Ah, so you’re wonderin’ what size barbell is right for a nipple piercin’? Well, this here’s somethin’ lots of folks ask, and there’s more to it than just pickin’ any ol’ size, ya know? Let’s talk it through nice and slow, so’s you get the info clear and right, alright?
First Off, Let’s Talk About Gauge Size
When folks say “gauge,” they’re talkin’ about the thickness of that barbell. Now, the most common size they use is 14 gauge, or “14G” if you wanna sound fancy. This size is a good balance between bein’ big enough to be sturdy but not too big to cause trouble. Some folks go a size smaller at 16G, or even a bit thicker at 12G if their piercer thinks it’s best. But, I’ll tell ya right now, most folks stick to that 14G – seems to work for most people just fine.
How Long Should That Barbell Be?
Now, here’s where it gets a bit tricky. Length matters ‘cause you don’t want that barbell squishin’ up too tight against your skin, nor do ya want it floppin’ around loose. For most folks, a length of 12mm to 16mm does the job. But here’s the thing – every nipple is a bit different, ya see? Some folks got thicker tissue, some got smaller, thinner nipples. Women usually go with the 14-16mm length, but for some men, it might end up bein’ on the smaller side, like 12mm. Your piercer’s gonna be the one helpin’ ya choose, based on how much space you got there.
Why Straight Barbells Are Best
Here’s somethin’ ya need to know – nipple piercings should only be done with straight barbells. I know, I know, some of those fancy curved or circular barbells look mighty temptin’, but here’s the thing: curved ones tend to cause problems. They can pull on the new piercin’ and sometimes even cause little bumps to show up. Straight barbells, on the other hand, sit nice and flat, don’t move around too much, and let the piercing heal up nice and proper.
Material Matters Too, Ya Know!
Now, let’s talk about what that barbell is made of. Most good piercers recommend titanium for fresh piercings. Why? Well, it’s hypoallergenic, meanin’ it’s less likely to cause irritation, which is real important when you got a fresh wound like that. Nickel, on the other hand, can be real irritatin’ for some folks, so stay clear of any jewelry that’s got nickel in it.
Other safe choices? Surgical steel – it’s a good one too, but titanium is like the golden standard if you can get it. And for heaven’s sake, avoid silver! It’s too soft, and it’s not good for new piercings.
Special Cases – Small or Inverted Nipples
If ya got small or inverted nipples, don’t worry none; lots of folks with all sorts of nipple types get piercings. For smaller nipples, you might go with a thinner gauge, like 16G, or a shorter length barbell. But really, this here’s best discussed with the piercer. They’re the experts and can give ya the best advice for your unique situation.
Aftercare Tips for Nipple Piercings
Now, a nipple piercing ain’t just set-it-and-forget-it. Once you got that barbell in there, you’ll need to take good care of it to keep it healin’ right. Here’s a few things ya can do:
- Clean Twice a Day – Use a saline solution or gentle, non-scented soap to clean the area. Don’t go scrubbin’ at it, though. Just gentle dabs will do.
- Don’t Twist or Turn It – I know it might be temptin’ to fiddle with it, but leave that barbell alone. Movin’ it around too much can irritate the piercin’.
- Avoid Pools and Lakes – No swimmin’ for a bit! Lakes, pools, and hot tubs got all kinds of bacteria that can make things worse. Wait ‘til it’s fully healed.
Now, nipple piercings can take up to 6-12 months to heal all the way. So, if it feels a bit tender even after a couple months, that’s normal. Just keep on with the cleanin’ and avoid playin’ with it too much.
FAQs on Nipple Piercings
Here’s a few questions folks often ask:
- Can ya breastfeed with piercings? – Yep, ya can, though you’ll wanna take the jewelry out before nursin’.
- What if I’ve had surgery? – If ya had surgery, like a mastectomy or reduction, talk with your piercer to see if it’s safe. They’ll usually give ya the best advice for your case.
- Can anyone get ‘em? – Most folks can, but if you got any medical conditions or worries, it’s smart to ask your piercer first.
So there ya have it, the whole scoop on nipple piercin’ barbells! Just remember, when it comes to size, there ain’t no one-size-fits-all, so ask your piercer, follow the aftercare steps, and you’ll be just fine. Good luck!
Tags:nipple piercing, barbell size, 14 gauge barbell, nipple piercing aftercare, titanium barbell, nipple jewelry