Aftercare 101- Your Piercing’s Secret to Shining Bright (and Healing Right!)

Decoding Body Jewelry: Sizes, Shapes, and Materials for Safe Piercings
By Jin @ Elaira Piercing & Jewelry | Level 2, Lot10 Kuala Lumpur

Hey there, piercing enthusiasts! ✨ It’s Jin from Elaira Piercing & Jewelry, your go-to spot in Kuala Lumpur for all things shiny, safe, and sensational. Whether you’re a piercing newbie or a seasoned collector, one thing’s for sure: the right jewelry makes all the difference. Let’s geek out together over the nitty-gritty of sizes, shapes, and materials—because your body deserves nothing less than the VIP treatment!

Why Jewelry Matters: It’s Not Just Bling

Let’s cut to the chase: your jewelry isn’t just a fashion statement. It’s a health statement. Think of it like dating—pick the wrong partner, and things get messy. The right jewelry heals faster, feels comfier, and keeps your skin from throwing a tantrum. At Elaira, we’ve seen too many clients rock up with irritation from cheap metals or ill-fitting pieces. Trust us, no one wants a piercing that’s more drama than a K-drama plot twist.

Shape Up: Rings vs. Barbells

Rings are the OGs of body jewelry. They come in flavors like:

  • Captive Bead Rings (CBRs): Classic hoops with a bead that’s held captive (hence the name). Perfect for cartilage or septum piercings.
  • Horseshoes (Circular Barbells): Edgy and adjustable—ideal for eyebrows or lips.

Barbells are the sleek, versatile cousins:

  • Straight Barbells: The MVP for tongues and nipples.
  • Curved Barbells: A must for navels (pro tip: skip the cheap belly rings from flea markets!).
  • Surface Bars: For piercings that sit on the skin, like nape or wrist dermals.

Fun fact: My personal fave? Threadless barbells. They’re like the iPhone of jewelry—sleek, secure, and impossible to lose tiny screws over!

Size Matters: Gauge, Length, and Diameter

Let’s talk numbers—without the math trauma.

  • Gauge (Thickness): Lower number = thicker jewelry. Most lobes start at 18G (1mm), while nipple piercings rock 14G (1.6mm). Want a bold look? Go thicc with 10G (2.5mm).
  • Length/Diameter: Too short? Hello, irritation bumps. Too long? Snag city. For fresh piercings, we always size up slightly to accommodate swelling.

Pro Tip from Jin: Drop by our Lot10 studio—we’ll measure your anatomy like tailors for a bespoke suit. No guesswork!

Threading 101: Smooth Moves Only

Ever had jewelry that felt like sandpaper? Blame the threading.

  • External Threads: Rough edges that scrape your piercing. Hard pass.
  • Internal Threads: Smooth posts with hidden screws. This is the way.

At Elaira, we use internally threaded or threadless jewelry exclusively. Your healing piercing will thank you.

Material Matters: Safe vs. Sketchy

Not all metals are created equal. Here’s the cheat sheet:

SAFE BETS:

  • Implant-Grade Titanium: Hypoallergenic, lightweight, and bulletproof for healing.
  • Niobium: Bendy and biocompatible—great for sensitive skin.
  • Glass: Perfect for stretches or fresh piercings (and yes, it’s break-resistant).

AVOID LIKE A BAD TINDER DATE:

  • Mystery Metals: “Surgical steel” from shady shops? Nah.
  • Acrylic/Plastic: Toxic when heated (and your body runs at 37°C, FYI).
  • Cheap Crap: If it turns your skin green, it’s not “fun”—it’s a hazard.

Jewelry Matchmaking: What Goes Where

  • Earlobes: Studs or hoops—after healing. Fresh? Stick to flat-back labrets.
  • Tongues: Long straight barbells first, then downsize. Bonus: Swap ends for disco-ball vibes!
  • Navels: Curved barbells only. No exceptions.
  • Nipples: Straight barbells or CBRs—your call, but let’s chat anatomy first.

Story Time: Once had a client insist on a belly ring from a street vendor. Cue infection drama. Learn from their mistakes—quality first.

How to Spot Quality Jewelry

  • Mirror Finish: If it’s not smoother than butter, it’s not going in.
  • Reputable Brands: Think BVLA, Anatometal, or Industrial Strength. We stock ’em all.
  • Secure Ends: Screw-ons that stay put, even during Zumba.

Final Word: Your Body Deserves the Best

At Elaira Piercing & Jewelry, we’re obsessed with keeping your piercings happy, healthy, and head-turning. Swing by our studio at Lot10 KL (Level 2!), slide into our DMs @elairapiercing, or tag us in your jewelry selfies. Let’s make your piercing journey safe, stylish, and seriously fun.

Got questions? We’ve got answers, See you soon! 💎







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