How to Insert Piercing Jewelry: Quick, Easy Solutions
Just got a beautiful new piece of piercing jewelry and wondering how to insert it safely? Whether you chose ASTM F-136 titanium or 14k/18k gold, the process can sometimes be tricky. This guide gives you quick, easy solutions for inserting, and even unscrewing, your piercing jewelry. Follow our steps for a stress-free jewelry change.
Inserting New Piercing Jewelry: What You'll Need
To change your piercing jewelry safely, it's essential to have the right tools and products on hand. Here's a list of what you might need:
- Piercing jewelry pliers: This tool is specially designed for handling piercing jewelry. Ask your piercer for advice on getting a pair of pliers suited to your jewelry.
- Insertion taper: This tool lets you thread your jewelry into place painlessly by screwing it onto your piercing. At Obsidian, you'll find insertion tapers in 1.2 mm or 1.6 mm.
- Latex or nitrile gloves: These gloves are essential for keeping things sterile while inserting or unscrewing your jewelry.
- Antibacterial or pH-neutral soap, for washing your hands: If you don't have suitable gloves for your jewelry change, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly (palms, fingers, under your nails…).
- Saline solution: Have some saline solution on hand to clean the pierced area and your jewelry.
- A saline wash: Use a saline solution recommended by your piercer. It can be used both before and after changing your jewelry.
- Sterile gauze pads: We strongly recommend sterile gauze pads rather than cotton wool, which can leave fibres around the piercing or catch on your jewelry and cause irritation.
- Mirror: A hand mirror or table mirror lets you clearly see what you're doing, reducing the risk of a mistake.
Important: Products to Avoid
- Alcohol: While it's a powerful disinfectant, alcohol can be too harsh and irritate the skin, especially in a delicate area like a piercing.
- Antiseptic products (e.g. Betadine): These can be too strong for the skin and may hinder the healing process.
- Disinfectants: These are generally too harsh for the skin and aren't recommended for piercing aftercare.
With the right tools, and by avoiding unsuitable products, you'll give yourself the best chance of inserting your piercing jewelry safely.
Inserting Your New Jewelry: How To
Inserting piercing jewelry can seem daunting, but with the right tools and technique, the process can be simple and safe. Here's how to do it:
Preparation
- Start by washing your hands thoroughly with antibacterial or pH-neutral soap.
- If possible, put on latex or nitrile gloves to keep things sterile.
Cleaning the Piercing
- Use a sterile gauze pad to clean the area.
- Use saline solution to gently clean the pierced area.
- Clean your new piece of jewelry too.
Using the Pliers
- If you're struggling to insert the jewelry, use your piercing pliers.
- Gently grip the jewelry with the pliers, taking care not to squeeze too hard so you don't damage the metal.
Inserting the Jewelry
- Line the jewelry up with the piercing opening.
- Insert the jewelry slowly, taking care not to force it or twist it.
- If it's too difficult to insert, don't hesitate to use an insertion taper. This tool lets you insert your jewelry safely.
Checking the Fit
- Once the jewelry is in place, make sure it's securely fastened and comfortable.
- Use saline solution for one last clean.
Pro Tip:
If insertion feels difficult, try applying saline solution to the jewelry and the pierced area to make it easier.
By following these steps, you should be able to insert your piercing jewelry without any trouble. Always prioritise cleanliness and sterility to avoid any complications.
How to Unscrew Your Piercing Jewelry
8 Steps to Remove Your Jewelry
1) Wash your hands thoroughly. Every time you handle your piercing jewelry, it's important to clean your hands first.
2) Use latex or nitrile gloves if possible.
3) Use a sterile gauze pad to clean the pierced area and your jewelry.
4) Don't hesitate to apply saline solution to your piercing to make things easier.
5) Use the pliers if you'd like, to remove your jewelry. Simply open them and place them on the piercing.
6) You should feel the jewelry coming apart.
7) Once it feels loose enough, you can remove it.
8) Clean the area with your saline solution.
As a reminder, if your piercing jewelry feels too tight, ask your piercing professional for help.
Which Way Should You Unscrew the Jewelry?
To remove your jewelry, unscrew it counterclockwise. Don't forget to clean your piercing afterwards.
If your piercing feels too tight and you can't get the jewelry off, go and see your piercer. There's no need to force it: doing so could hurt you and lead to irritation, inflammation, or even infection.
We hope this guide has given you everything you need to insert and unscrew your piercing jewelry with confidence. The right tools and technique make all the difference. Discover our full range of high-quality jewelry by browsing our site.
