Think you know everything about piercings? You might be surprised by what’s fact and what’s fiction—many “myths” surround piercings, from pain level to healing time and everything in between. The experts at Utopia Salon are here to help separate fact from fiction to help you make informed decisions.
Myth #1 – Piercings Are Extremely Painful
This is one of the most common myths about piercings, but it’s somewhat subjective. The pain experienced during a piercing varies based on both the location of the piercing and the individual’s pain tolerance. As piercing professionals, we dislike seeing people shy away from getting piercings because they have heard all piercings are “extremely painful.” Modern techniques and tools can significantly reduce discomfort, and trained experts are skilled at performing piercings with minimal pain.
Myth #2 – You Can Use Any Jewelry for Your Piercing
This is a crucial myth to clear up for anyone who is considering piercings or currently has them. You must use high-quality, hypoallergenic jewelry materials, especially during healing, to avoid infections or improper healing. Some great examples include titanium, niobium, platinum, gold, sterling silver, and steel.
Myth #3 – Piercings Always Get Infected
Infections are rare when proper aftercare is followed, and professionals perform the services. We always recommend visiting a clean and safe piercing establishment and adhering to the aftercare instructions provided by the piercer. For more information on piercing aftercare, check out what the experts at Utopia Salon have to say:
Aftercare Suggestions for Your Non-Oral Body Piercings
Myth #4 – Piercing Guns Are Safe and Hygienic
This topic can be somewhat controversial. Piercing guns are generally not ideal for most piercings and are typically not recommended due to the potential for tissue damage and infection. Piercing guns use blunt force to push a dull object through the tissue, which can cause tearing or crushing that may result in excessive pain and poor healing. Furthermore, piercing guns cannot be adequately disinfected between uses, increasing the risk of infection. We recommend getting pierced with a needle for better safety and healing.
Myth #5 – You Can’t Remove a Piercing Without It Closing Instantly
This myth has been around for a long time! The time it takes for a piercing to close depends on several factors:
- Age: Newer piercings tend to close faster than older ones. A piercing less than a year old may close in just a few days, while an older piercing may take several weeks.
- Location: Piercings in the nose, helix, and cartilage tend to close more quickly than piercings in other locations.
- Aftercare: Proper aftercare can help the piercing heal, preventing it from closing as quickly.
Each piercing takes a different amount of time to heal. For example, an earlobe piercing typically heals in 6-12 weeks, while a nostril piercing can take 2-8 months to heal.
Myth #6 – Piercings Are Unprofessional
We understand that piercings are not for everyone. However, we believe it’s important to highlight that societal perceptions of piercings have shifted and are now more accepted in many workplaces. We also recognize that there are specific industries or employers where piercings may not be allowed. Fortunately, there are subtle or removable jewelry options available. Feel free to ask one of our experts for more information!
Visit Utopia Salon to Learn More About Piercings!
Piercings are more than just a fashion statement—they’re a form of self-expression with a rich history and growing acceptance. By debunking these common piercing myths, we hope to empower you with accurate information so you can make confident decisions about your next piercing. Whether you’re worried about pain, aftercare, or professionalism, the truth is that with the right studio and proper care, piercings can be a safe and rewarding experience.
Ready to take the next step? Our expert team is here to answer your questions and provide a clean, professional piercing experience. Please book your appointment today and let us help you bring your vision to life!
