Body piercing materials

Nipple Shields Assorted small

316L Stainless Steel Unpolished

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Gold barbells

Glass Ear Spirals

Plastic Body Jewelry

Body Piercing Septum Tusks

Body Piercing Materials are substances used to manufacture body jewelry, which is worn in piercings created in various parts of the body. The choice of material is crucial for the safety, healing, and maintenance of body piercings. This article discusses the most commonly used materials in body piercing jewelry, including their properties, benefits, and considerations.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is one of the most popular materials for body piercing jewelry, especially for initial piercings. It is an alloy containing iron, carbon, and chromium, which prevents rust and corrosion. The specific type of stainless steel used in body piercing is often 316L or 316LVM, the latter being vacuum-melted to remove impurities. Stainless steel is appreciated for its strength, affordability, and hypoallergenic properties.

Titanium

Titanium is a lightweight, highly corrosion-resistant metal with the added benefit of being completely hypoallergenic. Grade 23 titanium (Ti6Al4V ELI) is the preferred grade for body piercing jewelry due to its purity and compatibility with the human body. Titanium can be anodized to create a variety of colors, making it a popular choice for both initial piercings and fashion jewelry.

Niobium

Niobium is another hypoallergenic material that is similar to titanium but slightly heavier. It is not a metal but a chemical element that is highly resistant to corrosion and can also be anodized to produce different colors. Niobium is soft and malleable, making it easy to create jewelry in various shapes and designs.

Gold

Gold is a precious metal favored for its aesthetic appeal. However, not all gold is suitable for body piercings. Pure gold (24 karat) is too soft for body jewelry, so it is alloyed with other metals to increase its strength. The most suitable gold for body jewelry is 14 or 18 karat, as these alloys maintain the color and luster of gold while being durable enough for wear in piercings. It is important to ensure that the gold used is nickel-free to avoid allergic reactions.

Silver

Silver is less commonly used in body piercings due to its tendency to tarnish and potentially cause allergic reactions or tarnish deposits in the skin. Sterling silver is suitable for short-term wear in fully healed piercings but is not recommended for use in new or healing piercings.

Glass

Glass is a non-metallic option that is smooth, non-porous, and can be sterilized easily, making it suitable for use in body piercings. It is particularly popular for use in stretched piercings, such as ear gauges. Glass jewelry is available in a wide range of colors and designs, but it must be handled with care to avoid breakage.

Silicone

Silicone is a flexible, lightweight material used primarily in stretched piercings. It is comfortable for long-term wear and available in a variety of colors and shapes. However, silicone should only be used in fully healed piercings due to its porous nature.

Biocompatible Polymers

Biocompatible polymers, such as PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) and Bioplast, are plastics that are compatible with the human body. These materials are flexible, can be cut to size, and are ideal for use in piercings that are healing or in areas of the body that are prone to movement and irritation.

Considerations

When choosing body piercing materials, it is important to consider the healing stage of the piercing, potential allergic reactions, and the durability and maintenance of the material. Professional piercers can provide guidance on the best material for each individual and piercing type.

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