Friday February 8th, 2008 @ 1:46 PM
hiya 
i got a centre lip (not chin, on the lip line in the centre of my bottom lip) piercing over a year ago. i would la-la-la-la-love to be able to wear a ring in it; however, the problem is my lips are quite full! i know that might sound strange. i wear the barbell i was pierced with, because it fits really comfortably. (even though it was the longest one available, when i got it pierced the swelling was almost too much for it).
wearing a cbr (which is just annoying to take on and off like i have to) or one that just closes without the ball really hurts, because the correct gauges are not large enough in diameter. (and i don’t want to stretch it)
my question is (apologies for the long story): would a circular barbell (with the gap between the ends) be more comfortable?
many many thanks, you beautiful people 
A circular barbell could very well be an option to solve the issue you are having. They will also tend to be easier to work with than a CBR or a continuous ring.
Another thing to consider is that, even at smaller gauges, CBR’s are available in a wide range of sizes. So, just because the place you buy your jewelry doesn’t stock the size you need, it doesn’t mean they couldn’t order it or you couldn’t seek it out elsewhere.
0 / 0 votes 
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Posted by Derek Lowe | Permalink | Comments
Friday February 8th, 2008 @ 1:40 PM
Filed under: Ear
I’ve had this helix piercing for about 9 years. It was done with a piercing gun in a mall when I was 13. Cut me some slack, I didn’t know any better. Unfortunately, because it was done with a gun, I can’t wear real quality jewelry since the piercing is at such a small gauge. Most of the time, it’s okay, or only minorly irritated, but every now and then it really hurts like hell, my whole ear turns red, and it produces a good amount of crud. When this happens, I usually leave the jewelry out for a couple of days, wait for it to calm down, put the jewelry back in, and go on my way. My question, basically, is what should I do? I’m sure the jewelry I have in it (small silver hoop purchased at Target) isn’t helping, but do I have other options, what with the age, size, and crappiness of the piercing? And is there something I could be doing to prevent it from getting all inflamed? Thanks for your help.
I don’t think your assessment of not being able to wear quality jewelry in your piercing is quite right. It might be that you have to stretch the piercing very slightly to accommodate a better-quality piece of jewelry, but even that can likely be avoided. High-quality, implant-grade stainless steel, titanium, niobium or solid gold jewelry is available (in a ring/hopp) down to 20ga, which is the same size as a standard earring.
It is very likely that the quality (or lack of) of the jewelry you are currently wearing is what is causing your flare-ups. It’s also possible that the way the jewelry is made is causing the problem.
Either way, I would suggest getting a better piece of jewelry for the piercing. If you can tell me where you live, I (or someone else) might be able to suggest a good studio to visit to get some different jewelry.
+1 / 1 votes 
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Posted by Derek Lowe | Permalink | Comments
Friday February 8th, 2008 @ 11:37 AM
I’m considering buying a roll of PTFE wire that I can cut to length, it’s 14G. So, do I use like regular balls, or are their specail ones?
PTFE is described as being “self threading” when sold for body jewelry purposes. Basically you take a ball for a 14 gauge EXTERNALLY threaded barbell (so the threads are on the barbell shaft) and the ball should thread itself onto the PTFE. Finding the right fit is important, as many manufacturers of externally threaded jewelry use totally different thread sizes, so finding one that fits just right can be rather hit or miss.
Dare I inquire what your intended use for this stuff is though? There is a use for it in modern body piercing, but most people using it for surface work would be FAR better off using proper surface bars.
0 / 0 votes
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Posted by Sean Philips | Permalink | 2 Comments
Thursday February 7th, 2008 @ 7:28 PM
Hi there!
I did a search and wasn’t able to find a similar question so I thought I’d ask.
About 2 months ago I had a large piece on my back coloured in and completed. This is the first time I’ve had any colour work done, everything before was just black and grey.
The one colour (a light pink) still feels dry, like it needs to peel, and is very muddy looking…basically it looks dirty, like I just had the tattoo done and let it dry out.
I was diligent with the aftercare my artist gave me, and everything else healed beautifully.
I’m wondering if this is my skin rejecting the ink? and if so is there a way to expidite the process so it finally looks nice? I don’t mind if I have to go get it touched up, but I know I shouldn’t do that until it’s done, whatever it’s doing now.
Thanks!
I wouldn’t go so far as to say your body is trying to “reject” the tattoo ink, but it definitely sounds like it isn’t taking to it well. Black is almost always the easiest color for your body to heal/accept as it has the least amount of elements and chemicals in it. When it comes to tattoo ink, the color that is most-commonly problematic is red. “Light pink” is typically created by mixing red pigment with white pigment. So, chances are good that your bad is having a hard time with the red.
Unfortunately, I don’t know of any way to make the situation get better faster. You may want to consult with your tattoo artist. If he/she doesn’t have an answer, a trip a dermatologist might be helpful. Seems like you might even be able to have that area treated with laser tattoo removal.
0 / 0 votes
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Posted by Derek Lowe | Permalink | 1 Comment
Thursday February 7th, 2008 @ 7:23 PM
Today, as I dyed my hair with drugstore dye from a box, I actually took the time to read the instructions - I honestly don’t think I’ve ever read the box from start to finish before. Anyway, there’s a little blurb on the side of the box (as in, visible without opening it and reading the instruction sheet) that says “USAGE ADVISORY - SAFETY WARNINGS”. Then, as follows -
IMPORTANT - Haircolor can cause an allergic reaction which, in certain rare cases, may be serious. Therefore, you must follow these precautions:
DO NOT USE IF:
-Your have already had a reaction to a haircolour product
-You have a sensitive, or damaged scalp
IF YOU HAVE A TATTOO, the risk of an allergic reaction may be increased.
Any idea what’s up with that tattoo part?
The rest of that is pretty standard, but that seems almost weird to me.
That certainly is a strange warning.
My guess is that there is something in their product that is a potential allergen. It’s also possible that that same product/chemical is found in some (all?) tattoo pigments. Since allergies build-up the more exposed you are to something, if the you had a tattoo with the allergen in it, and then used their product with the allergen in it, it could potentially increase the likelihood of an allergic reactions.
That’s really the only thing I can think of. Perhaps someone with a bit more knowledge about tattoos and/or hair dye can shed some addition light on the topic.
Was it red hair dye by chance?
+1 / 1 votes
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Posted by Derek Lowe | Permalink | 7 Comments
Thursday February 7th, 2008 @ 7:21 PM
maybe i am just increadably picky (actually, i KNOW i am) but i really love hanging organic earings for stretched ears-wood spirals, tribal swan shaped pieces and such, but my ears are currently at 5/8 and i cannot find anything that comes that big. Have you seen anyone that makes such earrings, or am i stuck with plugs?
If you have a shop in your area with a decent selection of jewelry, they should be able to order something for you if they don’t have anything in stock. What you are asking for certainly isn’t going to be the most common piece of jewelry a shop would stock, so having to order something wouldn’t be unreasonable.
You may want to find a shop that carries jewelry from a company called Tawapa. They make a large variety of hanging designs and I have seen some of the wood versions of their designs as big as 5/8″, and even larger. Their jewelry is also of excellent quality in addition to being beautiful.
Best of luck in your search.
0 / 0 votes
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Posted by Derek Lowe | Permalink | 2 Comments
Thursday February 7th, 2008 @ 7:08 PM
Filed under: Nose
My question is multi-part. I have a septum piercing at 10 ga and I’ve always worn the same captive bead ring in it. The ring is pretty big, I’m thinking 1/2″ in diameter and I’m looking for something smaller that would look more balanced but I’m a little confused on a pretty obvious topic.
How is a 3/8″ 10ga+ captive bead ring possible? if there’s only 3/8th of an inch in the center diameter and the bead takes up part of that room what type of piercing could that possibly fit? How would one go about even getting the bead into such a small ring? Would a 3/8th inch ring be right for a septum piercing? I want small but it seems a little too small…
Thanks, I’m a bit clueless the only place I can get jewelry from is online and I’ve never seen a variety of CBRs with this size included before in person.
I’ll do my best to explain how the magical-ocity of the 10ga 3/8″ CBR works. The diameter of the CBR is measured by the diameter on the inside of the widest part of the ring. So, when a company makes the CBR, they have to decide what size bead they will put on the ring. With that decided, they make the ring 3/8″ (or whatever inner diameter), with the gap that will accommodate the size of bead they will put on it. The beads are typically available in 1/8″, 5/32″, 3/16″, 7/32″ 1/4″ etc. As long as the bead isn’t so large that it keeps the bead from remaining a circle, there isn’t an issue. Most commonly in 10ga 3/8″ captive, a 5/32″ or 3/16″ bead would be used. There is a bit of leeway to go with a bead that is bigger or smaller than the original bead and not misshape the ring. Doing so may alter the precise diameter of the ring, but it’s not often enough to make a significant difference.
It is very common to wear a 3/8″ diameter ring in septum piercings, so the 10ga 3/8″ would likely work well for you. In fact, some people wear even smaller jewelry. Keep in mind however, not every size is going to fit everyone. So, if you want to be sure the piece you are going to be will fit, you may want to stop into a shop and have a piercer take a quick look for you.
+1 / 1 votes
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Posted by Derek Lowe | Permalink | Comments
Thursday February 7th, 2008 @ 7:01 PM
About a week ago I got my sternum pierced with a dermal implant. Somehow I got a small tear on the bottom of my piercing. I wiped a scab off today with a Q-tip and noticed I can see a tiny part of the back of the flat plate that is inserted under the skin. Do you think it is migrating because of the tiny tear, or do you think it is migrating in general. The piercing otherwise than that is healing fine, no redness, drainage, or pain. If so is there anything I can do to help it besides sea salt soaks?
If the dermal anchor was put in even close to appropriately, it’s unlikely it is starting to reject after just a week. More likely, a small tear/cut was created at the edge of the tissue while installing the anchor. Depending upon the technique used, a bit of pressure/force can be needed to get the anchors in to place. This can sometimes result in tears/cuts in the tissue.
The fact that you can see part of the foot/plate isn’t great. While it’s not a guarantee that it’s going to reject, it definitely doesn’t bode well for the probably longevity of your dermal anchor. I would suggest you make a return visit to your piercer and consult with them. It’s likely your best option is going to be to remove and install it in a different location or wait until the area is well-healed if you want to put it in the exact same spot.
+1 / 1 votes
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Posted by Derek Lowe | Permalink | Comments
Wednesday February 6th, 2008 @ 10:47 PM
I have 25 helix piercings that I have been wanting to go gold with. currently I have ss barbells in them. I was thinking I want to switch to gold labrets. Instead of paying out the wazoo buying them individually, I was wondering if there was a way I could buy in bulk being that I am an individual and not a company? If this is possible, where do you suggest I start looking (preferably online)? About how much should I expect to pay for 25 14 gauge 1/4″, labret studs, I’d like about a 3-4 mm plain ball- nothing fancy. I would also need 2 14 gauge, 1 and 5/8 inch barbells for my industrials, and 3 nostril screws- all gold. gold plated would be fine. any help would be great! I found a few places online that sell in bulk, but i’ve heard good and bad about them, I’m interested in what you’re opinion is as a professional. Thanks!!
Ok so the Wazoo it out of the question, but how about The Great Kazoo? lol
Instead of putting your money out onto the internet realm of body jewelry suppliers (as there’s plenty good suppliers along with very bad suppliers), why not just do your part in helping out the Piercing Industry itself by visiting a reputable piercing studio and custom ordering what you need? As by visiting a reputable studio they can take the time to make sure ALL the measurements are exact and perhaps even show you examples of what the jewelry might look like. Whereas when you purchase online, its very much a buyers beware situation. You do not know WHAT type of quality you’re going to get.
Also in terms of getting “deals”, most studios give deals on gold jewelry anways. As currently Gold is almost at, or is at, $1000 a troy ounce. What does that mean? It means Gold is pretty darn expensive currently…Which means the more gold used, the higher the cost on the wholesale end, thus higher the cost on the retail end. Although like I said most shops do not markup their gold jewelry like they do their standard Steel or Titanium jewelry, that way they can keep gold a viable option to purchase.
As for bigger deals then the reduced markup costs, I’d suggest definitely visiting a reputable piercing studio and explaining your situation. Personally if you came into a shop that I had control of the purchasing/prices, for 25 guaranteed bought pieces, I’d definitely work with the customer to offer them at a reduced price. If I were you the BEST way to get the shops to react quickly as well is to give them the list, and work on a basic quote estimate and then offer to pay a partial deposit (like 50%) up front before the order is made. As many shops, even reputable ones, might not have the cash at the time to purchase literally 25 various gold pieces at one time. Also make sure everything is outlined, the list, a receipt of how much of a initial deposit you made,etc.
Now onto the subject of Gold and/or Gold Plating…Stay far far far FAAAAAR away from Gold Playing. Simply put its, crap and often will crack/flake off, leaving usually very substandard jewelry materials then exposed to your body. It’s just garbage and a waste of money, why buy that when you can invest in some nice high quality products? Everyones body only deserves the best if you ask me.
Also know that of course gold comes in various types: 9ct, 14ct, 18ct,etc. Know that with the smaller numbers (the 9ct-14ct,etc) are less and less gold. Usually 14ct Gold is about 50%-58% gold and is usually mixed with Nickel and other compounds that can be irritating to the body. Usually the ideal gold to use is 18ct solid gold as it has a much higher gold amount overall, even better getting (my personal view here) White Gold mixed with Palladium based.
Finally also make sure that the jewelry ordered is Internally Threaded as well, as gold is often horrible with threading and often can strip or get damaged. Where as with Internally Threaded usually there is a steel or titanium threaded shaft made with the gold bead to eliminate the potential damage that would occur if the threading was made out of gold instead.
0 / 0 votes
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Posted by Warren Hiller | Permalink | 1 Comment
Wednesday February 6th, 2008 @ 1:25 AM
I was going to get my lip pierced untill my mom talked to a lady with oral piercings and the lady had dead teeth from her piercings.(i think my mom said she had a monroe and a coupple of lip rings, if that helps any) I was wondering how that happened? Could she not have had the right jewelry in or not snug enough jewelry?
So now my mom wont let me get a lip ring because she thinks that it will automatically kill my teeth. As long as i have snug fitting jewelry then shouldnt my teeth be ok?
With a title like that, how could I not answer this one.
With properly-fitting jewelry, the likelihood of doing damage (let alone killing) your teeth is pretty small.
However, just about any oral piercing (tongue, lip, labret, tongue web etc.) has the potential to damage to your teeth and gums. Jewelry that is sized appropriately and not playing with your jewelry will reduce the chances of dental problems…but there are no guarantees.
I think your mom may be overreacting a little, if she thinks the piercings will automatically lead to dead, rotting teeth. However, her concerns aren’t totally unfounded.
+3 / 3 votes
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Posted by Derek Lowe | Permalink | Comments
