The Tips You Need to Prepare for Your Next Piercing Appointment

Let's be real. As beautiful as piercings look, it is unbelievably scary to have a sharp needle forced through your skin (and cartilage). However, it is only a few seconds of pain for a beautiful result.

So, you've planned your next appointment. Ready to curb the nerves and conquer it with confidence? Continue reading to discover the ultimate tips to prepare yourself.

Research Your Piercer

It's easy and quick to simply go to the nearest piercer to you. However, not everyone has the same skillset and certification. To get the best piercing experience, you should find someone in the Association of Professional Piercers. These artists have gone through additional training to ensure health and safety.

Knowing your piercer is knowledgable will undoubtedly make you feel calmer in the chair.

(via Shutterstock)

 

Make Sure You Eat First

Don't go to any piercing appointment without having at least one snack. Having food on your stomach will stabilize your blood sugar levels, which is important, because they can drop quickly during a piercing. After you finish, your piercer will likely offer you a sucker, too, so you have two things to look forward to: beautiful jewelry and a sweet treat.

 

Also read about: 5 Discreet Fake Piercings to Try If You Don't Want to Commit to the Real Thing

 

Understand the Power of Adrenaline

When you think about it, there is no doubt that having a needle shoved through your body will hurt. Thankfully, the body has ways to prepare for the situation with adrenaline. Your body and mind will be in protection mode to blur your nervous system to fight instead of struggle. It's instinctual—even though you know you aren't in danger, your body still is doing its job.

 

Avoid Blood Thinners

You may assume taking a painkiller beforehand will prevent discomfort. However, many pills often contain blood-thinning agents. Although you may feel less throbbing and stinging, your piercing may bleed even more. Then, the heightened blood loss might make you feel dizzy, numb and light-headed, possibly causing you to go unconscious. In our eyes, that is way worse than the few additional minutes of pain.

 

Bring a Stress Ball (or a Friend)

When you are about to experience a painful situation, people often tell you to focus on another sensation. It's exactly why we have stress balls. You can focus on squeezing the squish material until the pain subsides.

If that doesn't provide you any solace, consider bringing a friend with you so you can squeeze their hand and appreciate their soothing presence.

(via Shutterstock)

 

Have a Comfy Set-Up for When You Return Home

When the nerves calm down, you may notice your body begin to acknowledge the pain. Maximize the level of comfort in your home to recover in ease. For example, sleeping may be difficult after you pierce an ear. Instead of laying directly on your pillow, find a travel pillow to decrease the pressure.

 

Curious to learn what the pain level of your piercing may be? Click HERE to discover our definitive ranking of the different locations, from least to most intense.