To Pierce or Not to Pierce? The Pros and Cons of Getting a Jewelry Piercing

Are you considering getting a jewelry piercing? Piercings are permanent, which makes this a big decision; it’s wise to do a little bit of research first. If you’re on the fence, you probably want to get your questions answered before you make the commitment. In this article, we’ll walk through the pros and cons of getting a jewelry piercing and answer some common questions so you know exactly what to expect.  

This pair of stylish gold ball earrings includes a built-in pair of ball backs.

Pros of Getting a Jewelry Piercing

There are lots of benefits to getting a jewelry piercing. The experience of getting a piercing can be really fun in itself; it’s an exciting choice that opens up a world of accessory possibilities! You might even bring a friend or family member who wants to get one at the same time so you can share in the bonding experience.

After you get your piercing, you’ll have lots of jewelry options. If you’re getting your earlobe pierced, there are nearly unlimited earrings you can choose from once your piercing heals. You can swap out your jewelry based on your mood, start an earring capsule collection, or explore different styles forever. 

This leads to a pretty important benefit of jewelry piercings, which is having the ability to express yourself. Wearing jewelry can be a way to show the world your style and demonstrate your personal taste. Of course clip-on earrings and other temporary jewelry types exist, but they are less popular and more limited, so it might be harder to find the pair that feels true to you.

Lastly, piercings might hold cultural or traditional significance to you. If that’s the case, then an important benefit of getting a piercing might be that you feel closer to your community, culture, or religion. 

Two pairs of huggie hoop earrings.

Cons of Getting a Jewelry Piercing

You should also prepare for the disadvantages of getting jewelry piercings. Perhaps the most compelling reason to avoid a piercing is the inevitable pain. Getting the piercing is going to produce pain the moment the needle goes through your skin, but you can also feel some discomfort for several weeks or months after, depending on the piercing placement and how long it takes to heal. With an ear piercing, for example, it might be uncomfortable to lay down on your side, wear headphones, or put on a hat for a while. 

Getting a jewelry piercing also presents the risk of infection. Infections can be both painful and dangerous for your health, and they’re very easy to get when you have an open wound. If you know you’re not going to be diligent with your care routine, then you should avoid getting a jewelry piercing. The healing time can take up to a year depending on what you have pierced, so you’ll have to be very diligent and careful. Jewelry is lovely, but it’s never worth risking your health. If you have any metal allergies, this can also contribute to all kinds of pain, irritation, or discomfort, even once the piercing has healed.

Finally, any type of piercing also carries a financial cost. Depending what you have pierced and where you have it done, the cost of the piercing itself, the jewelry you’ll wear, and the care supplies you’ll use during healing can add up. That’s something to consider before you commit to the piercing.

Jewelry Piercing FAQs

If you’re still on the fence about getting a jewelry piercing, don’t worry. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about piercings:

• What are the different types of piercings I can get? Some popular options are earlobe, cartilage, nose, septum, lip, tongue, belly button, or eyebrow. The choice will depend on your personal taste! 
• How much does it cost to get a piercing? Costs vary by piercing type and by studio. You can expect to pay about $30-$100 on average, or more for a premium experience. There might also be an additional fee for the jewelry placed into the fresh piercing while it heals, so don’t forget to account for that. 
• How long does it take to get pierced? The actual piercing process is very quick, just a few seconds. But you should plan for the whole appointment to take 15-60 minutes depending on the type. This is where they’ll assess where the piercing should go, clean the area, and give you instructions for post-piercing care. 
• Does it hurt to get pierced? A piercing is a wound, so you’ll definitely feel pain and discomfort during the piercing and for a short period after. It's usually described as a quick pinch or sting, but the pain level will depend on the piercing location and your own pain tolerance.
• What should I look for in a piercing studio? Make sure they follow sanitary practices like using disposable needles, gloves, and sterilized equipment. Look for experienced providers with good reviews online, and get recommendations from people you trust. 
• How should I care for a new piercing? You’ll want to get thorough and clear directions from the piercing professional since every type of piercing is different. They should equip you with all the details you need. For most piercings, the general advice is to clean it one or two times per day with a saline solution, and avoid touching it. Watch for any signs of infection like redness or discharge.
• How long does it take to heal? Healing times vary based on piercing location, but you should plan for 6-12 months for full healing. Earlobes tend to heal a little quicker and might only take 6-8 weeks. 
• Can I change out the jewelry during healing? It's best to leave your jewelry in place until the piercing is fully healed. Changing it too soon can cause swelling and infection, or the hole might close up. Ask your piercer if they can make the switch for you if it’s urgent, or wait until your piercing is healed to switch the jewelry out yourself. 

Now you should have all the details you need to decide whether or not to get your jewelry piercing. Want to learn more about jewelry care, trends, and maintenance? Sign up for our newsletter below!