PIERCING AND JEWELRY GUIDE

			Ear Lobe Commonly placed in line with the curve of the ear. Initial piercing- piercing stud, captive, circular barbell. Gauges: 18, 16, and 14 gauge, Length 5/16”, 7/16”, 1/2”, sometimes 5/8” Healing time: 9-12 months Care: Clean at least twice a day with piercing cleaning solution.     Tragus Before ear canal opening, in the fold where the ear meets your face. Initial piercing- captive ring, circular barbell. Gauges: 18, 16 gauge, Length 5/16” to 5/8”- though that would be extremely large! Healing time: 6-12 months Care: Clean a few times a day with cleaning solution or sea salt mixture, trying to keep solution on outside of ear.     Nostril Very common, best located in the crease of the nose. Gauges: 20, 18 gauge, Length 5/16”-1/2” Healing time: 6-8 weeks Care: Clean often- up to 5 times daily- with Bactine or sea salt solution( 1tsp. sea salt with 8oz. warm water)     Septum Inner nose, placement through the thin membrane behind the cartilage- a ring should hang freely. Initial piercing- captive ring, circular barbell, septum retainer. Gauges: 16, 14, 12 gauge( 14 most common), Length 3/8”-5/8” Healing time: 4-6 weeks Care: Clean often- up to 5 times daily- with Bactine or sea salt solution( 1tsp. sea salt with 8oz. warm water)     Eyebrow Can be pierced anywhere along its length, though the outer corner above eyebrow is most popular. It should not contain a lot of skin past the actual brow hair. Initial piercing- captive ring, curved barbell, barbell. Gauges: 18, 16 gauge (16g is recommended), Length 3/8’-7/16” Healing time: 6-8 weeks Care: Clean same as nostril. Be sure not to turn or twist the jewelry.     Tongue Located approximately one inch from tip along the center line to avoid large veins. Initial piercing- barbell most recommended 14 gauge length 3/4” Gauges: 16, 14, 12 gauge, Length 3/4’, 5/8’, 9/16”,1/2” Healing time: 4-6 weeks Care: No alcohol or oral contact for at least 2 weeks. Smoking is not recommended. Cleanse with salt water and/or Listerine diluted with 50% water after all meals. Brush tongue frequently also.     Lip Located approximately one inch from tip along the center line to avoid large veins. Initial piercing- captive ring, barbell, usually curved. Gauges: 18,16 gauge, Length 3/8”-1/2” Healing time: 6-8 weeks Care: Same as tongue; apply Bactine or gly-oxide to the outside to speed healing process     Navel Only innies, no outies can be done, about 3/8” above the navel’s edge. This piercing, if not done correctly, will be rejected from your body. Initial piercing- captive ring, circular barbell. Gauges: 16 to 12 gauge (most common 14 gauge), Length 3/8”-1/2” Healing time: 9-12 months Care: Clean with antibacterial soap and sea salt solution- avoid touching or turning ring during times of redness and irritation.       Cheek/Labret Can be located anywhere opposite the mouth cavity- mostly personal taste. Initial piercing- labret stud Gauges: 16, 14g (14 gauge most common), Length 3/8”-1/2” Healing time: 6-8 weeks. Care: same as lip care     Nipples Initial piercing- captive ring, curved barbells, mini barbells Gauges: 16g, 14g, 12 gauge, Length 5/8”, 3/4” for nipples Healing time: 6-8 weeks Care: same as navel     Other body parts It’s best to discuss possible piercings with a trusted piercer. Piercing is not just another hole! Be sure the piercer is someone who is trained and can give you references for previous piercing.