Different Methods of Piercing & Why They Matter?

Have you wondered about how the different methods of piercing affect your body and ultimately, how it heals? Well, you’re in luck! 

We have put together this easy-to-understand guide to educate more people on the different methods of piercing available and why some might do your body more harm than good. 

What Are the Different Methods of Piercing?

All of us should be familiar with piercing guns - I mean, most of us got our ears pierced at the mall anyway. With plenty of jewellery stores offering easy and fuss-free piercing services, you can get your ears pierced literally anywhere and at a very low cost. The piercing guns are also fairly easy to use, even a week-old sales staff can do it! It really is the most widely available option. 

A needle, on the other hand, is much more expensive and looks intimidating. However, this is actually the safest option for any type of piercings. If you visit any professional piercer, you will definitely get your piercings done with a needle

Let me share with you the differences between these two methods of piercing. 

Gun Piercing 

If you have been pierced with a gun before, you might realise that the gun can be reused over and over again. No part of the gun actually comes into contact with your skin. 

Instead, a plastic cartridge that holds the jewellery is inserted and eventually disposed of. The jewellery is sharp and designed to pierce through flesh which is later fitted with a butterfly back. The gun, cartridge, and your ear are all sterilised with rubbing alcohol. 

Needle Piercing 

Unlike a piercing gun, every client gets a fresh needle for each of their piercings. The needle is sharp and hollow, creating a clean hole and space for the jewellery to rest in. 

The needle and jewellery will be cleaned in an autoclave while your skin will be cleaned with rubbing alcohol. 

Why Does the Method of Piercing Matter?

You may be wondering at this point what real difference does the method of piercing make? At the end of the day, you still end up with a fresh new piercing. Unfortunately, the differences between a piercing gun and needle go far beyond availability and convenience. 

While there are many of us who have been pierced with a gun and have not encountered any problems. A piercing gun puts you at risk of tissue trauma. The impact tears up the tissue and shatters the cartilage to make room for the jewellery. 

Piercing guns also make use of butterfly backs which introduce several problems. The shape and design of a butterfly back makes it easier to harbour bacteria and dirt which could infect your new piercing. They also do not leave room for any swelling which may occur during the healing process. This can cause your piercing to swell even more which will be an undoubtedly uncomfortable experience. 

While no part of the gun comes into contact with your skin, the impact of the piercing can cause a splatter of blood and tissue particles. If the gun is not properly cleaned, this can result in an increased risk of infection. 

None of these issues apply to needle piercings. The hollow needle helps to make space for your jewellery. Additionally, a flat back is used to accommodate any swelling. This gives your fresh piercing the space it needs to heal. With new needles being used for each client, there is no risk of coming into contact with blood or tissue residue. 

Which Piercing Method is Better?

If you’ve been paying attention, you will realise that while gun piercings might seem like the easiest option, it’s actually doing more harm than good. While the thought of getting pierced with a needle might seem more daunting, most people found that they hurt less than getting pierced with a gun. 

Why Are Piercings Done With a Needle More Expensive?

Now that you understand why getting pierced with a needle is the smartest option, let us address the elephant in the room - why are needle piercings more expensive?

The most obvious reason is that every client will be pierced with a new, sterilised needle for each of their piercings. The type of jewellery used in needle piercings are also generally higher quality than that used with piercing guns. 

Professional piercers go through rigorous training and obtain certificates to ensure that not only do they understand the proper methods of piercing, but also the required standards of sanitation. 

Which Method of Piercing Is Used at Mantra Collective?

At Mantra Collective, we use needles for all piercings. Additionally, our range of press fit, luxury jewellery ensures that your piercing will have the optimal environment to heal. 

Conclusion

We understand that it might be tempting to visit the nearest mall and get a piercing done for less than the price of a happy meal. However, we hope that this guide has helped you understand the reasons behind why needle piercings are generally preferred by professional piercers. 

Piercing guns compromise the factors that your fresh piercing needs to heal well. If money is a concern, wait until you have enough to get it done professionally. Spending a little more now could save you from seeking medical attention in the future.