Barbell piercings are quite rad, right? They add a cool rim to your style and make you extra. But, like with any piercing, things can go bad if you’re not mindful. Whether you’re a piercing rookie or a seasoned pro, learning from others’ errors can save you a lot of trouble. Here are some typical blunders we make with our stylish barbell piercing, which can be known and dodged for a safe piercing experience.
Picking the Wrong Piercer
Mistake: Going to a vague piercer because it’s affordable or close by.
Lesson Learned: The quality of your piercing experience hugely depends on your piercer’s knack. Choosing someone just because they’re cheap can lead to a crisis.
Tip: Always do your study. Check out reviews, ask for advice, and make sure your piercer is approved and uses clean tools. Reliable piercers often have a tangible portfolio of their work. Don’t hesitate to ask questions about their experience and hygiene methods.
Wrong Jewellery Size and Material
Mistake: Picking the incorrect measure or material for your barbell.
Lesson Learned: Using the wrong size can cause irritation, while the lousy material can start allergies or infections.
Tip: Go and get hypoallergic material which is actually the preium quality body piercing jewellery featuring surgical steel, titanium and noibium. You can also consider gold in it, but only the higher carats.
A suitably fitted barbell should allow for some swelling and stir without being too tight.
Ignoring Aftercare Instructions
Mistake: Skipping aftercare measures because you’re sluggish or feel you know better.
Lesson Learned: Proper aftercare is super important for healing. Skipping it can cause nasty infections, drag out the healing process, or even make your piercing reject.
Tip: Stick to your piercer’s aftercare rules as your bling depends on it. Clean your piercing with saline solution twice daily, keep those dirty hands off, and steer clear of pools, hot tubs, and any water until you’re totally healed.
Playing with Your Piercing
Mistake: Twisting, turning, or playing with your new barbell piercing.
Lesson Learned: Constantly fiddling with your piercing can introduce bacteria and delay the healing process.
Tip: Resist the urge to touch or twist your piercing. If you must handle it, always wash your hands thoroughly first. Be mindful of your piercing when changing clothes or brushing your hair to avoid accidental snags.
Using Harsh Cleaning Solutions
Mistake: Cleaning your piercing with alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or other harsh solutions.
Lesson Learned: These products can dry out and irritate your piercing, making healing slower and more painful.
Tip: Stick with a mild saline solution or a product made just for piercings. Whip up your own saline mix by blending 1/4 teaspoon of non-iodized sea salt with 8 ounces of warm distilled water.
Changing Jewellery Too Soon
Mistake: switching up your jewellery way too soon.
Lesson Learned: Changing jewellery too soon can really throw off the healing process and lead to issues like infections or even rejection.
Tip: Hold off until your piercing is totally healed. Healing times differ based on where you got pierced, so ask your piercer for a timeline and stick to it like your style depends on it.
Wearing the Wrong Clothing
Mistake: Wearing clothes that rub against or snag on your piercing.
Lesson Learned: Friction can irritate your piercing and slow down healing.
Tip: Choose your outfits wisely. Avoid tight or rough fabrics that could catch on your barbell. If you have a navel or nipple piercing, consider wearing loose, breathable clothing until it heals.
Sleeping on Your Piercing
Mistake: Resting on the fresh piercing side.
Lesson Learned: Laying on your piercing can really rub it the wrong way and slow down that healing vibe.
Tip: Opt for snoozing on your back or switch sides to keep that piercing comfy. A travel pillow works wonders for giving your ear space if you’ve got a cartilage or lobe piercing.
Neglecting Oral Hygiene
Mistake: For oral barbells, like tongue or lip piercings, neglecting oral hygiene.
Lesson Learned: Poor oral hygiene can lead to infections and other complications.
Tip: After munching or sipping anything but water, swish a non-boozy mouthwash around your mouth. Brush those pearly whites twice daily, and think about using an antiseptic mouth rinse while your piercing heals up.
Not Listening to Your Body
Mistake: Ignoring signs that something might be wrong with your piercing.
Lesson Learned: Your body often gives you clues when something is off. Ignoring these can lead to serious issues.
Tip: Stay on top of your piercing care. If you spot major swelling, redness, or pus, or it feels extra toasty, hit up your piercer or a healthcare whiz. Better safe than sorry. Get it checked before things spiral.
Over-Cleaning Your Piercing
Mistake: Scouring your piercing repeatedly.
Lesson Learned: Over-cleaning can be just as detrimental as under-cleaning. It can dry out and upset the piercing.
Tip: Keep it consistent with cleaning your piercing twice a day. Too much care can mess with its groove and cause hiccups in the healing journey.
Using Improper Tools for Stretching
Mistake: Using the wrong tools or techniques to stretch your piercing.
Lesson Learned: Improper stretching can cause tears, blowouts, and other damage to your piercing.
Tip: If you plan to stretch your piercing, invest in high-quality, safe tools and consult with your piercer. Stretch slowly and carefully, giving your body plenty of time to heal between sizes.
Not Considering Lifestyle and Activities
Mistake: Not thinking about how your lifestyle or activities might affect your new piercing.
Lesson Learned: Certain activities can put stress on your piercing and lead to issues.
Tip: If you’re into sports, dancing, or any activity that involves a lot of movement or physical contact, take extra care of your piercing. Protect it with a bandage if necessary, and avoid activities that put direct pressure on the area until it’s fully healed.
Using Cheap Jewellery
Mistake: Opting for cheap, low-quality jewellery.
Lesson Learned: Low-quality jewellery can irritate your skin and cause allergic reactions.
Tip: Invest in high-quality jewellery from reputable sources. It might cost more upfront, but it will protect you from a lot of annoyance and pain in the long run.
Not Being Prepared for the Healing Process
Mistake: Misjudging the time and measure needed for your piercing to mend.
Lesson Learned: Healing a piercing takes time and requires dedication to proper aftercare.
Tip: Be prepared for the healing journey. Understand that it might take several months for your piercing to fully heal. Stay patient and committed to your aftercare routine to ensure a smooth healing process.