5 Things to Consider Before Getting a Piercing

So, you're thinking about getting a new piercing.

Whether it's your first ever or you already have quite the collection, piercings are things that you should think pretty hard about before jumping into getting. Sure, they technically don't have to be permanent (unlike tattoos), but do you really want to go through that pain—and pay that price—if you're only going to regret the decision and take it out later? A piercing might be a good idea for you, but you'll want to keep a few things in mind before scheduling that next appointment. With that said, here are some things to consider before getting a piercing.

1. Is It a Style You'll Like for the Long Run?

With the rise of social media, trends can rise and fall in a heartbeat. One day you want nothing more than an edgy piercing that you saw trending, only for you to be craving something completely different two weeks later. So, before you jump into committing to a new piercing, think long and hard about why you want it and if you'll be loving it long into the future.

 

Also Read About: Everything You Should Know About Ear Piercings

 

2. Is the Healing Process Something You Can Handle?

The healing process for each piercing can look a little—or a lot—different, so this is something you'll want to take into account before heading to the shop and finding out the hard way. For example, some piercings require you to change your sleeping position to avoid irritating the freshly pierced tissue, while others might have you avoiding things like swimming in the ocean for weeks on end. Think long and hard about the effort you're willing to put into healing a piercing properly (and if what you have going on in your life right now will allow for proper care) first.

 

Also Read About: These Celebs Have THE Cutest Ear Piercings

 

3. Does It Complement Your Other Piercings and Style?

What you do with your body is up to you, but you might want to think about the actual aesthetics of a new piercing before getting one simply for the sake of it. For example, not everyone loves the overtly busy look of having a ton of cartilage piercings on their ear, while others might not want a nose piercing since it draws attention to a feature they don't necessarily love about themselves. Sure, sometimes having a new piercing can actually make you feel more confident, but you'll want to think about the finished look before getting a piercing simply because you like how it looked on someone else.

(via Unsplash)

 

4. Are You Getting It Just Because You're Going Through Something?

You know how hairdressers always say that they can tell when someone is going through a rough patch because they end up either chopping or coloring their hair and regretting it later? Piercings can be done in a similar fashion. If you're just wanting one as a form of rebellion or emotional healing after something even slightly traumatic has happened, you might want to slow down, take some deep breaths and truly think twice about that needle going through your ear/nose/belly button/elsewhere.

 

Also Read About: A Definitive Ranking of Ear Piercings, From Least to Most Painful

 

5. Can You Handle the Pain?

And finally, the question that might be at top of your mind—how much will it hurt? If you're not big on pain (well, who really is) or simply don't have a high tolerance for it, you might want to consider a high-quality fake (like an ear cuff or fake nose ring) instead.

 

If you're into non-traditional styles, look HERE for six of the most popular ones.