General Chat Thread

[Kirby]

Do they automatically use a needle in piercing/tattoo shops, do you know?

I could be wrong but every specialty piercing shop here (that isn't in the mall like Claire's and whatnot) uses a needle, same with the tattoo/piercing parlors. I have one right down the street that I had my lobes/cartilage done at as well as the tattoo I have.

[Spookz]

o: thanks for the link, it was quite informative actually!
Do they automatically use a needle in piercing/tattoo shops, do you know? I definitely planned on not going to a mall to get it done but my friends said to go to a piercing shop so I'm going to.

Yeah, a real piercer will only use a needle. And a professional will talk you through what they're doing and show you how sterile everything is. Guns are really only found at places like the mall, Claire's, etc. (ie. used by people who don't actually know jack about piercings).

[Pesky Persian]

Needles sound scary but if you think about it, it's way less scary than a gun. A needle is sharp and is made to move through the body smoothly, doing the least amount of damage possible. A gun rams a blunt piece of jewelry through your flesh. I've had plenty of piercings done wth needles (getting two more next month, actually) and I never thought they hurt. For me, it's like a split second and then just feels warm for a little while.

[Amiちゃん]

Just popping in before bed to say Thiiiiis^

Please never get a piercing with a gun. It's horrible for your body and there are literally no benefits. Get it done by a professional with a needle.

the needle hurts just as bad, especially when they do it slowly...

[Jb]

A gun rams a blunt piece of jewelry through your flesh.

Not really, for me that it. My hollow starter earrings were just as sharp as the needles they use. Not to mention it's more expensive to get it done with a needle. The sanitation with guns is very valid though but simply asking the person to use a new gun and wear gloves should be enough.

That said, I don't know how malls near you guys are, but my local mall uses "one time use" guns. Of course you can get those at the Dollar Store but w/e. Personal preference I guess.

[Pesky Persian]

the needle hurts just as bad, especially when they do it slowly...

A good piercer does not move slowly. And pain threshold is different for everyone. None of my piercings have ever hurt.

Not really, for me that it. My hollow starter earrings were just as sharp as the needles they use. Not to mention it's more expensive to get it done with a needle. The sanitation with guns is very valid though but simply asking the person to use a new gun and wear gloves should be enough.

That said, I don't know how malls near you guys are, but my local mall uses "one time use" guns. Of course you can get those at the Dollar Store but w/e. Personal preference I guess.

You're paying a bit more because you're having someone who has training on how to actually do it properly do it. The extra money is well worth it. Places that do mass-gun-piercings (Claire's, Walmart, etc.) generally aren't going to waste the money on using a new gun for each client. Their whole operation is based on doing mass amounts of cheap work and you ultimately get what you pay for. The people that use guns are not taught proper placement, are not taught to do piercings based on each individual's anatomy (they're taught a cookie-cutter method, which doesn't work for everyone or even the majority), and use a tool that causes much more trauma to the tissue and increased scarring once it's healed. They also generally give pretty shitty aftercare instructions too, usually including some kind of "piercing aftercare solution" which is basically snake oil (not literally). Not to mention the initial jewelry is always cheap and containing nickel, which greatly slows down healing times and which many people end up having allergic reactions to.

It's a personal choice, yes. I'd personally rather pay a bit extra and get better quality initial jewelry that is actually biocompatible, someone who actually knows what they're doing, and accurate aftercare instructions. Plus, the good piercers I've been to have always been really awesome and willing to have me come in and check on the progress of my healing if I have any concerns because they know what to look for. That's why I'm driving 45mins away to pay $100 for my next pair of piercings. They're the only place around here that have piercers that are members of the Association of Professional Piercers and I know they do good work. Yeah, I could go somewhere closer and spend $60 but they'd probably do a botched job and I'd rather not deal with that.

[kochoupink]

A good piercer does not move slowly. And pain threshold is different for everyone. None of my piercings have ever hurt.



You're paying a bit more because you're having someone who has training on how to actually do it properly do it. The extra money is well worth it. Places that do mass-gun-piercings (Claire's, Walmart, etc.) generally aren't going to waste the money on using a new gun for each client. Their whole operation is based on doing mass amounts of cheap work and you ultimately get what you pay for. The people that use guns are not taught proper placement, are not taught to do piercings based on each individual's anatomy (they're taught a cookie-cutter method, which doesn't work for everyone or even the majority), and use a tool that causes much more trauma to the tissue and increased scarring once it's healed. They also generally give pretty shitty aftercare instructions too, usually including some kind of "piercing aftercare solution" which is basically snake oil (not literally). Not to mention the initial jewelry is always cheap and containing nickel, which greatly slows down healing times and which many people end up having allergic reactions to.

It's a personal choice, yes. I'd personally rather pay a bit extra and get better quality initial jewelry that is actually biocompatible, someone who actually knows what they're doing, and accurate aftercare instructions. Plus, the good piercers I've been to have always been really awesome and willing to have me come in and check on the progress of my healing if I have any concerns because they know what to look for. That's why I'm driving 45mins away to pay $100 for my next pair of piercings. They're the only place around here that have piercers that are members of the Association of Professional Piercers and I know they do good work. Yeah, I could go somewhere closer and spend $60 but they'd probably do a botched job and I'd rather not deal with that.

Amen. I've had to have my nose pierced twice, because the first time the ring fell out in the Amazon and there was no way in hell I was getting re-pierced in a developing country, much as love Peru. Both times I researched the piercing places. Never had anything even close to an infection. The thing about facial piercings is that they become a part of your face, and you can't afford to mess that up.

Also nostril piercings hurt waaaaaay less than a shot. No clue why.

[Amiちゃん]

A good piercer does not move slowly. And pain threshold is different for everyone. None of my piercings have ever hurt.

that's true.

I've wanted to get a lip ring because it would look cool but I've heard stories about how they hurt and get in the way...

Tongue rings are pretty much better from what I've heard.

[Pesky Persian]

Also nostril piercings hurt waaaaaay less than a shot. No clue why.

My best friend has her nostril done and she said she cried afterward. She has really low pain tolerance, though. The next few I have planned are supposedly some of the most painful, but we'll see how that goes. Even if it hurts, I don't think it's that bad. It's a split second and then it's done.

that's true.

I've wanted to get a lip ring because it would look cool but I've heard stories about how they hurt and get in the way...

Tongue rings are pretty much better from what I've heard.

It really depends on a lot of things when it comes to oral piercings. Placement is a huge thing, especially with tongue piercings. If it's placed wrong or the bar is too long, it can hit your teeth when you're speaking or eating, which isn't good. With lip piercings, jewelry is a big thing. Flat-backed labrets are better than rings since they're less likely to hit your teeth. But you also have to consider length because if the post is too long, it can cause gum recession. Just another reason to go to a professional who can assess your anatomy and knows what jewelry will work best. ;P

[kochoupink]

I actually think a simple earring or a single facial piercing looks really good on guys but I'm always too ashamed to admit to that.

[Ignika]

http://vocaroo.com/i/s1gMNqN20A6A

This is my public apology to Rezzo

I am sorry

[Jb]

http://vocaroo.com/i/s1gMNqN20A6A

This is my public apology to Rezzo

I am sorry

http://vocaroo.com/i/s0exClw8tpvZ

[Pesky Persian]

I actually think a simple earring or a single facial piercing looks really good on guys but I'm always too ashamed to admit to that.

I don't think that's shameful. Certain people can really pull them off. I'm kind of the same way, especially when it comes to multiple tattoos. I actually kind of really love full sleeves. I don't know why, I just think they look awesome (if the art is good, of course).

[blaze boy]

Today I used shell smash and started bonding with people on my uni course.

I feel great.

http://vocaroo.com/i/s1gMNqN20A6A

This is my public apology to Rezzo

I am sorry

http://vocaroo.com/i/s0exClw8tpvZ

WHAT!

You can speak then that means you are human and not some faceless person, whoa heavy

In other news;
Look at this go wheeee!

[kochoupink]

I don't think that's shameful. Certain people can really pull them off. I'm kind of the same way, especially when it comes to multiple tattoos. I actually kind of really love full sleeves. I don't know why, I just think they look awesome (if the art is good, of course).

THEY ARE SO PRETTY. I love a well-done sleeve. Makes me wish I weren't a wuss.

[Pesky Persian]

THEY ARE SO PRETTY. I love a well-done sleeve. Makes me wish I weren't a wuss.

If I could come up with a great design and if tattoos weren't still seen as so taboo, I would totally do it. It would just be really annoying to cover it up for work.

[Spookz]

That said, I don't know how malls near you guys are, but my local mall uses "one time use" guns. Of course you can get those at the Dollar Store but w/e. Personal preference I guess.

I dunno if places around here use these "one time use" guns. It sounds like a massive waste-- throwing out one needle vs. an entire gun-- just makes me like the idea of needles even more. I know most people don't care about waste and recycling but I try to be conscious of that sort of thing.

On the topic of modification on other people. Hell yes. It's easily a weakness of mine. I love sleeves and chest pieces, and well placed piercings are a big plus.

[Zibdas]

http://vocaroo.com/i/s0exClw8tpvZ

http://vocaroo.com/i/s1gMNqN20A6A

This is my public apology to Rezzo

I am sorry

i love your guys' voices omg

[kochoupink]

If I could come up with a great design and if tattoos weren't still seen as so taboo, I would totally do it. It would just be really annoying to cover it up for work.

That's the nice thing about a niche field; if you have the skills, no one cares what you look like. I'm planning on getting a little tattoo over break, if I don't chicken out.

[Spookz]

Theatre people don't care if you have piercings and tattoos, unless you're on stage but that's not relevant to me. I've noticed a lot more acceptance of tattoos in the more traditional workplaces though. Granted, I live in Chicago, so I'm sure people in more rural areas aren't feeling that as much.