The Ultimate Piercing Guide: Everything You Need to Know
Piercing is more than a trend—it's a form of self-expression, artistry, and identity. Whether you're considering your first piercing or planning your next curated look, this guide covers everything from piercing types and healing timelines to choosing a professional studio and aftercare best practices.
Types of Piercings
👂 Ear Piercings
- Lobe Piercing – Classic and beginner-friendly, heals quickly.
- Helix Piercing – Outer cartilage; great for stacking.
- Tragus Piercing – Small flap near the ear canal; edgy yet subtle.
- Daith Piercing – Inner cartilage fold; known for migraines relief (anecdotally).
- Conch Piercing – Inner ear cartilage; bold with hoops or studs.
- Rook Piercing – Cartilage fold above the daith.
- Industrial Piercing – Two piercings connected by one barbell.
- Flat Piercing – Flat part of upper ear cartilage.
- Forward Helix – Located above the tragus along the rim.
Click here for the complete guide to Ear Piercing
👃 Nose & Facial Piercings
- Nostril Piercing – Timeless and elegant.
- Septum Piercing – Through soft tissue between nostrils; bold and reversible.
- Bridge Piercing – Across the bridge of the nose.
- Eyebrow Piercing – Vertical or horizontal along the brow.
💫 Body Piercings
- Navel Piercing – Flattering and feminine; great for midriff styles.
- Nipple Piercing – A personal statement; anatomy-dependent.
- Dermal Piercings – Anchored under the skin for a floating effect.
Piercing Methods: Needle vs. Gun
Why We Use Needles at Nina Wynn
Piercing Gun:
- Uses blunt force.
- Can cause trauma and scarring.
- Higher risk of infection.
Hollow Needle:
- Clean, precise puncture.
- Less tissue damage.
- Lower infection risk, faster healing.
Pro Tip: Always confirm that your studio uses sterile, single-use hollow needles and follows proper sanitation protocols.
Jewelry Materials & Styles
Safe Materials for Piercings
- 14k Solid Gold – Nickel-free, hypoallergenic, and luxurious.
- Implant-Grade Titanium – Medical-grade and safe for sensitive skin.
- Surgical Steel – Durable and cost-effective (may contain trace nickel).
Popular Jewelry Styles
- Threadless Jewelry – Secure and gentle on healing tissue.
- Flat Back Studs – Comfortable for cartilage piercings.
- Clicker Hoops – Easy to wear and remove.
- Chains & Connectors – Add creativity and cohesion to multi-piercing looks.
Healing Times by Piercing Type
| Piercing Type | Estimated Healing Time |
|---|---|
| Earlobe | 10-12 weeks |
| Cartilage | 10–12 months |
| Tragus | 10–12 months |
| Daith | 10–12 months |
| Septum | 6–8 weeks |
| Nostril | 6–8 months |
| Navel | 10–12 months |
| Nipple | 10–12 months |
Healing time varies by anatomy, lifestyle, and aftercare. Always wait until fully healed before changing jewelry.
Piercing Aftercare: Do’s & Don’ts
✅ What to Do
- Clean 2–3x daily with sterile saline spray
- Avoid touching or twisting your jewelry
- Sleep on a clean pillowcase
❌ What to Avoid
- Alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or ointments
- Swimming (especially in pools or hot tubs)
- Removing jewelry too soon
Nina Wynn Recommends:
- Sterile saline spray
- Piercing pillow
- Travel-size saline for easy aftercare
Kids’ Ear Piercing: A Parent’s Guide
At Nina Wynn, we create a spa-like, calm environment for children getting their first piercings.
- Minimum Age: 5+ (with parent/guardian consent)
- Technique: Sterile, single-use needle only
- Jewelry: 14k gold, hypoallergenic studs
- Extras: Keepsake photo + personalized certificate
Downsizing Your Piercing Jewelry
Initial jewelry is slightly longer to accommodate swelling. Around 6–8 weeks post-piercing, downsizing is critical:
- Prevents irritation and migration
- Improves comfort
- Enhances long-term aesthetics
Piercing Studio Checklist
- ✅ Licensed, certified piercers
- ✅ Needle-only technique
- ✅ Sterile tools and implant-grade jewelry
- ✅ Clear aftercare instructions
- ✅ Clean, inviting environment
- ✅ Verified client reviews
- Avoid studios that use piercing guns or lack transparency.
Piercing in Denver: Why Choose Nina Wynn
- As Denver’s premier luxury piercing destination, Nina Wynn stands apart with:
- Expert piercers using only sterile, medical-grade tools
- 14k gold designer jewelry made in-house
- A spa-like, private studio experience
- Custom ear styling and curated designs
- Services that also include permanent jewelry
What Is Ear Curation?
- Ear curation is the art of designing a personalized piercing layout to reflect your style and anatomy.
- Curation Includes:
- Strategic combinations of lobe and cartilage piercings
- Gemstone studs, hoops, and dainty chains
- Placement planning for symmetry and flow
- Our stylists collaborate with you to plan your piercing journey—whether you're adding your second piercing or your tenth.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Does it hurt?
It’s a quick pinch—needle piercing is gentler than a gun. -
Can I bring my own jewelry?
For new piercings, we only use our sterilized, approved jewelry for safety. -
Is it safe during pregnancy?
We recommend waiting until after pregnancy. -
When can I change my jewelry?
Wait until the piercing is fully healed. -
Do you take walk-ins?
Yes, but we recommend booking ahead online.
