Here’s your Ultimate Guide when it Comes to Piercing Charts

Getting a piercing is always fun and exciting. However, it can also get pretty scary, especially if you are the type of person that is quite squeamish when it comes to pain and getting piercings and other body and facial modifications.

Piercings definitely hurt, but some of them hurt more than others. If you are curious about getting a piercing but you want it done on a part wherein you will feel the least amount of pain, then you have come to the right place as today, we will show you a few piercing charts related to piercings and the pain that comes with it.

The Chart

Shown above is the ultimate piercing pain chart. The more stars you see, the more pain you will experience. One star (green) means that the pain is tolerable, two to three stars (yellow) means that the piercing will hurt a little bit more, while four to five stars (red) means that you will experience a lot of pain if you ever decide to get a piercing on this area.

However, everybody feels pain differently and while you may not experience a lot of pain when getting an eyebrow piercing, some people might feel as if they are going through the most excruciating pain they have ever experienced when getting the same piercing.

Overall, if you do not like pain, then make sure to steer clear of piercings that are located on the nipple and genital areas, as the skin here is very sensitive.

Facial Piercings

Facial piercings can get a little bit painful, especially on the nose and lip areas. The least painful type of facial piercing is the eyebrow piercing, while the most painful, according to the piercing chart above, is the septum and lip piercings. The skin on your lips and septum areas are thin and sensitive, which is why you will experience a little more pain when you get a piercing on these areas.

Ear Piercings

Ear piercings do hurt, but not to an intent where you would ask the piercer to stop mid-piercing. The least painful area would be the lobe, which is why most people have this type of piercing -men and women included.

The most painful type of ear piercings are the anti-tragus, snug, and industrial, as these piercings are done on the cartilage, which is the thicker part of your ear. The industrial piercing would be the most painful since your ear technically has to be pierced twice in two different areas. The healing time would also take longer, which is why you would have to make sure to follow every single aftercare instruction that your piercer gives you.

Gauge Sizes and Stretching your Ears

Some piercing enthusiasts stretch their ears using a gauge. If you are interested in doing so, you have to make sure that you will be doing it in a slow and safe manner. You would have to wait for your recent stretch to heal before you proceed on stretching it again.

There are three types of measurement when it comes to stretching your ears: inches, gauges, or millimetres. Below is a chart that you can use when stretching your ears, so you can make sure that you will be using the right size and gauge of plug.

Nose Piercings and Gauge Sizes

Different nose piercings require different types and sizes of gauge, so make sure to check this chart out:

Nostril Piercing

Nostril or nose piercing is one of the most common types of nose piercings. It is also called an “ala” nose piercing, and can be done on either the left or right side of the nose. The best size of gauge to use for nose piercings are the 18 – 20 gauge.

Septum Piercing

The septum piercing, also called the “bull nose” piercing goes through the skin of your septum, but definitely not through the bone or cartilage. The best type of gauge to use for this is the 16 gauge and up.

Bridge Piercing

The bridge piercing, also known as the surface piercing goes through the skin, but not the bone or cartilage. It is done on the upper middle part of the nose, in between the eyes. The size of the gauge can vary depending on your nose’s needs, so make sure to ask your piercer about this.

Nasallang Piercing

The nasallang piercing is a 3-in-1 piercing. It goes through both the nostril and the septum and is considered the most difficult type of nose piercing. This also usually takes a long time to heal, so make sure to listen to your piercer when it comes to the nasallang aftercare.

High Nostril

The high nostril is similar to the nostril piercing, but this one is definitely a little bit higher. The 20-gauge is the best type of gauge to use for this type of piercing, and small labret studs can be used for the piercing.

Vertical Nose Tip

The vertical nose tip piercing, also called the “rhino” piercing is done between the nostrils and up through the tip of the nose. A 14 – 16 gauge is usually used for this type of piercing.

Nose Ring Styles

There are different types of nose piercing jewelry, including the captive bead ring, the nose bone or stud, the nostril screw, the horseshoe, the L-shaped nose pin, the nose hoop, the straight barbell, and the curved barbell. The jewelry will depend on what type of nose piercing you will get, so make sure to do your research first and ask your piercer about the best type of jewelry to use for your preferred nose piercing.

Nose Stud Sizes

If you are into nose studs and you are getting a nose piercing, then make sure to research about the size of the stud that you want.  The 1.5mm stud is almost the same size of a grain of course sea salt, so if you want something subtle, then definitely go for the 1.5mm stud.

Lip Piercings

There are numerous types of lip piercings, and each one of them looks deliciously different. If you are thinking of getting a lip piercing, then make sure to know which one of these you want so you would not regret it later on.

Angel Bite Piercing

The angel bite piercing is a type of Monroe piercing. The only difference is that two types of jewelry are used instead of one. Also, this consists of two piercings, too: one on the right side of the upper lip and one on the left side of the upper lip. Studs are also usually used for this type of piercing.

Snake Bite Piercing

The snake bite piercing consists of two different types of piercings – one on the left side of the bottom part of the lower lip and one on the right. It is called “snake piercing” simply because it looks like a snake bite.

Cyber Bite Piercing

The cyber bite piercing is a combination of the medusa piercing and the labret piercing. One is done on the lower lip itself, while the other is done on top of the upper lip. You can use a stud, a CBD, or a circular barbell for these piercings.

Spider Bite Piercing

The spider bite piercing consists of two piercings that are close to each other. It is placed on either the left or right side of the lower lip. For this piercing, the jewelry used can be a CBD, stud, or circular barbell.

Dolphin Bite Piercing

The dolphin bite piercing consists of a pair of labret piercings. Two types of jewelry will be placed on two piercings on the lower lip. CBDs, studs, lip loops, and circular barbells can be used for this type of piercing.

Dahlia Bite Piercing

The Dahlia bite piercing is located on both ends of the lips. This piercing is normally used to “extend the smile”, which is why the piercing is called as the Dahlia Bite or the Joker Bite piercing.

Shark Bites

The shark bite piercing consists of four different piercings on both the bottom of the lower lip and on the upper lip. The first two piercings are located on both the opposite sides of the upper top lip, while the other two are placed on the bottom part of the lower lip.

Labret Piercing

The labret piercing is usually done on the lower lip. It is located exactly at the center of the lower lip, which classifies it as a facial piercing and not an oral piercing, unlike this one.

The labret stud is what is usually used as a jewelry for the labret piercing. It has three parts: the disk, the bead, and the barbell.

Medusa Piercing

The Medusa piercing is popular for its very visible yet subtle placement. Always done on the philtrum, or better known as the soft tissue area between the upper lip and the base of the nose, these piercings can be some of the coolest forms of body modification when done right.

Monroe Piercing

The Monroe piercing is a piercing that is done on the upper left side of the top lip. It is some kind of a tribute to the late Marilyn Monroe, which was a huge star back in the 1950s. She has this beauty mark on the upper left side of her top lip, which is kind of her trademark.

Oral Piercings

Oral piercings are different from lip piercings, as these piercings are done on the inside of the mouth. Below are a couple of samples of oral piercings.

Midline Tongue Piercing

The midline piercing is the most popular type of tongue piercing amongst all of them. In this piercing, the centre of the tongue is pierced by the piercer, which of course, is followed by your preferred jewelry.

The location of the piercing is usually on the outermost of the tongue and done on the centre.

Side Tongue Piercing

As the name implies, this piercing is usually done on either the right or left side of the tongue. Remember this tip though: if you eat and chew on the right side of your mouth, then you would want to have the left side of your tongue pierced and vice versa.

Snake Eyes Piercing

If you look at the snake eyes piercing at an eye level, it literally looks like a snake. This piercing is done by inserting two studs at the front of the tongue. These two studs are actually linked together by one horizontal bar that is inserted right into your tongue.

Horizontal and Vertical Tongue Piercing

The horizontal or vertical tongue piercings are both located in the middle of the tongue. The piercing can either be vertical or horizontal depending on your preference, but remember that only one jewelry will be used for the piercing, although it might look like two different ones.

Frenulum Piercing

This type of piercing is great if you want to hide it from the public, yet you are still very keen on getting a tongue piercing. The frenulum is located under your actual tongue. It’s that thin skin that you can see when you open your mouth and lift your tongue up.

The frenulum is very sensitive, which means that you will most probably experience a lot of pain when getting yours pierced. Also, not everyone can get this type of piercing. It will ultimately depend on how your frenulum looks like, so make sure to get your doctor and piercer’s clearance before getting it pierced.

Smiley Piercing

The smiley piercing is located inside the mouth. Hold your upper lip, flip it upward, and you will see that little skin that connects the inside of your upper lip to your gums. This is exactly where the smiley piercing is located.

Because of the location of the piercing, it is fairly easy to hide and cover up the piercing. People will surely see it when you smile though, so make sure that your workplace would be okay with the piercing before you proceed on getting it.

Piercing Popularity

Below are charts regarding the popularity of piercings in men and women.

Piercing Popularity in Women

Piercing Popularity in Men

Piercing Healing Chart

Shown above are the usual healing time for different types of piercings. Do note, however, that the piercing time can vary from person to person. If you want your piercing to heal faster, then make sure to take good care of it and listen to your piercer’s aftercare instructions.

Piercing Trends

Below are charts of piercing trends throughout the years:

Getting a Belly Button Piercing

Some people are allergic to certain types of metal, which is why it is important to know which type of piercing and jewelry material you are getting, especially when it is your belly button or navel that you are getting pierced.

316L Surgical Steel

The “316L” refers to a specific process in making the jewelry’s material. It includes iron, molybdenium, chromium, and nickel and is ideal for people who are allergic to certain types of metal.

Titanium

Titanium is a biocompatible metal that surely won’t be rejected by your body. It is very durable and is ideal for people who are allergic to some types of metal.

Sterling Silver

Sterling silver is one of the most popular types of jewelry materials. The shine and lustrous colour are the reasons behind its fame, however, this is very prone to scratches. It should also not be worn for initial piercings, as this can sometimes cause allergic reactions.

14K Gold

Gold is always a good and pretty choice when it comes to piercing jewelry. 14K Gold is made up of 14 parts gold and 10 parts alloy. It is a type of soft metal though and it scratches pretty easily. It should also not be worn for initial piercings, as like the sterling silver, this can sometimes cause allergic reactions due to the alloy.

24K Gold Plated

24K Gold, contrary to popular belief, is not made up of solid gold. It is just gold-plated metal and can easily get scratched and flake off. It should also not be worn for initial piercings, as this can cause allergic reactions to some.

Plastic

Plastic, or polymers, are light and comfortable. This is ideal for healing piercings and can be used by those people who are allergic to metals.

Bioflex or Bioplast

This type of material is flexible and is often used in pregnancy and custom-fit belly rings. It can also be trimmed for a perfect fit and is available in different colours. It can also be used for initial piercings.

PTFE/Adjustable

This type of material is very lightweight and flexible and can be bent or cut to fit. It is only available in white though and is ideal for pregnancy belly ring, as well as for those who suffer from allergies.

Belly Button Piercing Size Chart

This is a very useful chart when it comes to getting a belly button piercing and choosing a jewelry for it. Make sure to ask your piercer about this so you would know which one you should get.

Body Jewelry Measurements

If you are planning on buying your body jewelry online and you have no idea about the size of the jewelry, then you definitely should take a good look at this chart:

The gauge is the thickness of the body jewelry, while the length stands for the length of the inside of the jewelry between balls and barbells. The diameter is the inside diameter for rings.

Body Jewelry Sizes

These are the standard body jewelry sizes, although your piercer can still use a different type and size of body jewelry for your piercing.

Ear Stretching Size Conversion Chart

This chart is very useful for when you want to convert gauge to millimetres to inches. Print it out and keep it somewhere safe so you can always look at it when you need to.

Piercing Cleaning Chart

You definitely would not want your piercing to develop some lumps and bumps, which is why you would have to make sure that you will clean it properly.

It is easy to clean your piercing, as all you need is a cotton ball or pad, warm water, and sea salt.

Take one cup of warm water and one-fourth of a teaspoon of sea salt. Mix them together until the sea salt is completely dissolved in the warm water.

Once you’ve completely prepared the solution, take a cotton ball or pad and soak it in the solution. With clean hands, apply the cotton to your piercing, leaving it there for about a minute or two.

This will help clean the piercing and sanitize it, keeping it safe from infections and bacteria.