Body Piercing
New Zealand Body Piercing
Pieces of metal through bits or your body: hot or not? For many, body piercing makes a statement and gives an edgy look to their personal style. Find out more about how to get pierced safely in New Zealand.
Getting your ears pierced used to be a right of passage for New Zealand girls. Now, it's young girls and boys who are lining up for body piercings, and not just in their ears. Before making a decision to be pierced, make sure you're well-informed about the options and risks of body piercing in New Zealand. You only get one body, so treat it well!
To pierce or not to pierce?
Before you let a needle near you:
- Make sure the environment in the piercing studio looks clean and hygienic
- Check that the piercer is using sterile needles (these should be taken from a sealed packet just before use)
- Check that new gloves are worn at all times
- Check that an autoclave (high pressure steam cleaner) is used for sterilization of equipment
Most importantly, visit a number of New Zealand bodypiercing studios to make sure you're making a decision which is right for you. Don't be afraid to ask questions and if you feel unsure, wait before going ahead with your piercing.
So, is getting pierced safe?
Yes, if it's done by a professional. Some parts of the body are more delicate and can be damaged by a badly done piercing. A professional will know how to pierce correctly to avoid any damage. Go to a reputable New Zealand body piercing studio.
Remember, despite the fact that contact is brief, a piercing needle can transmit an infection to your blood. Infections that you could be exposed to include: Hepatitis C, Hepatitis B and HIV.
Does getting a body piercing hurt?
Yes, but to varying degrees, depending on where you choose to be pierced. It also depends on your own pain threshold. The pain is very short, though, so most people can grin and bear it without any problem. Some piercers use a numbing gel to take the edge off the pain.
How much will a piercing cost?
This is determined by the piercer, although generally the location of the body piercing will affect the price. Remember, the type of jewellery you choose will probably affect the price too, but your piercer should make all costs clear to you before beginning.
Where should I get a body piercing?
Now that the nasty things are out of the way, you need to consider what part of your body you want to get pierced. You might want to think about your place of work, your school or your social commitments – are you likely to be asked to remove the piercing? Can the piercing be covered? Many piercings can be easily hidden under normal clothing, but it's best to think this through before going ahead with a piercing. Popular piercings include: ears, nose, lip, labret (just below lip), tongue, eyebrow and various other parts of the body including nipples and genitals.
And afterwards?
You need to take care of your piercing for as long as your piercer has recommended - they should provide written instructions on how to best care for your new piercing. A daily or twice-daily aftercare programme should look something like this:
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap.
- Wet a cotton ball with warm salty water and wipe the piercing site and jewellery.
- Rinse the piercing with warm water.
- Dry with a clean paper towel (a disposable towel means less risk of bacteria)
You might have been told to 'rotate' your piercing. This isn't always necessary and may cause irritation or the spread of infection. If you do rotate a piercing, make sure you do so after it is clean. Your piercing may take between six and eight weeks to heal, so don't be surprised if you experience some inflammation during this time. Infection can cause damage to your body, so go to a doctor if you experience severe inflammation or pain.
Happy piercing!
Looking for more information? Find New Zealand body piercing in the NZS.com directory.
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Arts images from Flickr: Tongue Piercing, Maori Carving and Wellington Sculpture.
