'> Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Piercing.gr

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Disclaimer: The information below is general and provided for informational purposes only. It does not constitute medical or professional advice and may not cover every individual circumstance. For personalized guidance, please consult a certified piercer or physician. See also: Shipping, Payments, Returns, and Terms & Conditions.

General Information

Titanium: Hypoallergenic and lightweight—ideal for sensitive skin and for new piercings.

Surgical Steel: Durable for everyday wear (won’t oxidize). Suitable for healed piercings, if you have sensitivities, opt for titanium.

Sterling Silver 925: Only for healed piercings (it may oxidize). Avoid pool/sea exposure and clean it regularly.

Flexible/bioplastic: Comfortable, flexible option (e.g., for active use).

General rule: for new piercings, choose stable/secure designs and biocompatible materials (e.g., titanium). Statement/dangle pieces and hoopss should be worn only after the piercing has fully healed (follow your piercer’s guidance).

Yes—provided both the gauge and the dimensions (diameter/length) match. Otherwise, it won’t fit properly.

Platings and decorative elements add shine but require care: they’re sensitive to water, chemicals, and sweat. It’s best to remove them before the sea/pool or shower and dry them thoroughly afterward.

Nose Piercings

6mm/8mm → When the piercing is closer to the nostril edge, or when you prefer a snug, discreet look (the ring sits close to the skin).

10mm → When the piercing sits slightly higher, or when you prefer a lighter/airier look with a bit of space between the ring and the skin. It’s also practical for designs with a mechanism (e.g., clickers) or small dangle elements that need a bit of clearance.

Tip: If you’re undecided, 10 mm usually provides more everyday comfort, while 6 mm/8 mm gives a more minimal, snug look.

Fact: The 8mm in surgical steel is the 10mm in 925 silver. The 8mm in 925 silver is 6mm in surgical steel A 10 mm in steel is quite large—better suited for the ear.

Ball (nose bone / ball-end stud)

  • Insertion: requires a bit more pressure to pass through.

  • Stability: very good—unlikely to come out on its own.

  • Comfort: comfortable for everyday wear, provided the length is appropriate.

Straight Pin (Straight/Pin stud)

  • Insertion: very easy—goes in/out quickly.

  • Stability: can slip out more easily than other types—especially during wiping or when snagged by clothing.

  • Comfort: lightweight and discreet.

L-shape

  • Insertion: easy—ideal for everyday use.

  • Stability: better than straight pin—less likely to be lost.

  • Comfort: a very good balance of comfort and security.

Curly / Screw

  • Insertion: requires a bit of familiarity to insert properly.

  • Stability: excellent—rarely comes out on its own.

  • Comfort: once inserted correctly, it’s very secure and convenient for an active daily routine.

Clicker

  • Insertion: simple open/close mechanism—very practical.

  • Stability: secure—especially when the diameter is right (8 mm for a snug “hugging” look, 10 mm for a bit more space).

  • Comfort: smooth edges; take care with towels/clothing that might snag.

Push-in / Threadless (labret-style without threads)

  • Insertion: the jewelry is pushed into a special post (no threading).

  • Stability: very good when the tension is set correctly; it won’t unscrew (there’s no threading).

  • Comfort: the flat-back (flush backing) is very comfortable.

In general, titanium is recommended, along with secure designs such as flat-back (depending on the placement). Always follow your piercer’s guidance.
Avoid hoops until it’s fully healed.

Clean periodically with mild soap and water, then dry thoroughly. Remove the jewelry before exposure to chlorinated or salt water (especially for plated pieces or sterling silver).

Belly Button Piercings

  • Thickness: usually 1.6 mm.

  • Length (curved barbell): most commonly 10–12 mm (measured as the internal distance between the balls/beads).

Important for comfort/healing:

  • The navel is a sensitive area, and fresh piercings typically swell. A little “breathing room” is needed so the jewelry doesn’t press against the skin.

  • A too-tight length can cause irritation/chafing, while an overly long one can snag on clothing.

  • If you’re unsure, start with a slightly longer length and adjust later once things have stabilized.

Fact: Every body is different. For personalized guidance, consult a professional piercer.

Curved barbell (“banana” with screw-on balls)

  • Insertion: simple—screw the ball on/off.

  • Stability: very good when the ball is properly tightened—check it periodically.

  • Comfort: low profile—ideal for everyday wear and activities.

Clicker

  • Insertion: easy open–close.

  • Stability: secure when the diameter/fit is correct (recommended for healed piercings).

  • Comfort: smooth edges; take a bit of care with fabrics/belts that might snag.

Dangle / dangling (on a banana or clicker)

  • Appearance: statement look—often requires more length/space.

  • Use: can snag on clothing/towels—take care during activities.

  • Decorative wear (disclaimer): In ornate designs, the decorative parts may use platings/alloys to achieve the look. There’s a chance of oxidation when exposed to water or chemicals. It’s best to remove them before the sea/pool or shower, and dry them thoroughly afterward.

Note: The primary posts of our body jewelry are made from materials suitable for body piercing, in accordance with applicable European standards for safety and nickel release.

  • For the gym or snag-prone clothing, opt for a simple curved barbell with low-profile beads.

  • Dangle pieces are eye-catching but can get caught on fabrics.

  • Sea/pool/sauna: choose titanium or surgical steel, and rinse–dry afterward.

  • Standard thread/gauge for navel jewelry: 1.6 mm (components must match in thickness).

  • Typical bead sizes: bottom 5–8 mm (not always replaceable), top 4–5 mm (varies by design).

  • When mixing beads from different brands, check whether they use internal or external threading to ensure full compatibility.

Barbells

  • 1.2 mm : ear (helix/tragus/rook/daith/conch), eyebrow e.g

  • 1.6 mm : tongue, nipple, industrial, navel.

  • Helix / Tragus / Conch (labret or straight): 6–8 mm (1.2 mm gauge).
  • Rook / Daith (curved): 6–8 mm (1.2 mm).
  • Eyebrow (curved): 8–10 mm (1.2 mm).
  • Tongue (straight): Initially 16–18 mm to allow for swelling → later 12–14 mm.
  • Nipple (straight): 14–16 mm (1.6 mm gauge).
  • Industrial (straight): approximately 32–38 mm (1.6 mm gauge), depending on the distance between the two holes.
  • Straight barbell (with balls/beads): classic and stable (check the balls periodically).

  • Curved barbell (“banana”): follows the natural curve of the placement (rook/daith/eyebrow/navel).

  • Labret – flat-back (flush backing): very comfortable against skin, hair, and headphones.
    used across many piercings (e.g., various ear placements, nose as a stud)
    Also available as push-in / threadless for easy jewelry changes without unscrewing.

  • Leave a bit of space with a new piercing (to avoid friction/pressure).
  • Check that the beads/balls stay tightened.
  • For active routines, choose a low-profile option (labret/flat-back).
  • Watch out for clothing, headphones, or masks that might snag on the bar.

Labrets

  • Gauge: usually 1.2 mm.

  • Length (labret/flat-back): for a new piercing, choose a slightly longer post (8 mm or 10 mm; in some cases 12 mm) to allow for swelling. Once stabilized, usually 6–8 mm depending on placement/anatomy.

  • Vertical/offset placements: often require 8–10 mm for comfort.

  • Labret (flat-back): flush backing for a low profile. Comfortable for speaking/sleeping, with less chance of snagging.
  • Ring (hoop/clicker/horseshoe): a more visible look that adds movement. Needs the right diameter to avoid rubbing on teeth/gums, and a bit of care with fabrics.
  • Tip: for a discreet, everyday option, start with a flat-back; for a bolder style, choose a hoop.
  • Push-in / threadless: the decorative top pushes into a special post; it won’t unscrew, but it needs proper tension—if it loosens, gently adjust the pin for a tighter fit. Very convenient for frequent decorative changes.

  • Threaded: classic and reliable—check the tightness periodically.

  • Usually 8–10 mm, depending on the placement.

    • 8 mm → a more snug, discreet result.

    • 10 mm → a bit more breathing room—practical for designs with a dangling element.

  • The piercing’s position (closer to or farther from the lip line) affects the choice. Goal: no pressure and no friction against teeth or gums.

Septum

  • Gauge (thickness): most common is 1.2 mm for a clean look; 1.6 mm for a bolder style.

  • Ring / horseshoe diameter:

    • 8 mm → a more snug, discreet result.

    • 10 mma bit more breathing room—practical for designs with a mechanism or decorative elements.

    • 12 mm → when you want extra room or plan to hide it (flip-up).

  • For a new piercing, choose a little more space until it stabilizes.

  • Horseshoe / circular barbell: versatile and comfortable; can be flipped up inside (flip-up).

  • Clicker / Segment ring: Stable with a hinged/locking closure, available in many designs. Requires the right diameter to sit comfortably.

  • For clothing that might snag, a horseshoe is more forgiving for everyday wear.

  • Ornate clickers look impressive, but they need a bit more space and extra care to avoid snagging.

  • If you switch designs often, choose a mechanism that opens and closes easily and securely.

  • A 10–12 mm horseshoe usually hides easily with a flip-up.

  • Clickers usually can’t be hidden.

Clickers

Clicker = a ring with a hinged/snap closure.
It opens/closes easily, has no screws/threads, and sits evenly against the skin.

Depending on diameter and gauge, clickers can be worn in many placements:

  • Septum: usually 8–10 mm (sometimes 12 mm), 1.2 mm gauge.

  • Daith: 8–10 mm, 1.2 mm.

  • Helix / Tragus / Rook: 6–8 mm, 1.2 mm.

  • Conch: 12–16 mm, 1.2 mm.

  • Lobe: 8–12 mm, 1.2 mm.

  • Nipple: Specialized clickers, usually 1.6 mm gauge (diameter varies by anatomy).

  • For a discreet, snug fit (“hugs” the area) → choose a smaller diameter (e.g., 8 mm).

  • For a bit more breathing room—or if the design has a mechanism/elements that need space → choose a larger diameter (e.g., 10–12 mm).

  • For new piercings, a little extra space is usually needed until things stabilize.

  • Yes, as long as both the gauge and the diameter match the specific placement.
    For example, a 1.2×8 mm can work for helix/tragus/rook, while a 1.2×10 mm often suits septum/daith.