution Set which includes the Piercing Solution, Gauge Stretching Balm, and Jojoba Oil. Shop here! How To Deal With Ear Issues? It's important to stretch properly in order to maintain healthy lobes. If ever there is discomfort in the ear, it is then best to size down. If you put too much pressure on your lobes it can cause a bad blowout. This can cause the skin to turn purple and turn inside out. If this is the case, you need to take out the jewelry immediately and size it down to an appropriate size. Pay extra close attention to the skin and keep it clean to prevent infections. After getting to your goal size, you want to make sure you stay there! Sometimes we get too comfortable and forget our gauges are even there. Be sure to be careful so that nothing hits, tugs, or hurts your lobes. Know what jewelry feels right for you. Nothing too heavy or something that can get caught. Be sure to also not play with your jewelry. You don’t want to be fumbling with it and something is not right. It’s possible that bacteria can get in or your jewelry can slip out. BodyJ4You babes with stretched earlobes! View this post on Instagram A post shared by Body Piercing, Fashion Jewelry (@bodyj4you) View this post on Instagram A post shared by Body Piercing, Fashion Jewelry (@bodyj4you) View this post on Instagram A post shared by Body Piercing, Fashion Jewelry (@bodyj4you) View this post on Instagram A post shared by Body Piercing, Fashion Jewelry (@bodyj4you)
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