There’s nothing quite like the feeling of a new piercing in your ear or anywhere else on your body. But before you can start curating that stunning new jewelry set, you’re faced with an important choice: do you get your new piercing "shot" at a jeweler, or do you have it performed with a needle by a professional piercer? While using a piercing gun often seems like the quick and cheaper way, there are vital reasons why we at AllOver (and almost every professional piercer worldwide) always advise choosing a professional piercing needle.
The technique: a world of difference
The biggest difference lies in how the hole is actually made.
When a piercing is shot with a piercing gun, a relatively blunt earring is pushed through your tissue with considerable force. This device—the well-known piercing gun from brands like Studex—essentially 'crushes' your skin and cartilage to make room for the jewelry. This causes an unnecessary amount of tissue trauma, which can lead to significant swelling and a difficult healing process. You probably remember those old-fashioned earrings with butterfly backings; those closures are absolutely not suitable for the successful healing of your piercing. Nowadays, some guns use jewelry that looks a bit more like actual piercing jewelry, but the major downside remains: the unnecessary damage to your tissue.
Piercing with a needle utilizes a razor-sharp, hollow needle specifically developed for this purpose. The needle creates a perfect crescent-shaped incision in your tissue and neatly pushes the skin layers (and cartilage, if applicable) aside, creating a smooth, clean channel where the jewelry fits perfectly. This is much less stressful for your body and results in a much sharper, straighter piercing. Additionally, your piercer can even adjust the size of the needle and jewelry to the specific body part being pierced, ensuring your piercing fits perfectly and sits exactly where it should.
Hygiene and safety
Safety is always our top priority. Piercing guns are largely made of plastic and therefore cannot be placed in an autoclave (a medical-grade sterilization oven). They are often only cleaned with an alcohol wipe, which is not enough to completely eliminate all bacteria or blood-borne diseases. While the cartridge containing the jewelry is usually sterile, the instrument itself can never be fully sterilized. That’s a shame, because your new piercing deserves the best possible start!
A professional piercer, on the other hand, works in a sterile and meticulously cleaned environment. Needles are always single-use, and all instruments are medically sterilized. Furthermore, a piercer always wears gloves and thoroughly disinfects the skin. This way, you can be sure you aren’t taking unnecessary risks with infections.
The jewelry: quality is key
Traditional 'starter studs' used in guns are often a standard size and come with those tricky butterfly backings. These backings are magnets for dirt and bacteria, and they often don't provide enough space for the natural swelling that occurs after getting pierced.
When you choose to be pierced with a needle, you immediately receive high-quality jewelry, such as implant-grade titanium or 14kt gold. Moreover, a piercer can tailor the length of the post (often a comfortable flatback stud) precisely to your anatomy. This gives your piercing the room it needs to heal peacefully without being pinched.
Why choose a piercing with a needle?
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Less trauma: A smooth incision heals faster and more beautifully than a 'crushed' hole.
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Better placement: A piercer looks at the unique shape of your ear; a needle allows for much more precision than a clunky gun.
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Safe for cartilage: Never, ever have your cartilage (like a helix or tragus) shot with a gun! The impact can cause your cartilage to shatter, leading to permanent bumps or deformities. A piercing gun should ONLY be used on earlobes.
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Optimal hygiene: Sterile materials and a professional approach significantly reduce the chance of inflammation.
The conclusion
Although getting your ears pierced with a gun might feel more accessible, your body is well worth the investment in a professional piercer. A piercing set with love and craftsmanship will give you years of joy without unnecessary hassle. And let’s be honest: that gorgeous new collection of tops looks its best in a perfectly healthy piercing!
Do you have questions about getting a new piercing or are you looking for the perfect aftercare product? Feel free to take a look at our shop or check out our other blogs for more tips!
