The right material.
From the first piercing.
A piercing jewellery is not just about design. The material influences comfort, skin compatibility, and how the area behaves during healing.
More than just jewellery.
Each material has different properties. Some options are suitable for a new piercing, while others are recommended only after complete healing.
Medical titanium.
Lightweight, durable, and very well tolerated by the body. Titanium is one of the most appreciated options for initial jewellery and for people sensitive to certain metals.
Built for comfort.
Titanium is frequently used for navel, ear, lip, eyebrow, tongue, and other piercings. Its low weight limits pressure on the tissue.
It can be anodised in various shades without applying a usual paint layer, preserving the metal surface.
Established metals. Different properties.
The choice depends on the piercing, anatomy, skin sensitivity, and healing stage.
Surgical steel.
Surgical steel 316L is valued for mechanical strength, shiny appearance, and a surface that can be easily cleaned and sterilised.
Since it is an alloy that may contain nickel, its choice must be made carefully for people with known sensitivity to this metal.
Blackline.
Blackline jewellery has a modern black look and is usually made using a titanium base and a surface treatment.
In areas with repeated friction, the outer finish may wear or scratch over time. This should be considered especially for jewellery that may come into contact with teeth.
Niobium.
Niobium has properties close to titanium but is heavier. For piercing use, niobium with a very high purity grade is preferred.
The material is well tolerated and does not easily react with body fluids or common cleaning products.
Niobium jewellery is rarer because the metal is more expensive and harder to process.
Gold.
For piercings, jewellery specially made for this use is chosen, usually from gold of at least 14K. The alloy quality and surface finishing are essential.
Lower quality gold may include nickel, zinc, copper, or other metals that can cause sensitivity in some people.
In many cases, gold is chosen after the piercing has stabilised or fully healed.
Beautiful. But not for every stage.
Some decorative materials may be suitable after healing but are not recommended as an initial choice.
Silver.
Silver has been used for centuries for jewellery but is not a suitable choice for a fresh piercing.
In contact with sweat, blood, or other fluids, the surface can oxidise. In some cases, colour changes of the jewellery or skin may occur.
It is more suitable for temporary wear in a fully healed piercing.
Bronze.
Bronze is mainly found in large decorative jewellery and in designs inspired by traditional styles.
Being an alloy, the composition can vary significantly between manufacturers. Some variants may oxidise and leave greenish marks on the skin.
Should not be used on an open wound or a piercing in the initial healing period.
The right choice starts before the procedure.
The material, size, and shape of the jewellery must be determined according to anatomy and the type of piercing.
Tell us if you have allergies.
Mention any previous reaction to nickel, jewellery, watches, buckles, or other metal objects.
Don't choose just by appearance.
A beautiful piece of jewellery may have a shape, weight, or material unsuitable for a new piercing.
Don't change the jewellery too early.
The channel may appear healed on the outside before the inner tissue is fully stabilised.
What material is recommended for the first piercing?
For a new piercing, materials with a smooth surface, good corrosion resistance, and high compatibility with the body are preferred. Professional-grade titanium is one of the most frequent recommendations, especially for people who declare sensitivity to nickel.
Surgical steel is also commonly found in the piercing industry but is an alloy and may contain nickel. For this reason, allergy history must be discussed before the procedure.
Surface finishing also matters
Not only the type of metal is important. The jewellery must have as smooth a surface as possible, without sharp edges, scratches, or imperfections that can rub and irritate the piercing channel.
The threading, end shapes, rod length, and space needed for initial inflammation are elements that must be adapted to each area.
Jewellery for healed piercings
After complete healing, decorative options become more varied. Jewellery made of gold or other materials can be considered, provided they are properly made and do not cause irritation.
Silver, bronze, wood, bone, or other decorative materials are not recommended for insertion into a fresh piercing. Porous materials or those that oxidise can retain impurities and alter the surface in contact with the skin.
Questions about piercing materials.
Quick answers before choosing jewellery.
Is titanium recommended for a new piercing?
Yes, professional-grade titanium is frequently used for new piercings due to its low weight, corrosion resistance, and good compatibility with the body.
Does surgical steel contain nickel?
Surgical steel is an alloy that may contain nickel. People with a known nickel allergy must communicate this before the procedure.
Can I wear silver in a new piercing?
Silver is not recommended for a fresh piercing as it can oxidise in contact with body fluids. It is more suitable for a fully healed piercing and for temporary wear.
Can I put gold jewellery directly?
It depends on the quality of the alloy, the type of piercing, and the piercing artist's recommendation. The jewellery must be specially made for piercing and have a well-finished surface.
Why is it not enough to choose jewellery based on appearance?
Weight, length, thickness, shape, and material can influence healing. The jewellery must provide enough space and be suitable for the anatomy of the area.
When can the initial jewellery be changed?
The timing varies depending on the pierced area and the healing progress. The change should only be made once the piercing is stable enough, ideally according to the piercing artist's recommendation.
The right jewellery. For your body.
At 2nd Face Tattoo & Body Piercing, the material and size of the jewellery are chosen based on the body area, anatomy, and healing stage.
