Myths About Piercings That You Need to Stop Believing

Thinking about getting a piercing but worried about what you’ve heard? Many myths around piercings can create confusion or fear. The truth is, that most of these stories are not accurate and lead to misunderstandings.

Keep reading to uncover the facts!

Myth: Piercings Are Extremely Painful

Pain is different for everyone and depends on the spot being pierced. Many describe it as a quick pinch or pressure, not unbearable pain.

Fact: Pain levels vary depending on the piercing and individual tolerance.

Some piercings hurt more than others. Earlobe piercing is often mild, while a helix or cartilage piercing can sting more.

People feel pain differently. One person might find nipple piercings tough to handle; another might barely flinch. Pain tolerance is personal; no two people react the same.

Myth: Piercing Guns Are Safe and Hygienic

Piercing guns may seem quick, but they can harm tissue—learn why needles are a safer choice!

Fact: Piercing guns can cause tissue damage and are less sterile than needles.

Piercing guns force blunt studs through the skin, which can crush or tear tissue. This may lead to poor healing and damage around the piercing site. Needles, on the other hand, are sharp and create a clean cut, reducing trauma.

Guns are harder to sterilize properly. They often use plastic parts that cannot be fully disinfected between uses. Needles are single-use and fully sterile, making them safer for preventing infections like those found in cartilage piercings or nipple piercings.

Myth: Piercings Always Get Infected

Infections happen when aftercare is ignored or the piercing isn’t done properly. Choosing a professional piercer and keeping it clean can prevent most issues.

Fact: Infections are rare with proper aftercare and professional piercing services.

Proper aftercare keeps piercing infections rare. Cleaning with saline and avoiding dirty hands protect the wound. Natural healing signs, like redness or swelling, often get mistaken for infections. True infections need medical care.

Professional piercers use sterilized needles and safe tools to lower risks. Piercing guns can’t be cleaned as well, making them less hygienic. Trust experts who follow strict safety rules for better results.

Myth: Twisting Jewelry Helps with Healing

Twisting jewelry can irritate the wound and slow down recovery. It might also push germs into the piercing, causing problems.

Fact: Moving jewelry in a fresh piercing can delay healing and introduce bacteria.

Touching or twisting fresh earrings can harm the piercing. It slows down healing and lets bacteria into the wound, causing irritation or infection. This is why piercees should avoid unnecessary movement.

Saline solution works best for cleaning a new piercing. Using anything else, like alcohol or peroxide, might irritate the skin. Keep jewelry in place to protect milk ducts, cartilage areas, or nipple piercings during recovery. Moving your jewelry delays healing and risks infection—keep it still.

Myth: All Jewelry Materials Are Safe for Piercings

Not all jewelry is safe—only use materials like surgical steel, titanium, or gold for piercings to avoid issues.

Fact: Only high-quality, biocompatible materials should be used.

Poor-quality jewelry can cause serious problems. Low-grade metals may trigger allergic reactions or irritate your piercing. Only use biocompatible materials like titanium, niobium, or solid gold. These are safe for the body and help with proper healing.

Cheap metals often contain nickel or other harmful alloys. These can lead to redness, swelling, and long-term issues. High-quality materials reduce risks of infection and rejection in piercings like helix or nipple piercing. Safe choices protect your skin while promoting health during the healing process.

Myth: A Piercing Is Fully Healed When It Looks Healed

A piercing may look fine on the surface but still be healing inside. Always check with a professional to avoid potential issues.

Fact: Healing times vary, and an expert should confirm full healing.

Healing times for piercings can differ. A helix piercing might take six months to a year, while an earlobe piercing heals in about six weeks. Looking healed doesn’t mean the wound is fully closed inside.

An expert checks if the tissue has regenerated completely. This prevents complications like infections or irritation from switching jewelry too early. Always consult a professional during your piercing healing journey—especially before making any changes!

Myth: Piercings Are Unprofessional

Many workplaces today accept visible piercings. Policies on body jewelry have grown more flexible over time.

Fact: Workplace attitudes toward piercings are becoming more inclusive.

Workplaces now often accept piercings. Offices today allow helix piercing, cartilage piercing, and even more visible ones without judgment. Younger managers and modern policies focus less on looks and more on skills.

Professional settings like tech companies or creative jobs show greater acceptance. High customer-facing roles also follow this trend. Companies value diversity, making piercing myths less relevant in hiring decisions. If you’re considering getting a piercing as part of your personal style or professional identity, it’s worth checking your company’s policies to see how they align with modern standards.

Myth: Daith Piercings Cure Migraines

Daith piercings may look cool, but there’s no proof they fix migraines—read on to learn why.

Fact: There is no scientific evidence supporting this claim.

Many say Daith piercings cure migraines, but this claim lacks proof. Studies show no reliable link between piercing spots and migraine relief. Some feel better due to placebo effects, not actual nerve stimulation.

Piercing the cartilage does not target nerves tied to headaches. Experts like neurologists and acupuncturists agree there’s no clear benefit. Always seek medical advice for treating chronic migraines.

Myth: Keloids Are Common in Cartilage Piercings

Keloids happen rarely and usually depend on your genes. Many mistype any bump as a keloid, which adds to this myth.

Fact: Keloids are rare and typically occur due to genetic predisposition.

Keloids rarely appear after getting a cartilage piercing, like a helix or nipple piercing. They often happen due to genetics and not from poor piercing practices. People with darker skin tones may have a higher chance of developing them.

These raised scars are not the same as common piercing bumps caused by bad aftercare or low-quality jewelry. Using biocompatible materials and following proper piercing aftercare lowers general risks but doesn’t always prevent keloids in those prone to them.

Myth: Piercings Will Trigger Security Scanners

Most piercing jewelry is small and made from materials that don’t set off alarms. Security scanners are designed to detect larger metal objects, not tiny earrings or studs.

Fact: Piercing jewelry is usually too small to set off scanners.

Piercing jewelry is tiny and lightweight. Security scanners in airports or buildings don’t detect it because the metal amount is so small. Modern scanners are advanced enough to ignore body piercings, focusing instead on larger items.

Even nipple piercings or helix piercing jewelry won’t trigger alarms. You can wear biocompatible materials like titanium or surgical steel without worry. This makes traveling with piercings stress-free for most people!

Conclusion

Don’t let myths hold you back from getting a piercing. Most are based on fear or outdated facts. With proper care and expert help, piercings can be safe and stylish. Always use trusted professionals who follow safety rules. Know the truth, skip the myths, and enjoy your new look!