M-13 - Facial/body piercings; yes or no?

[A_Reck]

I'm just wondering what everyones opinions on piercings are. Today something very strange happened, I was telling my mom all of the piercings that I want to get, and I mentioned that I might possibley want to get my nose pierced, and she (to my suprise) said that she wanted her nose pierced too! We decided that we would go get our noses pierced together in a few days.


Now I'm only 15 years old. The only other piercings I have is my ears, and I am not sure how people are going to react to me getting a facial piercing. Do you think its appropriate for people my age to get body/facial piercings?

[Cheetah]

I think it's all right as long as it's something you really want to do and not too extreme. Some people actually look really good with piercings. There are a lot of people at my school that have piercings and they (most, anyway) are the sweetest people there. If this is something you want to do, go ahead, just make sure it looks nice.

[hesdead-dealwithit]

I think that any ear piercing or multiple piercing is fine, as well as a nose stud, but a nose ring or any other piercing on the face (eyebrow, lip, tongue) or elsewhere (nipple, places not suitable to mention for an as-yet-unrated-thread :) ) are not.

[lanifiel]

One of my friends at university has her lip pierced. Looks good, distracting sometimes, but good.

(Thread Rated :))

[haycheng]

I am against piercing. I believe it is hard to take care of and it is painful. I also accept the concept that our body is given by God in Christisan, and our body is given by our parents in Chinese culture. I do not see why you want to damage or change it when it is not neccessary. It is not my bussinese what anyone want to do, however.

To A_Reck , are you really sure you want to do it? I believe there is not turn back after pierced(correct me if I am wrong). Ever in today world, piercing any part of the body other than ears is not wider accepted. It could affect your future job interview and such. It is your decison however. May be I am just old fashion.

[SirCadogan]

Well, I don't think it is wrong or anything, but I think it is odd and unnecessary. I don't think of anybody differently just because they have a piercing. If you really want to do it, then that's your decision.

[Melanie]

I believe there is not turn back after pierced(correct me if I am wrong).

Take the piercing out, it'll close up.

I do agree with your bit about job interviews and the like, though. When I see people in their early 20's or so with metal all over their faces, I have to wonder whether they really expect to be taken seriously in the job market.
I had a friend who would go into job interviews with this big ol' lip ring, eyebrow rings and the like, and he wondered why he could never get a job.

I work at a hotel where it's important to have a "clean" image. The person behind the desk is the first impression a guest gets, and unfortunately, not all people take kindly to multiple piercings on the face (especially since my hotel serves a more conservative lot--business and military). When someone turns in an application and they have any kind of facial piercing, there's just no way they're going to be hired unless they remove the piercing for work (and actually, they wouldn't be hired at all if they had their facial piercing in during the application/interview process).

I've had plenty of friends with different piercings all over the place, there's no question as to their character--they're good people. And if they want to use it as a means of self-expression, more power to them, and I do agree facial/body piercings look good on some people.
There comes a point though when they have to realize that not everyone is going to think their nose ring is cool...especially potential employers.

[viktorija_hp]

i think it's great. i have only my ears, but i'm thinking about something new - my eyebrow
piercing isn't something that can tell what pearson you are, it doesn't change you, that's stupid!

[Eruanna]

i really want my lip pierced (have done for about 5 or 6 years...i'm 14..) and my dad said i could haev it done at the end of the school year coming up (i'll be almost 16 then) but my mum hates the idea....my mum is totallly against anything thats 'different' though...she hates the way i dress and we even had an argument where she said something about how my brother was more likely to give in to peer pressure and take drugs or whatever...and then she said that she would prefer if i would fit in more and didn;t try to be so 'outlandish' all the time (she loves the word 'outlandish' for some reason...).

anyways...i'm hoping i will get it done....i don;t see why its any worse than getting your ears pierced really. and hesdead-dealwithit, why is a nose ring worse than a stud?

anyways....when i go to job interviews etc i'll take it out probably...depoending on the what the interview is of course....some jobs its better to have piercings than not....it is a small minority of jobs though...:D...anyway...i hope by th time i get to my sixth form the rules wont have changed about piercings...

[A_Reck]

I used to want to get my lip pierced a looooooong time ago. Then my brothers girl friend got hers done, and it got infected and was DISGUSTING looking. She had to take it out. I agree with hesdead, I think that a stud looks fine, but a ring looks kinda gross.

[Quasi_EviL]

In my opinion, piercing is a do-what-you-want sort of thing. As long as you know the risks involved (for example, if you pierce your tongue, you might get dental problems), then you should be free to do what you want.

[Fairydust]

I think piercings are all right. Whatever floats your boat. I for one want an eyebrow piercing but my dad would freak and disown me if i did. :lol: I can only stick to my ears. If you have a chance to pierce whatever body part you want and your cool with it or your parents are cool with it then go for it. The only reservation I'd have with any type of body art would be with tattoos. i'd want one now, but 20 years from now I'd probably be regretting it. ;)

[hesdead-dealwithit]

and hesdead-dealwithit, why is a nose ring worse than a stud?


Nose rings are really big and stand out. A stud is just a lot more subtle, and is accepted as normal nowadays. Pretty much, if you want to get the piercing because you like how it will look, than that's fine. But if you just want to draw attention to yourself, that's not a good thing. And something really big - something like a ring, instead of just a stud - does draw attention. And bad attention.

[Eruanna]

...but if you really want a ring and like how it looks then surely it is no worse? (ps. i don;t particularly like nose rings but i'm just saying...:))

[Auror Williamson]

I, personally, have nothing against a decent amount of piercings. It is just when a person gets 10 on one ear, 3 on a lip, two on a nose , 4 on the eyebrows and other facial areas that it starts to become unbecoming.


Personally, a piercing on the ears is fine, as well as possibly one other somewhere else on the body, but more than that, I start to think poorly of their character.

Just think of the money that they wasted on the piercings that they could have put to good use!

[Aruna]

It really depends on ther person, some guys (or girls) look amazing with some metal in their face.

I personally do like lip-rings, but I only got a fake one, I wouldn´t want a whole in my face permanently.

For me, piercings are sort of a "don´t" when it can get really dangerous (besides the usual danger of infection), for example the spot between your eyes (where the nose meets the forehead). Those things can damage important nerves, just as well as piercings on females in the chest area can make things difficult if you ever have a child.

And I don´t know why anyone would want a piercing in more intimate regions... Not even considering the vast amount of pain involved. *shudder*

[Kelpie]

Right now, I only have my ears pierced, but I want to get my lip done. The only thing is, if I wanted a job, I'd have to get it covered up (I've been told there's a clear plastic thing you can put in).

I like some guys when they have their eye-brows pierced. Others look like *****. Not sure where I stand on flesh-tunnels. The really small ones are okay, but the big ones are pretty disgusting.

[majo]

Well, I don't even have my ears pierces, so the chances of me getting a facial (or anywhere else) piercing are pretty much non-existant. That's just personal preference, however. I have nothing against piercings on other people. It's up to the individual (and parents, if underage) to decide if they want piercings.

[heirofslytherin_dm]

The clear plastic thing you are talking about kelpie is a retainer, and I'm pretty sure you can find them for lip piercings. I have a retainer for my belly button, so for concerts it doesn't show through the dress. Cuz some bulge quite a bit. But I think that piercings are just a way to express yourself. I don't see it as anything different then the way you dress. You dress a certain way for yourself and sometimes to make a statement. Piercings are the same in that you do it for yourself, not anyone else and that you like it. I think that next summer I am getting my tongue pierced, haven't decided yet though. Anyone who has had their tongue pierced I have some questions if you would kindly PM me.

[Cat]

Personally, a piercing on the ears is fine, as well as possibly one other somewhere else on the body, but more than that, I start to think poorly of their character.


I must praise you on your admission of this. Most presumptuous people pretend that they're not.

**

I don't see how facial piercings are any different from earlobe piercings. Socially, I mean. It's decoration for the skin. It's (mostly) harmless beautification.

I'll go one step further than that and say that I don't understand why wearing a nose stud is any different than wearing make-up or dying your hair.

People who put themselves in danger by altering their image are another matter. I think injecting a poison into your face to deaden the muscles that cause lines is much more hazardous than having a tiny and neat hole pierced through a small part of the body.

On an additional note - I want to tell everybody here not to pierce things themselves. Especially not dangerous places, like between the eyes or in the whats-it-called that separates your nostrils. Even piercing the top of your earlobe can cause the cartilage to collapse. Let it be done by somebody who knows what they're doing.

[Kelpie]

I just draw the line aesthetically at a complete face-full of metal, really huge spikes and like I said, large flesh-tunnels freak me out. I don't have a picture, but they're horrible. These discs or tubes that you insert in your ears that stretch the earlobe - kind of a cyber variation on tribal stuff, but they make me cringe when they get past the size of a penny.

[hesdead-dealwithit]

I just draw the line aesthetically at a complete face-full of metal, really huge spikes and like I said, large flesh-tunnels freak me out. I don't have a picture, but they're horrible. These discs or tubes that you insert in your ears that stretch the earlobe - kind of a cyber variation on tribal stuff, but they make me cringe when they get past the size of a penny.

I've seen those! Ewww, they're disgusting. I don't know why anyone would want to do that - attention, I guess. That's why too many piercings etc are really bad: they just draw attention to you, and it's never good attention.

[chow mein]

Hmm - I'm completely cool with piercings on the ears, belly, toungue, nose, and brow, but other than that anything else like nipples and other unmentionable parts is just freaky to me.

[Dark Fallen Pride]

I am against any piercing unless its for some religious reason, then its understandable, but I belive my body is my temple and I want my temple to be ready for anything life throws at me, not be weak from holes, blah blah blah...yea something like that...

[hesdead-dealwithit]

I don't see how facial piercings are any different from earlobe piercings. Socially, I mean. It's decoration for the skin. It's (mostly) harmless beautification.


They're different because socially, they're looked at differently by the general population. If you're applying for a job and you have weird pieces of metal sticking every which way out of your face, the employer is going to assume, possibly unjustly, that you are unreliable. Ear piercing have been done for so long, however, that they are considered normal by more of the population.

If you notice, in mainstream jewelry stores you can get really fancy diamond/gem/whatever earrings, but you can't find the same for eyebrow rings. It's just how society is set up in this point in time. In 50 years it will be radically different.

[dncrgrrl]

I got my belly button pierced when I was 14. My mom thought it looked cool, and said she'd have gotton it done too if she "still had the body". I think as long as you want it, and your parents are okay with it, it's all good.

My feeling is, piercings aren't permanent, you can always take them out, and a piercing scar is a whole lot smaller than one from a tattoo!

[Cat]

They're different because socially, they're looked at differently by the general population. If you're applying for a job and you have weird pieces of metal sticking every which way out of your face, the employer is going to assume, possibly unjustly, that you are unreliable. Ear piercing have been done for so long, however, that they are considered normal by more of the population.

If you notice, in mainstream jewelry stores you can get really fancy diamond/gem/whatever earrings, but you can't find the same for eyebrow rings. It's just how society is set up in this point in time. In 50 years it will be radically different.

Sorry, you're right. I meant to say that I don't think that they should be seen as a big difference. I, personally, don't believe they are.

[Simbrie]

Personally, i don't find anything wrong with piercings. As long as you know the consequences (infection) and still want it, go ahead. As for something like job interviews and such, I would usually prefer places that aren't so uptight, but in these days there can be no choice as to where to work. Just take your peircings out for the interview or work.

Currently, I only have my ears pierced, but I want a bit more on my ears and one or two eyebrow rings. Maybe a nose ring, but that's it. I'm the type that won't look good with too much, I think. ^^

I've a friend that has those ear-lobe disc things, I think they're pretty neat. He also has piercings on the neck and the collar bone area. He likes piercings in unusual places, not including nipples and elsewhere like that. Dunno, he's wierd. **hugs him**

[Kelpie]

I've a friend that has those ear-lobe disc things, I think they're pretty neat. He also has piercings on the neck and the collar bone area. He likes piercings in unusual places, not including nipples and elsewhere like that. Dunno, he's wierd. **hugs him**

Oh - I have no objections. People can pierce themselves where they please and the smaller ones look okay. It's just that the big ones look so painful!!

[haycheng]

Although you can remove the pierce, I am not sure. It would always leave a mark, I believe. I have a birth mark on my left ear that make it look like I have it pierce. It is still there ever I am 22 now.

More on personal opinion, I would probably judge a new friend/person more carefully if they have unusual pierce.

[Marsea Malfoy]

I have my nose and bellybutton pierced, as well as 2 in each of my lower ears and one in the upper of my right ear. No one ever even notices the ears, even the upper one, because they are so normal, and honestly no one really notices my nose stud either, because it is really small and subtle, and is just a cute little accent. I can tell you now that most employers don't mind small nose studs, as long as they don't draw undue attention to your face. Also, if you remove the stud the hole is not even visible. On the other hand, the belly button piercing has a thicker rod and a much more noticable hole. But this also isn't a problem for most jobs, as it's not usually visible.
I think piercings can be cute, as long as they are used as little accents to your body, (not as things to cover your face.. some people take it to an extreme) and are not harmful. Even my nose stud was easy to care for when I first got it done, and none of my piercings have ever gotten infected.
I say if you really want a nose stud, go for it. They are easy to cover if an employer does not approve, and have VERY low side effects.

[Amadeus]

I am okay with body/facial piercings... as long as it is not an area you would generally display to the public.... (One of the girls I know, she got her nipples pierced... It was.............grosss.... to speak the truth)

I want to get my belly pierced, and so does my mom... I will get it pierced later... But not right now.... I wanted to get my nose pierced too, but then if you get your nose, you are going to have the hole for life (so I've decided against it... When I am 60, nose piercing won't look as great as it would now)

If you are fifteen, I don't think that's too young to get a facial piercing... As long as you are sure you are not going to regret your decision.

[Fabiana]

I think that having a facial piercing might be easy for teenagers...
I mean, I'm 21 and have lots of friends that actually had to remove their piercings to look for jobs. (And I also have friends that regret their tattoos...)

But I think that belly button piercings are beautiful.

Actually, I'm think I'll have my belly pierced really soon (then I'll be able to have my piercing and go to beach in December without risking any infections - in my country, we're in the end of winter now).

[dreamingfifi]

Now I'm only 15 years old. The only other piercings I have is my ears, and I am not sure how people are going to react to me getting a facial piercing. Do you think its appropriate for people my age to get body/facial piercings?

Sure it is. I would stay away from heavy dark looking studs because people tend to treat other's diferently if they see that. I think it's best to go with a tiny little sparkly stone, so what people will see is a pretty little star on your face. It's best to go with a clear crystal too, it can go with anything.

What to stay away from: eyebrows, lips, below the neck line, and tongue. I feel a little sick when I see a tongue one. But nose piercings are fine, as long as they're modest.

[daronisgod]

I have my bottom lip pierced twice one underneath the other, you can't really tell its pierced twice because the lower piercing has a labret in it which just looks like a stud and most people think its part of the upper piercing, and my ears are pierced, I used to have my nose pierced but I took it out and it has healed up pretty much, so anyway I guess my views on piercings should be fairly obvious, I couldn't have piercings on my body though, like a nipple piercing or anything like that, for various reasons.

BTW, you have to have had a piercing for around a year before the hole is permanent.

[FreyaCrescent]

I think most piercings are fine, within reason. I knew someone who had.. well, a part of their crotch area pierced, I think that's really nasty. I mean, what's the point? No-one's really going to admire it. I think facial piercings are okay, some people have them done as very young children over here, and I don't think there's any problem with them, within reason.

Body piercings, well... I'm not as fond of them. I really hate belly button piercings, they just make me feel ill when people twist them around and stuff, ew. But hey, it's each to their own. If people want to get them, then they should.

[Nagini]

If you've thought about where to have it and the cosequences and am sure about where to have, go get it. Just find a good, clean place, a good piercing artist and make sure that you get a good quality ring, then you have a lot less risk of getting a serious infection.

[malfoyschick]

The chances of me getting my ears pierced are very slim, anywhere else - zero. I just don't like the thought of having something in my body that I can never get rid of. But go for it if you want to, just make sure you have the least risk of infection.

[Sarmi]

The only piercing I have on my body is my earlobs, for earrings. I think a belly piercing looks cool, but I'm such a wimp to pain that I would chicken out if I wanted to get one.

[Hufflepuffy]

I think some body piercings are ok. I have my ears pierced, but never wear earrings. I think belly rings are cute, but a little overdone, and I never show my belly anyway, so I wouldn't get one. Eyebrow rings are OK, some people can really pull them off, though.. like the guy I like just has the stud through his eyebrow, and it's sooo hot :)

I have a really good friend who just got her nipple pierced. Whenever she thinks she needs to make a change in her life (usually something she needs to do within her self, or talk to someone else) she'll get something pierced, or dye her hair a new color, or get a new haircut. I could psychoanalyze her for hours, but that's no the point. Well, she got her nipple pierced and then broke up with her boyfriend. I think it's kinda gross. She also has her belly pierced and three holes in each ear.

[Loz]

It's your body to do with what you will, just remember that some people will judge you harshly and without due course if you have many piercings.

I know my father hates it, but that's because he thinks it's self mutilation. Unlike tattoos, however, piercings can grow over in time, and disappear...

[rotsiepots]

They're introducing legislation where I'm from to prevent under-18s from having the more "sensitive" parts of their bodies pierced. Apparently there were 13-year-olds getting their nipples pierced and there was nothing the piercer could do about it.

I think tighter controls on the piercing industry are definitely a positive move. More often than not piercing is performed by ill-trained people who may cause more harm than good.

Overall, though if you want to pierce parts of your body, then go for it. I don't approve of under-18s getting body piercing (their bodies are still developing and piercing may only lead to complications), but ears are fine.

Once people are over 18 they can do whatever they like. It's their body, after all.

[rozelle]

I think if you have thought about it and know a safe place to go it is okay. I'm a bit partial since all together i have 8 piercings, but I love them all and dont regret them at all.

And to all of you who were saying you can be rejected fora job because of them, I don't think that should be a problem if you are qualified. I know there are some jobs where appearancewise you may need to be a bit more conservative, but if you can do the job they should have no reason not to hire you.

[Rowlingfan1]

Hi!

Um, I have my ears pierced, ya know, earring in the lower area...

I'm probably getting my ears double pierced this summer, when school ends. It might not have to be early summer (keeping them in for a certain amount of time so they'll stay), because my school may send out the dress code with the end-of-school report cards for next year. My original piercings did get a little infected for the first week after getting pierced, but that was about five years ago.

[Tane]

I have had my ears pierced a long time ago when I was about 16 but I stopped using earrings when I was around 18 anyway. I tend to cringe when I see any other part of the body pierced but that is just I. I really don't mind piercing for people above 16 years of age because they have a better idea of what they want even though I did not but I am funny like that because I don't wear jewelry or make up really. :lol:

[SilverStar]

I don't see anything wrong with it: however, you must make sure the place sterilizes needles, or you risk getting AIDS and other scary stuff. Just like with tattoos.

But I don't recommend getting a piercing if you're pregnant or have a serious illness like cancer.

And don't get one if you're planning on getting a job at any kind of healthcare facility (hospital, clinic) because of sanitary reasons. You should wait and then ask your boss if it's ok.

[thinkpink38]

Nope, there's nothing wrong with it, why would there anything wrong with having a couple of pierces? I use to have my cartilage pierced but I took it off, and forgot to put it back on, so it closed, oh well. I was thinking about having a nose pierce, but I figured it would hurt, then I thought about having a tongue pierce but my frined disgusted me, so as for right now i'm pierce free (besides the two on my lobes).

[arwin]

well, i think most piercings especially facial piercings are awesome!!! i dont know why but i like metal...but anyways, i think you should do what you want to do-if you like how something looks go for it...some people think piercings are soo permenant but in reality they arent. I think that if you really want one tho, you have to keep up the cleaning, otherwise it isnt fun... i only have multiple holes in each ear but im dying to get more, my only speedbump is my mother... i just think your body is your own no matter what and if you want to mark it however you want (piercings/tattos) you should be able to... and i personallynever judge people based on piercings/tattoos or what not b/c then you techinically be judgng based on looks obviously and i dont think its rite at all... i actually work in a place that doesnt agree with "unnatural" looks such as piercings/tattoos/colored hair & i think its retarded b/c it does not determine my performance... be who you are whether its with an xtra hole in your face or not...i personally think they add character, but thats just me!!

[Kaonashi]

3 in one ear(tiny hoops for second and third), one in the other. Also have a tiny hoop in each tragus, and a nose piercing that I put a small stud in occasionally (contrary to popular belief, the holes do NOT close on certain areas of the body, it merely shrinks). Personally I wouldn't want certain areas done like nipples or even worse..."Prince Alberts." *shudders*

It's not something that you want done at home, or from a "friend" who took a piercing class and now thinks they know all about piercings. Some piercings can be dangerous if not done correctly or in unsterile conditions, like the tongue. Apparently with tongue piercings, it has to be done in a certain spot or otherwise risk infection. If you are going to do this, please seek out a reputable piercer. The extra money they charge is worth peace of mind, plus they give you instructions on how to take care of your new piercing, which if done anywhere other than ears takes longer to heal and will need special attention.

Oh yes, if you have tons of facial piercings, please take them out when you go on job interviews, even if it is in a creative field. It's the equivalent of going on a job interview in jeans. They might not care once you are employed there if you wear them, but they will definitely care if you are interviewing for a job.

My pet peeve are those who get their earlobes stretched by plugs who have no idea what that represents other than the fact that it's "tribal and cool." Ditto for people who ask for tribal tatoos and have no idea of the meaning other than "what a cool design." Then again, I'm from the school that feels that you should get a tatoo that means something to you personally and represents something, not the "OMG, It's so trendy...I just want one" brigade.

[theseeker]

Hey I have my ears pierced, and my bellybutton pierced. The latter was done about a year ago, and so far I haven't had any regrets. Of course, a year is a long time for someone of my age ;).
If people want to express themselves, that's fine. I like having my ears pierced because earrings are a kind of jewellry you take for granted, it seems kind of weird to me not to have your ears pierced (not weird, like "that's person's weird because they don't have their ears pierced", weird because I just can't imagine myself not being able to physically wear earrings). My friend is Hare Krishna, and she has her nose pierced, she's had it done since she was seven.
You can have piercings to express your individuality, but a lot of people seem to have them now, so, as Lisa Simpson said it, "How rebellious-in a conformist sort of way." ;)

[Hagrid442]

I myself think it's silly to get piercings and/or tattoos, and have nor will have them done. However, whatever someone wants to do to their bodies isn't my business, so it's more than ok for other people to do it.

People get them to be more "individual". In a way, since they're so trendy, not getting them could be more individual than getting them. :)

[Pegasus]

NO NO NO YUCK YUCK YUCK
(Hey, you asked:) )

[Nick]

At least you can undo piercings, to an extent. Tattoos I don't like because they're a sort of irreversible alteration, and I don't think a 70 year old Nick would find a lightning bolt tattoo on his finger as attractive as a 22 year old Nick would.

[Cosmos]

I've got no problems with facial piercings. I had some in my ear a few years back, but decided to take them out. I wouldn't mind getting my eyebrow done too.

[Animagi rock!]

I don't have any piercings, not even in my ears. I wanted to get my ears pierced when I was little but my mom thought I was too young and now I don't want it anymore. I never wear jewelry anyway, so what's the point.
I don't mind if other people get piercings. It can look really cool, except if they have twenty piercings all over their face, but that's their problem.

[Chrysalis]

In some cultures, certain kinds of piercings are very commonplace. I'm originally from India, and there the parents get their daughter's ears pierced when she is still a baby. This also used to be done for the nose, but that practice has virtually disappeared now. So I have both my ears pierced, and I have thought about getting my nose pierced, but I don't think I will.

[OrbitingElle]

In my opinion, piercing is a do-what-you-want sort of thing. As long as you know the risks involved (for example, if you pierce your tongue, you might get dental problems), then you should be free to do what you want.

I could just as easily say that if you pierce your ears, you could get ear problems, too. That doesn't mean piercing your ears is a bad idea. The tongue is not any more prone to infection than other parts of the body, as long as you follow the instructions given to you by your piercer while it's healing. (Don't smoke, rinse with mouthwash after you eat for 30 days, etc.)

I used to work in a Claire's store where we pierced ears. They claim to have "ear piercing experts" who have undergone "extensive training" but don't believe it. While it's true that by the time I had been doing it for a few months I was good at it, but they turned me loose with a piercing gun after watching the manager do it ONCE. No matter where you plan to get it done, ask your piercer how many they have done and have another employee at the store verify it. Even if they have no actual record, you might save yourself from being a test subject.

I have my tongue pierced, but it's very easy to hide on job interviews. I think people should be able to pierce whatever they want, but accept the consequences that may come with it. You can't have your eyebrow pierced and get angry that a banker won't give you a job.

One thing I can't stand is when people pierce their baby's ears. Everyone should be old enough to make their own decisions. I had to pierce babies' ears a few times, and every time I tried to talk the parents out of it. The first couple didn't even change their minds when I told them I had never done it before. I guess it's none of my business what they do, I just would never do it to my own kid.

[Chrysalis]

Actually, at least in India, people pierce the ears when the child is still a baby because the flesh is softer. And face it, you won't even be fully conscious so you won't remember it hurting. I don't see anything wrong in piercing a baby's ears. Anyway, you'll be so used to your earrings that buy the time you are old enough to take the decision wearing them is the only natural thing to do. I always feel naked without a pair of huge rings.:D

[OrbitingElle]

Actually, at least in India, people pierce the ears when the child is still a baby because the flesh is softer. And face it, you won't even be fully conscious so you won't remember it hurting. I don't see anything wrong in piercing a baby's ears. Anyway, you'll be so used to your earrings that buy the time you are old enough to take the decision wearing them is the only natural thing to do. I always feel naked without a pair of huge rings.:D

You're right, it's really not a big deal. I am just biased against it because I was the one who had to actually perform the piercing... and watch the babies cry.

[Kaonashi]

The "piercing gun" they use at Claire's actually punctures a hole in the skin (like a stapler) as opposed to piercing the skin (which is considered better with less chance of infection.) I had an ear piercing done at Claire's, and that piercing that had a longer period of healing, and got infected a lot.

[Emma]

I say that it is up to the individual. If you want it and you are of age, go for it. Just remember that the tatoos are for life. So to say. And they really don't look all that nice with alot of wrinkles when your 80. And remember the cute little butterfly that you get when your 18 on your small of your back will eventually drop to the bottom of your butt, sooner or later.

Piercings, do it. I have no problem with what so ever. If you don't want to wear studs you don't have to. No big deal.

[SilverStar]

The "piercing gun" they use at Claire's actually punctures a hole in the skin (like a stapler) as opposed to piercing the skin (which is considered better with less chance of infection.) I had an ear piercing done at Claire's, and that piercing that had a longer period of healing, and got infected a lot.

I actually prefer that; it's quicker than a regular needle.

[Tane]

At least you can undo piercings, to an extent. Tattoos I don't like because they're a sort of irreversible alteration, and I don't think a 70 year old Nick would find a lightning bolt tattoo on his finger as attractive as a 22 year old Nick would.

I do not know I mean it would not be a bad tattoo to have when your 70, just think Harry Potter will probably still be around then and who knows you might have grand children. I mean you can tell then the story about it all and why you have the lighting scar then whoop out the Harry Potter books and read it to them.

On piercing, the one type that really makes me cringe is tongue piercing, I mean ouch and ew:no:

[OrbitingElle]

On piercing, the one type that really makes me cringe is tongue piercing, I mean ouch and ew:no:

Tongue piercing hurts less than any other piercing on your body, including ears. (Trust me, I have both.) The little clamp they use to hold your tongue out is actually more uncomfortable than the needle itself.

The tongue also heals faster than anywhere else, so if you get a tongue piercing and decide you don't want it, it will close completely up within a couple of days.

[Rowlingfan1]

The "piercing gun" they use at Claire's actually punctures a hole in the skin (like a stapler) as opposed to piercing the skin (which is considered better with less chance of infection.) I had an ear piercing done at Claire's, and that piercing that had a longer period of healing, and got infected a lot.


Hey, I got my ears done at Wal-Mart, and I think they use a gun. It was too long ago to remember. When I get 'em double pierced, I'll get back to you.

[DsX Phoenix]

Tongue piercing hurts less than any other piercing on your body, including ears. (Trust me, I have both.) The little clamp they use to hold your tongue out is actually more uncomfortable than the needle itself.

The tongue also heals faster than anywhere else, so if you get a tongue piercing and decide you don't want it, it will close completely up within a couple of days.

It's also the easiest to get infected, because your mouth is one of the dirtiest places on your body.

[Liselle]

I have to say NO!!! *shudder*

[Pegasus]

Ha! Liselle agrees with me! By the way, I know I'm from a different culture than many of you (where I live is quite sheltered, but it goes beyond that) but I, too, have to shudder when I see people pocked with piercings. In my mind, it's like people wandering around with only skimpy underwear in public--it's a self-respect issue. But I know it's a personal thing.

[Kaonashi]

*shudders* The clamp hurts more than the actual piercing, LOL.

[Nick]

I do not know I mean it would not be a bad tattoo to have when your 70, just think Harry Potter will probably still be around then and who knows you might have grand children. I mean you can tell then the story about it all and why you have the lighting scar then whoop out the Harry Potter books and read it to them.

You must understand that finger in this context was a euphemism for something else.

And I am certain, very certain, that any tattoo I take today I will regret later, Harry Potter or no.

[LadySummer]

Hi gang! Just a short soap box speech from a formerly pierced person. I'm not going to rag on it, i think its great - someone earlier mentioned, if you dont like it, then take it out and the holes will heal. Well yes they do - the scars remain so to speak. I've been pierced in three places, my belly and other places to remain unmentioned here. My advice to those of you in the younger crowd who want to be pierced - wait until you are 18. That use to be the age limit. You do a lot of growing and changing between the ages of 14/15 and 18/19 when you;re out of high school and into college. I actually went from a more conservative person to a bit of a tattooed and pierced....er...freak, lol. But i can still hold a job in a conservative environment. Anywho, as much as i love the idea of the kids of today differing themselves, i really think the age limit should still apply. Just to give kids/people the extra time to think about something that could effect their bodies forever. I wanted a tattoo for years, and it still took me just about a year after my 18th birthday to have it done. If you get it done now and you love it, thats great, it will be with you forever. If you get it done now and you hate it, then you could have a scar for life. Two of my scars have healed strange, due to the fact that the body piercing needle takes out a chunk of skin. They healed with small lumps and under certain circumstances, after extreme pressure, etc, they do still sometimes become sore. So if you think you want it for life, then whats the harm in waiting a few more years and putting extra thought into it?

Thems my thoughts on that...i'll get off my soap box now.

[Confessor]

I, personally, couldn't respect anyone who had any piercings other than earrings - and that's stretched when it's a male who has them.

[Cosmos]

Yes, I agree that it's up to the individual. I guess some people do it to express what sort of person they are, just like you wear certain colour shirts, or your current hairstyle.

I, personally, couldn't respect anyone who had any piercings other than earrings - and that's stretched when it's a male who has them.

You shouldn't judge people before getting to know them. Some of the nicest and smartest people I have meet have had some form of facial piercing. I can understand that you don't like it, but not giving someone respect because of it is a very negative thing.

[star22]

Well, what is exactly your question.

If you mean, do I believe that there is something morally wrong with it, then no way. Why would there be?

If you mean, would I get them, then nothing but earings. I am too scared of infection. Peircings can get infected so easily. I would never poke holes in my body.

With males, I admit that I think that they look sexy with earings and/or toungue rings, but that is personal preference. I would never choose whether or not to date someone based on that.

[alliumsativu]

wow, i'm really quite shocked at how ignorant some people are.

you would think twice abouts someones character if they had piercings? well, i guess id think twice about someones character if they judged someone unfairly by their appearance.

i really like piercings and tattoos. have my septum (middle of nose) pierced and i also have 1/2 inch ear lobes. i retired my nostril sometime ago and have wanted double lower lip piercings but can not afford it right now. i am also designing some tattoos i want. theyre fairly large - one is for my entire lower back and the other would probably be for my chest.

anyways, the best website when it comes to piercings/tattoos/body- modification is [Link removed/ Not family friendly] so check it out if youre interested.

[Rowlingfan1]

Umm.... Okay....

Piercings are fine by me, as long as they're not in excess.

[Jenni The Hurja]

It's funny, I've gotten so used to piercings that I don't notice them anymore. That is why this thread seems a bit odd to me.

I don't have any piercings - except for a few in my ears - but now that I think about it, most of my friends do. Lots of rings in tongues, eyebrows, lips, nipples, noses etc. A couple of my friends have rings just above their front teeth and one has a ring between his nostrils, you know, like bulls do.

I'm not planning on having piercings, I don't think they would suit me. I used to think about getting my bellybutton pierced, but now that everyone and I mean everyone has I am not going to. I think that some people look good with piercings. Oddly, I have yet to meet a person who would look good with a nose stud. But that's just me.

[OrbitingElle]

I, personally, couldn't respect anyone who had any piercings other than earrings - and that's stretched when it's a male who has them.

And I couldn't respect anyone who made assumptions about people based on something as silly and temporary as a piercing. I can maybe understand drawing a conclusion about a person with tattoos covering every inch of their body. For instance, you can draw the conclusion that a heavily tattooed person might have trouble getting a job and might be considered irresponsible for closing so many doors to themselves. But most piercings can be taken out at any time and you'd never know the difference. People go through phases.

[HollywoodBob]

If a person has a facial piercing, they should understand that there is a fair chance that someone will see it as a negative attribute, and judge them accordingly. If hthey are going to be in a situation where they may come in contact with said persons, then they should opt to remove their piercings or accept any snide comments/glares as the blatherings of a full on git. :D

But there is a time and a place for everything. Pick your situations and you shouldn't ever need deal with people not liking your hardware. :-p

As for tattoos, I have two, and they're in easy places to cover so that when the situation deems inappropriate for my ink, I can hide them with ease (ie put on a long sleeved shirt).

If you like your body art, ignore people that don't. It's your body not theirs.

Though I read an interesting article about new riot control weaponry called the Active Denial System, that disburses crowds by emminating millimeter waves that make the skin feel as if it's on fire, but has the odd side effect of heating piercing hardware. Your ears/nose/eyebrows/lips would hurt something fierce, but those aren't the most sensitive spots. Ouchy! :)

-HollywoodBob

[Chartreuse]

I personally don't like piercings or tattoos... I'm just thinking how I'd look like with these at 60... and I don't want to have permanent markings on my body. Well, but if you like them, I won't argue :)

[Jenni The Hurja]

Hey, is it true that Georgia just banned female genital piercings?

[Rowlingfan1]

Umm. Okay. But what about males?

Personally, I think those types of piercings are vulgar (Hmm....right word?) and silly; uneeded. Meh.

[WeasleyIsOurKing]

I'm really not a fan of piercings other than on the ears. Maybe I'm old-fashioned, but I just don't like it. Many of my friends have their belly buttons pierced, two or three have their tounges pierced (one of them being a guy) and I know people who have piercings in more inappropriate places. *shudder* I just don't like the idea of sticking a hole through your tounge or belly button or anywhere else. Putting holes in my ears is enough for me.

[XxIslandgirlxX]

I have my ears each pierced three times, and by navel. But I didn't have any of these done for anyone but me. I don't even wear shirts that show my navel piercing, I just think it looks cute and I like the way it looks. I can understand why some people think that as children of God (or any other deity... whatever you believe in :)) we shouldn't mutilate our bodies. But I hardly think of a little hole to be mutilation. If I get tired of it, I take it out. And while a small hole might remain, it won't be too noticeable. My friend had her nose pierced, but later got tired of it. A few weeks of healing and a dab of concealer later, you couldn't tell the difference. I also think that although our bodies are gifts from God, they're not who we are. There's more to me than a body, and piercings are just a fun thing to do. But far be it from me to try and change someone's beliefs.

On the other hand, it's kind of annoying to see "punks" stick some sterling silver through everything that dangles, and then declare themselves "tough" and "macho." Piercings are fun, but it's annoying when that ALL someone talks about. For example, if you only have 400 words to describe yourself in a profile, and you can't go three lines without mentioning your many piercings, you seriously need a life. I dunno, it can go both ways. I don't think there's anything wrong with them, but I do get annoyed by fanatics.

[J3_]

I like piercings. I have my ears pierced once each and my bellybutton pierced.

I once pierced my earlobe on my right ear by myself because I really just wanted another piercing there, but my mum didn't :td: ... But it was wonky, so I took it out.

I got my bellybutton pierced, and though I won't say the clamp hurt more than the piercing, the piercing hurt only a small bit. I found the most painful bit was when the needle came back out again.

I do want my nose pierced, and I probably will get it done eventually. I also want a tatoo, possibly one I have already designed, or maybe I'll think of something in 4 years.

Anyway, I see nothing morally wrong with piercings, why would I? I also see nothing morally wrong with tatoos, drinking, smoking, sex and marajuana, but those are entirely different topics, so I won't go into that...

Does it ever bug people how colours are gender associated? Like pink = girls, etc? Well, that bugs me, and it also bugs me how piercings are gender cast as well... I mean, I once saw a guy with a navel piercing. It was just a very small, black dollar sign, but it looked really really good... He was all tanned and toned too, ahh, he was hot... Anyway... And why is that a guy is 'gay' if he has an ear piercing? Or a nose piercing? While a woman can have an eyebrow piercing and only be labelled (at the worst) as a wannabe punk or goth or emo?

Damb double standards! *Shakes fist*

... Um... In conclusion. If you want piercings, do it, I won't judge you for it, and if I do, it's more be like 'Yikes, you must have real high pain tolerance, I'd be way too chicken to get that pierced...'

_J

[mirandam]

I feel it is up to the individual that wants the piercing, but so many go to an extreme that they look kind of creepy. I myself prefer only the ears. I can't seem to think someone needs to put a needle through me when it isn't a need. No thanks for me.

[Gabi Potter]

I am getting my nose pierced in a couple months! The only thing that's stopping me from getting it right now is the show I'm in. I'm pretty sure my director would shoot me in the face. But it's okay cuz I'm a patient person. I will have a ring for the first three months. Not my personal preference but I'll live.

So, it's fairly obvious that I don't mind facial piercings, as long as they are clean and look nice. I don't think people should have a ton though.

[Potassium]

It's actually better if you wait a long time to get a piercing. At least you'll know you really want it by then. I say the same thing about tattoos.

I absolutely love piercings (and tattoos). I have my tongue pierced, and now that I work at a place that allows visible facial piercings and hasn't shown a problem with my tongue ring, I'll be getting my right eyebrow pierced. My mother's going to scream at me when she sees me over Christmas hols, but oh well. If I have to take my piercings out one day when I become a teacher, hey, that's fine with me. I at least enjoyed them while I had them.

And on the subject of people who got their ears pierced at Claires and they got infected, mine did, too. I got my cartilage pierced there, and a second hole twice, all of which got infected so badly I had to take them out. It just wasn't worth it to keep them in and have them be all yucky all the time. I've decided now that the next time I get my ears pierced it's at a tattoo parlour.

Oh, and just as a bit of knowledge, tongue piercings close up in about 8 hours. A friend of mine took out his tongue ring and fell asleep before putting it back in and it closed up. He got it re-pierced a few months later, and having it strech on the scar tissue hurt so bad. Or so he tells me. And I don't doubt that it would. Ow.

Gabi Potter: You can get a stud in it when you first get it pierced. My old roommate did that when she got hers pierced. In fact, she had the same stud in for as long as I can remember. Well, until she accidentally misplaced it. I personally think studs look better, anyway.

[Cindy]

I think piercings on the ear-loop are fine, so long as the skin isn't easily infected. I have one piercing each in both my ear-loops, pierced on Christmas Eve 1998, but it's going to close any moment as I haven't wore earrings in a few months. In my country, quite a number of Indian women have their nose pierced too, I assume it's their cultural, and I'm fine with that too. :)

But piercing on the tongue and belly button and in other body parts.. what's the point? I simply don't view those piercings as some sort of art or decoration. Whenever I see piercings on the tongue and belly button and especially the nipples it freaks me out. It isn't beauty to me. Call me old-fashioned or whatever, I simply can't accept it. :shrug: I'm glad I don't see much of that in real life though. ;)

[Rowlingfan1]

Wooh!

Hey, guys. I meant to tell ya'll yesterday, right after I got home, but....

My ears are officially double-pierced.

I think that sort of sums up my view.

I say: Do what you want.

[Gabi Potter]

Potassium: Yea, I would prefer to get a stud too. However, my parents will only trust one of the two piercers in our city and the piercer won't pierce it with a stud. But I won't really mind wearing a ring. It's only for a couple months and then I can replace it.

Another note. I was so excited to see today that my spanish teacher got her nose pierced over spring break. She can really pull it off and she is probably in her fifties. Maybe I will still wear my nose ring/stud when I'm an older woman. :)

[Mirtilla]

I’ve to say no, actually I’ve only my ears pierced once each other, but that’s decent and it looks nice. What I don’t like is all the other types of piercing, because I think that they don’t look nice, then I’ve always wonder how a person would look at the age of 70 with piercing all around the face. Personally I think it would be pretty ridiculous, but that’s just me. I’ve seen that there are also a lot of complications with them, meaning that you can’t get infections, something that frankly has always scared me.

That said I think that at the end it’s up to the individuals, if someone want to get a piercing feel free to do it, I don’t dislike people that use them, I simply don’t think they look nicer with them.

In a finally analysis I think that there’s also another problem. For example for determinate jobs you’ve to look in a certain way, almost always elegant. The piercing is not considered an elegant element and it can happen that because of that you wouldn’t be selected for the job, even if you’ve good qualities. I know that’s not entirely correct but it happens and I think that Gabi Potter just give us a good example of this, as she stated her director probably would shoot her in the face.

Mirtilla

[Potassium]

Mirtilla: Your piercing or tattoo does not affect your performance on the job. I know lots of people with tats/piercings who work in professional environments. They either wear clothing to cover the tattoo, or get a retainer for the piercing. Or, you could simply leave it out for the number of hours you're on the job and put it back in after you get off of work.

[J3_]

Why does it bother you so much to think 'What'll it look like when I'm 70?!'

Bah, I don't live for when I'm 70. Right now I'm 15, I'm going to live for when I'm 15, not when I'm 70. 70 is long time away for me, and I don't see why now, when a certain pericing will look good, and I want it, that I shouldn't get it because it probably won't look as good when I'm 70.

When I'm 70, I could just not wear the stud in my nose, or I could just take the eyebrow ring out. No big deal. But now, when I want the piercing, and I have nothing stopping me from getting it other than the thought 'Ohhh... What will it look like when I'm 70?' you know what I'm gonna do? I'm gonna think 'Well, I'll think of that in some 55 years when I actually am 70.'

A piercing may be permanant (but they're not always) but oh well, it's just a small hole, you'd hardly notice it. Plus, when you're 70, who are you trying to impress? Who have you got to please other than yourself?

_J

[Mirtilla]

Originally posted by Potassium
Mirtilla: Your piercing or tattoo does not affect your performance on the job. I know lots of people with tats/piercings who work in professional environments. They either wear clothing to cover the tattoo, or get a retainer for the piercing. Or, you could simply leave it out for the number of hours you're on the job and put it back in after you get off of work.

I know people that had some problems at job because of their piercing, and it’s just like you said in your post- Your friends had to cover it or had to leave it out for the number of hours that you’re on the job. A piercing is something that usually people want to show, not to hide or leave it out. It’s still a problem, maybe not too big but still a problem.

J3_, I guess we’ve different point of view. I do not want to have something that perhaps when I’ll be older I would regret, I always think before do something, I’m not someone that just do something because she’s in a mood to do that. Probably when I’m 70 I’m not going to impress anyone, but that’s not a reason not to take care of yourself, I want to look in a presentable way, and while a piercing could be look good to a teenager, though I don’t think so, to a 70 is just a bit ridiculous, in my opinion.

Then there’s always the problem of infection, which is not something to understimate. Anyway it’s up to individuals, so if you want a piercing get it and enjoy it :) .

Mirtilla

[alliumsativu]

the risk of infection is really minimal if get pierced by a professional who uses needles (not guns) and is clean and if you take care of your piercing properly. once the piercing heals its unlikely to get infected unless you get a tear or something. its the same risk for your ear lobes as it is for most other places. obviously you can get more friction with certain piercings, such as navel, but it should be fine once it heals.

also, the scar that is left by piercings is really minimal unless you stretch the piercing, however, even if you stretch them they usually shrink back to the original size or close unless you stretch them a lot. i really dont get how you can regret something when it is unlikely that it will even be noticeable that it was once there. tattoos are different because thay are not easily removed.. but piercings just come out like an earing, and most holes will close up after a bit.

[Mirtilla]

the risk of infection is really minimal if get pierced by a professional who uses needles (not guns) and is clean and if you take care of your piercing properly. once the piercing heals its unlikely to get infected unless you get a tear or something. its the same risk for your ear lobes as it is for most other places. obviously you can get more friction with certain piercings, such as navel, but it should be fine once it heals.

Yes I know, however I know from my experience with ear lobes that is not very funny to have an infection, yes it’s true that after a while everything should be fine, but I’ve seen cases when things become a little be more complicated and people had to went to hospital. Sure they didn’t get pierced by a professional, and that’s the problem. There are an amount of no professionals out of there that piercing people. People not always take into account the risk to get pierced by someone that is not a professional and that’s one of the problem.

i really dont get how you can regret something when it is unlikely that it will even be noticeable that it was once there. tattoos are different because thay are not easily removed.. but piercings just come out like an earing, and most holes will close up after a bit.

Yes that’s true, but you’ve to consider that the skin of a 70 years old is not the skin of young persons, meaning that sometimes holes gets quite a while before they will close up and it’s not nice to see a hole, even if it’s small, in your skin especially if it’s in your face, at least in my opinion.

Mirtilla

[Rowlingfan1]

Oh, and Wal-Mart uses a piercing gun.



It hurts really, really.... a lot.

[Imperio! (Crucio!)]

i believe that facial and/or body piercings should not be prohibited as body piercings are used as an expression of character. even though the risk can be high... in this day and age, if the risks are high, then the piercer will be banned from his/her job for not following the propper guidlines of the law.

getting a piercing is a choice. you dont have to have one. but as a democratic country, the nation should allowed to have the choice.

[J3_]

Mirtilla, I'm not the kind of person who'd go and get a piercing on a whim, and I wouldn't get a tatoo because it's likely I'd change my mind about it and regret it deeply later (because even having them removed isn't that effective, you end up with a scar there instead. Plus it hurts) But, everything you do right now you could deeply regret when you are 70. Or maybe if you don't do much at all because of fear you'll regret when you're 70, you'll even regret that when you're 70 because you're 70 and havn't done much.

Of course you'd still look presentable, assuming that the hole didn't close up, you'd only have a tiny little hole somewhere, it's not disgusting at all...

Why live now for when you're 70? I mean, that's in 55 years for me, 55 years! Whoo... Lordy, imagine that. So, if right now, when a piercing will look good, and I want it, and there's nothing stopping me, and my job is fine with it, and I'm going to a very reputable piercer and will take the best care of it... Why on earth should I go 'Oh no, no I don't think I will... I mean, I might have a little hole there when I'm 70...' I just don't understand it.

Ahh, it seems like you're saying 'You shouldn't get a peircing because you might have to cover it for work, and a piercing is something you want to show off' ... Umm... It'd be fine to take out, cover or put in a piercing retainer for work. That's no trouble at all. If I had a piercing that my work needed me to not have on show whilst at work, I would most certainly take it out and put in a piercing retainer.

You don't (or you shouldn't at least) live for work, you work to live happily, not live to work. Ie, you don't mould your live around your work (unless you're a celebrity or something, but that's very special circumstances) and you shouldn't mould your life now, for when you're 70. Especially if it's something as little an insignifigant as a piercing.

But hey, if you wanna live that way, I'm not stopping you.

*Got her ears pierced at 6, bellybutton at 14, nose at 15*

_J

[Mirtilla]

J3_ I’m not living for when I’ll be at 70 years old. However I do not want something that, to me and in my opinion doesn’t look nice, being you a 15 years old or a 70 years old- You can disagree with me but I like to take care of myself and before get a piercing I’d like to think about it. Beside I don’t think that is an irrelevant thing, saying that is an irrelevant thing to me it’s not consider all the consequences. A piercing can have bad consequence if it’s not made by a professional and on a last analysis it’s an injury to the skin and the body, it’s always a way to hurt your body, as a matter of fact. It’s not that I don’t get a piercing because I’m afraid of how I’ll look at 70, that’s not the main reason, it’s just an observation and a surplus.

About the work- what I’m saying is that for certain jobs you need to look extremely presentable meaning elegant and a piercing is not a synonymous of elegance. I knew persons that have problems in find their job because of their piercing. True you don’t live for work-now where I said or implied that? - However is extremely important to find a job and after having studied for years it can become a bit annoying to have this sort of problems. Furthermore if have to hide your piercing when you’re at work-usually a good amount of hours- then it doesn’t make sense to get a piercing in the first place since it’s something that you want to show.

Mirtilla

[alliumsativu]

mirtilla, i hide my septum (middle of nose - "bull ring") piercing when i'm at work and it doesnt bother me in the slightest. i enjoy wearing the retainer once in a while. its a nice change. i would probably be able to wear it down at work but right now i'm not cause i like keeping it up. i also have 1/2 inch ear lobes (meaning the hole in my lobe is 1/2 inch wide) and i personally wouldnt take my tunnels out of my ears for any job. i realize not everyone has this luxury but i do and i would just find another one if it ever became an issue but it has never been one for me and i dont really expect it to be.

[hermy_weasley2]

Personally, I don't see the point. I don't mean to offend anyone, but piercings just aren't my thing. I don't even have my ears pierced. I don't think it's wrong, and I don't have anything against. I just don't want to d oit. I have my reasons of course, but they're only mine. If anyone else wants to, that's up to them.

[Lupin_Lady]

I got my eyebrow and belly peirced and 3 in each ear... but I also have dyed black hair with pink tips. Everyone says that chefs are eccentric, but hey, it's my choice....

I have to take out my peircings for ballet and spray over the pink tips with black hair spray for concerts and exhibitions, but it's a small price.

[crookshanksmom]

One or two additional piercings besides your ears are fine with me. I have my belly button pierced. I got it done 9 years ago, on my 16th birthday and I still love showing it off at the beach and stuff. Plus, if I start to hate it I can just take it out and no one will know. However, I think people who go out and pierce every part of them they can look kind of silly. But if they are happy with it, then that's all that really matters. They should just expect to get stared at and not get offended when they get stared at. Age isn't really a factor to me, as long as they get a parents/guardian's consent.

[FirefightingMuggle]

I have my ears pierced 4 times in each ear (but I only wear earrings in the bottom holes anymore). I've had my bellybutton pierced since I was 18, and I have a firefighter cross tattooed on my right shoulder blade.
I don't have a problem with piercing and tattoos (obviously) but I think that you should have to be 18 to get them done. I also think that you shouldn't get a tattoo if it doesn't mean anything to you. Like don't go getting a big whatever across your back if it is just there to look cool. When you are 90 years old, you'll wonder why it's there. It won't mean anything to you.

[alliumsativu]

i agree that tattoos should generally really mean something to someone. i really dont like flash (the pre-drawn/designed tattoos that are often on the walls of studios). i'm all about designing my own.

xo

[Lupin_Lady]

I want a tatoo, the same as my grandfather's one that he got in the service... that would be cool.

[ToXiC]

I think piercings are more then appropiate (sp?), they express who you are. I got pierced today actually, I got my right cartilage and my traguses about 2 hours ago.

[Queen of Wise]

heh...well ive only had my ears pierced, and I dont fancy putting any other holes in my body, but if you want to, thats up to you. I have no problem with it, it shows your character.:)

[Revolution]

I think piercings are more then appropiate (sp?), they express who you are. I got pierced today actually, I got my right cartilage and my traguses about 2 hours ago.

What's a right carilage and your traguses, pardon me :blush:.

But it's your own personal opinion if you want to get pierced or tattooed. I don't mind piercings as long as they're not in irrational places. And tattoos can be really nice, but I don't like those huge tribal tattoos that some people get on their back, which covers the back fully, it looks pretty ugly.

I've been wanting to get an extra hole in my ear for sometime, but I chickened out. From what I read, they hurt pretty much. And I'm not some one who can stand much pain.

[crookshanksmom]

I think piercings are more then appropiate (sp?), they express who you are. I got pierced today actually, I got my right cartilage and my traguses about 2 hours ago.

Not to be rude or anything, but how do they express "who you are" if you're just looking like clones of all the other people who do it because it's the cool thing to do right now?

[marguerite]

people probably get 'piercings' because the TV tells them its 'cool' and its (as someone said) 'express who you are' putting holes and metal in your body doesn't have a reason other then stupidity.....

[Katie_Bell]

I really want an eyebrow ring, but my best friend got hers done and it wore so thin that the ring fell out. I think I'll reconsider that desicsion. All other factial piercings have been forbiden in my house. My mother doesn't like nose or tounge piercings.

[Lupin_Lady]

Well, I had a total of 8 piercings around my face for 4 years, and recently took them out. Although I feel naked with out them, it is nice to be able to eat properly :lol:

[Elocin4684]

I'm just wondering what everyones opinions on piercings are. Today something very strange happened, I was telling my mom all of the piercings that I want to get, and I mentioned that I might possibley want to get my nose pierced, and she (to my suprise) said that she wanted her nose pierced too! We decided that we would go get our noses pierced together in a few days.


Now I'm only 15 years old. The only other piercings I have is my ears, and I am not sure how people are going to react to me getting a facial piercing. Do you think its appropriate for people my age to get body/facial piercings?

OK, I don't think that it's inappropriate, because I am all into expressing yourself, but I think you need to be careful at your age what you get pierced. I don't know where you live, but here in TX, I don't think you can get a body piercing under the age of 18 period anymore. I got my belly button pierced when I was 17 here, but they changed the law after that.

That aside, I didn't look to see if you are a guy or girl, but, either way, chances are that your body is finished growing, yet. If you do get a piercing a this age, it might move or stretch because of body growth, ie your belly button definitely falls into this category. For this reason, I would advise on consulting a doctor as to how much that part of your body might grow before you finish growing.

Now, onto the not turning back ordeal, I had a friend that got her nose pierced. She got tired of it (like all the other people I know that have gotten their nose pierced) and took it out, and there is just the slightest mark where it was. You would never be able to guess that she had it pierced. Also, I had a friend taht took her belly button piercing out and there's just a little dot there. My boyfriend, over time, has had an ear pierced and his eyebrow pierced, and you totally can't tell with the eyebrow and you can kind of tell with the ear.

Now, I have 2 holes each in my lower ear (the normal place for piercing on the ear) and I have my belly button done. I probably won't get anymore beacuse I am such a wimp when it comes to taking chunks of my skin out. I didn't have any problems with my belly button, so I think body piercing is ok.

Just a couple of things to remember, PLEASE:
1.) make sure that part of your body is finished growing
2.) make sure the shop is clean and sanitizes EVERYTHING THAT TOUCHES YOUR BODY INCLUDING GLOVES, NEEDLES, CLAMPS, JEWELRY
3.) I suggest checking out their other work, if possible
4.) make sure you like where they place the mark... don't be afraid to ask them to move it, it is your body
5.) pick out a cute piece of jewelry... you'll have it in for a while
6.) follow all directions carefully, don't take it out early and check it and clean it daily
7.) make sure it's what you really want
8.) wear it with pride!

[Knut4UrThghts]

Take the piercing out, it'll close up.

I do agree with your bit about job interviews and the like, though. When I see people in their early 20's or so with metal all over their faces, I have to wonder whether they really expect to be taken seriously in the job market.
I had a friend who would go into job interviews with this big ol' lip ring, eyebrow rings and the like, and he wondered why he could never get a job.

I work at a hotel where it's important to have a "clean" image. The person behind the desk is the first impression a guest gets, and unfortunately, not all people take kindly to multiple piercings on the face (especially since my hotel serves a more conservative lot--business and military). When someone turns in an application and they have any kind of facial piercing, there's just no way they're going to be hired unless they remove the piercing for work (and actually, they wouldn't be hired at all if they had their facial piercing in during the application/interview process).

I've had plenty of friends with different piercings all over the place, there's no question as to their character--they're good people. And if they want to use it as a means of self-expression, more power to them, and I do agree facial/body piercings look good on some people.
There comes a point though when they have to realize that not everyone is going to think their nose ring is cool...especially potential employers.


I just wanted to add that I think yours is a great response on the topic. Sure, body piercings are a "fad" now, but the fact is that they aren't widely acceptable in society. And yes, they may "close up" but given the nature of skin, it is also likely to leave a tell-tale scar. Personally, I think facial piercings (except for earrings -- one set of holes!) are tacky, vulgar and low class looking.

[Knut4UrThghts]

What to stay away from: eyebrows, lips, below the neck line, and tongue. I feel a little sick when I see a tongue one. But nose piercings are fine, as long as they're modest.


I think nose piercings make one look as if they have a booger on their nose or a really ugly pimple. Nose piercings are ugly.

[crookshanksmom]

I personally don't like the look of faicial percings, but I don't mind toung or naval piercings. Those aren't any big deal in professional settings, because in professional settings, no one sees your belly and you can either wear a toung-colored stud in your toung or simply take it out. No one's going to ask to see if you have a scar on your toung from a piercing!

[kickany1]

Wow so much discussion. I'll admit I didnt read all 4 pages of responese but I skimed. Ok a few things I would like to say. 1st People under 18 should not get any piercings or tattos. 2nd. I have a rather large tattoo of a dragon on my side. People said things like "did you think about how that will look when you're old?". Yes, I did. It will look like **** just like the rest of my body. When you get old you start to sag etc its just a fact. The tattoo isent going to speed that process and not getting one insent going to stop it. 3rd. It depends on what kind of job you have. I am a chemist, I work in a lab all day. I have no contact with customers so they dont care about my piercings/tattoos. I would advise not getting a hard to cover up tat untill you have a job that allows it. 4th. Do you research check out http://www.tribalectic.com/Home.asp they have lots of information on safe piercing, aftercare, etc. Ok i think that's all I have. Good day to you!

[Dottie]

Why does it bother you so much to think 'What'll it look like when I'm 70?!'

Bah, I don't live for when I'm 70. Right now I'm 15, I'm going to live for when I'm 15, not when I'm 70. 70 is long time away for me, and I don't see why now, when a certain pericing will look good, and I want it, that I shouldn't get it because it probably won't look as good when I'm 70.

When I'm 70, I could just not wear the stud in my nose, or I could just take the eyebrow ring out. No big deal. But now, when I want the piercing, and I have nothing stopping me from getting it other than the thought 'Ohhh... What will it look like when I'm 70?' you know what I'm gonna do? I'm gonna think 'Well, I'll think of that in some 55 years when I actually am 70.'

A piercing may be permanant (but they're not always) but oh well, it's just a small hole, you'd hardly notice it. Plus, when you're 70, who are you trying to impress? Who have you got to please other than yourself?

_J

A piercing is permenant? Since when? Last time I checked, if you have an exotic piercings (aka anything besides your ear) your body is usually pretty eager to close it up. I've got my nose pierced twice, one in each nostril. One ring, one spike. I've taken both of them out for job interviews, and as I recall I had to go that same day back to my piercer to get them redone because they had already closed up. When I'm 70, I doubt I'll have these piercings in. Its not like I pierced them with GIANT HOLES and my nose is going to sag off my face or anything like that.

http://storm.kiwi.net/greenpurplepink.jpg

No, it isn't everyone's ideas of attractive, but I like it and I'm not afraid of having a few hole scars on my nose when my nose is all wrinkled anyway. :p

[crookshanksmom]

I personally think women should not get tatooed in what is called the "three **": Breasts, buttocks, and belly (including the sides). Why? Because during pregnancy, all 3 things will expand, and your tattoo won't just be wrinkled due to old age, it'll be all stretched out during years when you could still be considered young and attractive. You may not think you'll ever have kids, but what if you change your mind? Do you really want a stretched out tattoo? A wrinkly one due to aging I can understand, but a stretched out one at the age of 30 is just rediculous.

[kickany1]

I did think about that...and trust me I'm not going to have any children. My wife will be doing that or we'll adopt. Truth is none of us can perdict what will happen to our bodies in 10, 20, 30 years. I might not have kids but I might gain then lose a lot of weight, maybe I'll be in a car wreck (hope not) and the tattooed region of my body will be damaged, maybe I'll need some sort of sugery (once again hope not). But personally I'm ok with taking my chances. And thats what it all comes down to. Tattoos are NOT something to be taken lightly at ALL. Yes, they can be removed but it costs and hurts more than getting it put on to start with. I think this is a very good discussion for anyone thinking about getting a tattoo or piercing. Think about it first people...dont just get that CUTE butterfly on your lower back cause all you're college friends are doing it. Oh and by the way I assume you dont have a tattoo and I dont think you are rediculous for not having one so yeah...play nice!

[crookshanksmom]

I did think about that...and trust me I'm not going to have any children. My wife will be doing that or we'll adopt. Truth is none of us can perdict what will happen to our bodies in 10, 20, 30 years. I might not have kids but I might gain then lose a lot of weight, maybe I'll be in a car wreck (hope not) and the tattooed region of my body will be damaged, maybe I'll need some sort of sugery (once again hope not). But personally I'm ok with taking my chances. And thats what it all comes down to. Tattoos are NOT something to be taken lightly at ALL. Yes, they can be removed but it costs and hurts more than getting it put on to start with. I think this is a very good discussion for anyone thinking about getting a tattoo or piercing. Think about it first people...dont just get that CUTE butterfly on your lower back cause all you're college friends are doing it. Oh and by the way I assume you dont have a tattoo and I dont think you are rediculous for not having one so yeah...play nice!

That is why I said women. And no I don't have a tattoo, but I do think some tattoos on certain places of the body look nice. I just never got one because I'm a wimp-don't care for pain much. I just decorate my body with clothing and jewelry. I even cried when I got my belly buttom pierced when I was 17 (with parental consent)!

[Firebolt_2007]

piercing no tatoo maybe a small discrete one

[Elocin4684]

Ah, crookshanksmom, did you have to get your parents to sign a consent form and the get it signed by a notary republic? That's what I had to do to get my belly button pierced when I was 17! It was so much fun!

I've none a lot of people that got piercings and then took them out and you can' tell that they were there. If you are looking for it, you probably will see it, but nobody else will notice if they don't know that they had it.

As for facial piercings, my boyfriend had any eyebrow ring before I met him. I never saw him personally in it, but his license pic has it in, and he looks really, really good! So, that just depends on the person.

Piercings are far from permanent. You can always take them out and most holes close up almost all the way.

Tatoos aren't permanent when it comes to what you get. You can always get it redone.

And have you seen those new things that they are doing where they put styrofoam stuff under your skin to make bumps and shapes? It's so... weird isn't the word, but it will have to do... Those aren't permanent, either.

I think the only permanent thing you can do in this aspect is to stretch your piercing holes out. Your ears, etc., will never look the same and there's really nothing you can do, aside from plastic surgery that really won't restore anyway, to get your ear, etc., back. So think hard when you do this.

[PinkPolkaDots]

Dottie, if that is you, I don't mean to hit on you (being that I am a chick) or anything but you are really pretty.

I love piercings. It's a great way of expression for many people and they give me a rush when I get new ones. I personally don't have many (just 3 on each ear, closing the top ones to get them repierced due to something that happened to my left one), but they are/were all gauged up, my biggest hole being a 6g. Piercings are not permanate people. If I wanted to, I could close my 6g holes. It would take awhile, especially since I've had them since last year, but it could close. Being that my ear ring holes close pretty fast, I left my barbell out of my ear for an hour and it hurt to get it back in (that was with my 14g) and I left my plug out of my 6g for a day and it took some pushing to get back in. Now this hole is about 4mm wide...so, I am sure a simple nose piercing or tongue piercing would easily close.

Though I hate that it is becoming a trend, I actually want to major in business in college and open up my own piercing/tattoo studio. While someone would be really dumb to let me tattoo them (wow, I suck at drawing and stuff), I would love to become a professional piercer.

[Rhanebeaux]

I'm for piercings. I, myself have 18 piercings total, but 11 of those are in my ears. I have 3 on my face (4 if you include my tongue), but I feel they have been tastefully done, and i like them alot. I started getting piercings when i was 14, and haven't stopped since. I also have several tatoos, which i really like. I live in Idaho, and it's not looked on very kindly here. "adults" (even though i am 22 myself) tend to think bad things of people like me, but, like my parents discovered, looks can be decieving. I work with handicapped children and work very hard. My parents lerned very qucikly in high school, not to judge by appearences. (most of my friends looked like i did) Piercings are not perminent, not even gauged ones. They will close eventually. My friend had he ears up to 2g, and they closed in about a year, not they are ony 16g (the size that a piercing gun pierces at). Another friend of mine had her tongue at a 4g, and that only took 3 months to shrink back down to a 14g (the common size of a tongue piercing.) I myself tend to keep my piercings small. My earlobe piercings are at a 6g, and my belly button and tongue at a 12g, but that's as large as i go. I do have to take out my Labret for work, so i don't want to strech that one at all. :p
When i had my belly button done at 14 I had to get a permission slip from my mother, but everything after that i never had to get one. I've only had 4 piercings since I was 18, so most of mine were done illegally i think. Oh well, parents didn't mind...much...well they got over it.....

[crookshanksmom]

I did have to get permission for my belly ring. My dad went with me a few days after my birthday and paid for it as a late birthday present. My mom wasn't thrilled, but she got over it. And not everyone's piercings will close up. For about 6 years, from the time I was 7 until I was 13, I did not wear earrings in my ears (I had my ears pierced when I was a baby). They were a regular size, and they never, ever closed up. Some people will, others won't, so I say be careful about what and where you pierce. Most people won't notice a not-closed-up eyebrow hole (the hair sort of camoflauges it), but I can always tell when someone has pierced their nose or lip and the hole isn't closed. That's why I personally think the only piercings that are OK are the belly (partail because I have one), the toung, ears, and eyebrows. You know, the ones you can cover up.

[PinkPolkaDots]

You can cover up many more than that. Pocketed piercings (depending where they are) can be covered, before they reject a corset piercing and surface piercings (again, depending on location) can be covered. Genital piercings can be covered, nipple piercings can as well. You could probably easily put a plug into a septum piercing and cover it, a flesh colored nose bone could be used to hide a nos piercing, etc. There are many ways to cover many piercings.

[ramones]

I've wanted a lip piercing since I was 15 and I finally got it last year, when I was 22.
I took it out a couple of months ago, just for a few hours and the piercing closed up!
I liked it and I might get it again.
I don't like too many piercings and I don't like specific one, like a tounge piercing or the ring between the nostrils.
Some people look good with them, other not so much. It a matter of taste.
Sure, I wouldn't go to an interview with a piercing, but I don't think it has an impact on your job unless you are a professional or you work with the public.

If someone asked me "should I get a piercing?", I'd say yes, if you don't like it you can always remove it. It's not a tattoo.

[mevam]

I have my ears pierced and that's enough for me, I am not fond of dealing with possible infections every time I put something that is not silver or gold in my ears. Some people seem to be able to stick any sort of earring in their ears and they'll be fine, whether its made of plastic or cheap metal, it doesn't matter. With my ears, they are really sensitive to metals that are more prone to react with some sort of chemicals in my skin, and so if I wear non-gold or silver earrings I usually have my earlobes get red and painful, and that is not a pleasant thing to have. I suppose it has to do with the positions of gold and silver on the activity series as compared to other metals, but even plastics irritate my skin. It's very annoying, and one of the reasons why I am thinking of just letting my earlobes close in. I have no desire to get other piercings, because from what I've heard from friends who've gotten their belly buttons or noses pierced, it is a lot more hassle to have those parts be infection free than ears because they are exposed to a lot more dirt.

[RJBradbrook]

i'm all for body piercing. i have a couple of earrings and have no trouble with other people piercing whatever they want.
i personally don't like flesh rings or piercings in excess. however, saying that just means i wouldn't get them myself. other people can do what they like :tu:

[alliumsativu]

stretched ears often go back to a normal size as long as they havent been stretched too much. at double zero mine went back down to a 12-10 gauge size which is pretty small and not that noticeable (normal ear piercings are about a 14 gauge). right now mine are at 1/2" so they probably wont go back to a size 12 but they will shrink enough so hat they are easy to 'cover up' if i ever decided to do that.

[PinkPolkaDots]

I think normal ear piercings are more of a 16g or 18g, being that it hurt to put a 14g barbell through a regular sized hole on my ear.

[JesseNailo]

Well, I've had my (left) ear pierced, but I had to take it out because it got infected.

Here's what I think:

it's your body, do whatever you want with it

[noxerised]

i used to have an eyebrow ring and a tongue ring...my tongue ring was taken out at the request/bribe of my parents for a cash sum...and my eyebrow ring was taken out to play an intramural game at the college i play for, and it closed up during the tourney...

there's nothing wrong w/ facial piercings, but if you're going to a job interview, or something similar, it is recommended that you take them out for professionalism...

people also stereotype others w/ facial piercings, and you'll just have to learn to ignore those looks and treatment...

[CountVertigo]

If you want to poke holes in your body then go for it. I just have 4 piercings in my left ear and two in my right. My wife has 8 or nine in each ear as well as a nipple and bellybutton ring. We also each have multiple tattoos (which I like way more than piercings). We are both professional people, She's a psychologist and I'm a programmer.

However, one of the things you have to know when you do it is that (at least until the older generations cycle into retirement) you WILL be discriminated against by the more conservative members of society. It's an ugly truth, but that's the way it is.

Blessed Be

[crookshanksmom]

Being treated poorly because of piercings or tatoos is just stupid. It may not be something I do, or even something I find particularly attractive, but I wouldn't disdain anyone who chose to do it. They probably think it looks nice, and that's their buisness, not mine.

[AcrylicDrama]

I love piercings on other people (particularly nipple ones for guys), but I think they'd look awful on me.

[free_girl]

I like them but not too many I don't want to be dating a pin cushion.

[alliumsativu]

pinkpolkadots, some people get them done smaller (particularly if theyre not done at a professional piercing shop), but the usual size is a 14.

[Bouncing_Ferret]

I think piercings look really great on some people, but I also think that people who want to get something pierced should think about it for quite a while before hand. I'm not saying this because I think piercings are hard to get rid of or anything, it just seems that properly done piercings are quite expensive, and caring for them is also a pretty big commitment.

I used to desperately want to pierce my nose, but I'm glad I never did, as I've got absolutely no wish to do so now, especially after hearing a friend's account of getting her nose pierced on a freezing cold February day and then being in so much pain that she had to stumble to the nearest pub and get completely smashed! :D

But if a person has properly thought out whether they want to get a piercing or not, and know that they'll be confident enough to be proud of having one (or many), then I say go for it - it's your body, do with it what you like! :)

[glugunkwen]

However, one of the things you have to know when you do it is that (at least until the older generations cycle into retirement) you WILL be discriminated against by the more conservative members of society. It's an ugly truth, but that's the way it is.

Blessed Be

:tu: Good point! I'm all for self expression, but the culture (especially in the US) can quite prone to stereotyping if you are pierced. My brother, who is attractive, charming and a 4.0 engineering graduate had this problem. For all his credentials, he just couldn't get a job. When I suggested it might be because of his piercings (eyebrow, nose and tounge) he was angry, but agreed to take them out for the next interview. He was hired on the spot. It's NOT fair, but it happens!

[crookshanksmom]

The peircing/interview thing is quite strange to me. When I was in high school home economics, we had a speaker in class who told us how to conduct ourselves on an interview. One of her things was that if a woman had holes in her ear, she should wear earrings so the holes wouldn't show. But now, any facial piercings are a no-no for interviews.

[AcrylicDrama]

The peircing/interview thing is quite strange to me. When I was in high school home economics, we had a speaker in class who told us how to conduct ourselves on an interview. One of her things was that if a woman had holes in her ear, she should wear earrings so the holes wouldn't show. But now, any facial piercings are a no-no for interviews.

Even that's slowly dissolving. I just got a job at a very conservative bookstore, and in the dress-code rules, we're allowed one visible piercing besides the ears...so people are allowed to have tongue, lip, nose, eyebrow...even in that setting.

[Nox182]

I have piercings on my ears, but that's all (I had 5, but now only 2). My mum's rule is, as long as it's on the ears it's alright, anywhere else is just mutilation.

[complicated]

I think if you want a piercing then get one. It's your own body, you can do what ever you want with it. But when your piercing gets infected, it's not pretty. And i don't really care if a 15 year old get a facial piercing. I have lots of 15 year old friends who has facial piercing and honestly people don't care, infact they thinks it's cool.

[themushygod]

Alot of you seem to assume percings are perminate and excluding those flesh tunnel ones (of which im unsure) none are permeinate and very few will scar or leave any mark at all

at most you will have a small make about the size of the tip of a pen but not much larger unless you had an infection or something simerler


personally im going to get a long bar in my ear (in the top goes through twice) my tounge and maybe my eyebrow (not sure if it will suit me)
i also intend to get a tattoo on my upper right arm about half way between my shoulder and elbow some kind of tribal pattern is what i have in mind

the only reason i havent had any done yet is couse im broke :( just got a $700 bill for my car plus speeding fine so it kinda has to wait a few more weeks

for those considering piercing or tattoos a little adivse
piercings
anything visible for most jobs will need to be coverd or have a clear retainer (these work very well and are easy to swap over) the only exception beinng ear piercings most places allow those

Tattoos
These are much harder to hide i would reccommend not getting them below the elbow around the neck or on the face
Most places will flat out not hire someone with a tattood face or hands
and many arnt real fond of anything visible with a uniform on

peace

[star22]

I don't think that it is morally wrong to get peircings or tatoos. However, it is not exactly the healthiest thing to do.

Ear peircings aside (though they do as well), most peircings get very easily infected. Tatoos as well. Henna is all right, but tatoos where you are actually putting ink under your skin is dangerous.

[crookshanksmom]

I think tribal patterns are so stupid now. People don't get them for any particular reason except the fact that they are "trendy". I think if you're going to get a tatoo, you should get something that really says something about you, not something because you think it's just "cool". After all, trends come and go in clothing, and I'm sure the same is true when it comes to tatoos.

[PrtVeela]

I think tribal patterns are so stupid now. People don't get them for any particular reason except the fact that they are "trendy". I think if you're going to get a tatoo, you should get something that really says something about you, not something because you think it's just "cool". After all, trends come and go in clothing, and I'm sure the same is true when it comes to tatoos.

yeah I would agree with you there :)
My sister has this one on her back its a fairly large sun, and then she's got this thing on her rist that is supposed to be from something on a unicorn...:lol: she's a very mystical person. My older sister also has her ears, her belly button and she used to have a nose ring, that however, got infected.

But yeah, she had to take her nose peircing out when she worked, and make sure her tatoo was covered.

I used to have my ears peirced when I was a wee lass, but then they got infected ergo I don't have them periced anymore.

And i've always wanted a tatoo, firstly I'd never be able to make up my mind, and secondly the whole needle thing lol...I'd have to get a lollypop or maybe a barbie bandaid or maybe a sticker, afterwards to make it worth it for myself. ;)

[Draugr]

Tribal tattoos are fine as long as you know the meanings of the ones you are getting.

I was a football player and I love history, so I was thinking of getting some rune tattos or some polynesian tribal tattoos (I'd make sure I researched it right and knew what each thing ment) but I would have to stay fit. I always think what the tattoo would look like in 2-3 decades, and that doesnt appeal to me.

I think tattoos are a fad nowdays and way to popular with the mass and its very annoying.

The most I'd get now is my family coat of arms, a rune, and when I have kids Ill have thier names tattoed on me maybe.

Guys with earings... look retarded. I thought about getting my eyebrow peirced once, then thought it would get retarded and/or end up getting ripped out in a fight or something.

Only chicks are fine with peircings... guys with peircings are just playing for the other team :p

[crookshanksmom]

Only chicks are fine with peircings... guys with peircings are just playing for the other team :p

Unfair and sexist. You can't tell who is homosexual or hetrosexual just by looking at the way they dress. I bet some of those "manly men" are your football team were gay too.

[DougJohnston]

I think its pretty cool...I just thing when people gauge their ears (I think thats what its called) and its leaves a big hole is gross. Things like nose piercing fine with me and I think its just really up to the person who wants it. I would never want a piercing because I don't really care for the look and I have a major fear of needles. 4-5 piercings are cool with me but if your goin over that I think you should kinda give it a break.

[HollywoodBob]

I think tribal patterns are so stupid now. People don't get them for any particular reason except the fact that they are "trendy". I think if you're going to get a tatoo, you should get something that really says something about you, not something because you think it's just "cool". After all, trends come and go in clothing, and I'm sure the same is true when it comes to tatoos.If you're gonna get a "tribal" tattoo, have the nerve to get it done the way the natives would, with the bone instruments. :p

My girlfriend got a winnie the pooh character parade done on the small of her back and it's extremely cute.

My rules for tattoos:

1. Only children's names, kids aren't going to dump you and make you feel stupid for having their name permenantly emblazened on your body.

2. Avoid religious symbols, I know a man who was a die hard christian and had a bunch of religious imagery done, and when he changed his faith, he felt extremely bad having all these images of something he no longer believes in.

3. Avoid violent imagery, it's just not pretty to have a bleeding skull with a snake crawling out of one eye and a knife in the other.

4. Nothing topical, times change something that seems important now will be forgotten by everyone but you in 25 years, and nobody wants to explain all their tats.

5. Put it somewhere it won't change shape as you age, especially ladies, don't get your bussom inked, when you get old the design will be deformed, it's just the way nature works.

6. Make it something recognizable, I found this one out the hard way, I've got a scarab on my wrist, and I have to explain what it is to everyone that notices it. :(

As for piercings I only have two rules.

1. No where that is sensitive, if it gets infected or dare I say pulled out, you don't want it somewhere that's gonna really hurt.

2. If you're a guy, don't get one in the belly button, it just looks way to feminine. :p

-HollywoodBob

[crookshanksmom]

You forgot people who got their mother's or father's names or just Mommy or Daddy tatooed. One girl I knew got a tatoo at 18 with her and her dad's name becaused he passed away when she was just 5. She said it was a way to always remember all the good times she had with her daddy while he was still alive.

[Chrysalis]

Although I do agree that tribal tattoos are so not done. It's a fad now, but it's blow away in a few years.

I would like a tattoo on my lower back but
1. It's probably quite painful there as it's close to the bone and
2. All girls have it there.

A tattoo on the hip or the stomach is not a good idea. It will stretch during pregnancy or when guys develope a beer belly.:p

As for piercings, I used to want one in the nose, it's done really often in my culture, but decided against it. I'm glad for that: I don't like them anymore.

My parents pierced both my ears when I was just a baby. In Middle-Eastern and South Asian cultures it's a common thing to pierce ears and sometimes also the nose at a very young age. We have a natural love for gold and jewellery, so there. I own so many pairs of earrings I can't even count them.:p

What I've noticed though is that white girls generally wear studs in their ears, while Middle Eastern or South Asian girls wear large, decorative earrings. Hey, if you've got 'em, might as well make sure others notice them.:p

[crookshanksmom]

Alot of American baby girls also get their ears pierced during infancy. I had my ears pierced when I was a baby. I personally prefer smaller earing. Large, decoratave ones, at least here in the US are usually made of metals my ears can't handle (they often contain alot of nickle, which is a skin irrtant). My favorite earrings are my grandmother's 18k gold small twists. I can wear them for days and not feel a thing.

[Chrysalis]

I am a sucker for gold and silver and stones. I have two pairs of diamond earrings, which I wear on holiday. My mom also has a whole range of earrings containing other stones, like turquoise, garnet, pearl and coral. I never wear coral because of enviromental concerns. Mum always lets me borrow her jewellery.:)

I also have nickel allergy. But here it's easy to get nickel-free jewellery.

[Marie Lexis]

I'm only 16, and I don't even agree with someone my age getting one. I did get my ears peirced...but we had to take it out because I had an ear infection because of it. And now I'm kind of afraid to get any peirceings at all. But hey I know I'm not the only one. Well anyway...I really don't think that it's right to get body peircings at all for anyone. Ears are ok. But anything else...no.

[Chrysalis]

I personally don't see what's wrong with it. I don't like piercings anywhere except ears and nose. Although a guy with an eyebrow stud can be pretty sexy. But it's a personal thing, really.:)

How did your ears get infected, then? I think piercing the ears of infants minimises the chances of an infection, since the flesh is still very soft.

[crookshanksmom]

I got my belly button pierced at 17. I still have it now, at 25 and probably will keep it in until I get pregnant. I never had a problem with it getting infected, my dad made sure to take me to a very clean and reputable place to get pierced, and I was very careful to wash it with antibacterial soap and rinse it well with water twice a day while it was healing. Now, it's just habit to clean it so it doesn't get infected. I like it because I can wear it all the time and no one knows at work because my belly is covered.

[Marie Lexis]

I had it done when I was 10. My mom and I both got our ears done. But I think that problem was we just went to Wal-Mart to get it done. That was probably our first mistake. But then she just told us that all we had to do was wash our ears with some anti-infection stuff. But I learned like 2 years afterwards that it really doesn't work for some people and that you should use regular soap along with it. But I'm going to get my ears peirced in August before school.

[crookshanksmom]

I never had a problem with my ears, and I'm guessing my mom didn't have aproblem keeping them clean either. I don't really remember, I was only 5 months old when I had my ears pierced.

[i am bellatrix]

i think if you really want a nose piercing and you are sure you won't regret it, then go ahead. its your body. but i think tattoos on the most part are a big mistake- any one i know who has one regrets it- you should just get a henna tattoo! but if you must get one, you should get one that has something to do with you, and what you really want, not what other people like, its your body. but remember- you mightnt think it so cool 40 years later.

[Marie Lexis]

I don't really remember, I was only 5 months old when I had my ears pierced.

That's what I really don't like parents doing. Someone that young doesn't even have a say in whether they want them done or not. Although it's probably better younger because you can't remeber it happening.

[i am bellatrix]

yeah i think its bad for parents to pierce their childs ears- that person may not have wanted it done if they had the choice.

[crookshanksmom]

Having pierced ears does not mean I am required to wear earrings. It's just a choice I have should I want to. If I have baby girls, I plan on getting their ears pierced when they are still infants. I know someone whose mom allowed her to wait and make her own choice. She got her ears pierced at 6, and because of the mild pain, she was terrified to wear earrings for years after and it was always a battle to put in or take out earrings. Because I don't remember the pain, I have no problem changing my earrings or taking them out.

[Marie Lexis]

Having pierced ears does not mean I am required to wear earrings. It's just a choice I have should I want to. If I have baby girls, I plan on getting their ears pierced when they are still infants.


It's just not right to me. I don't think that getting an infants ears peirced is right. It's just my opinion and I don't agree with it.

[jasper]

When I see little babies with ear rings, I always wonder if there is any danger of them pulling them out and eating them by mistake.

[Marie Lexis]

When I see little babies with ear rings, I always wonder if there is any danger of them pulling them out and eating them by mistake.

Exactly. You could be forcing a chocking hazard on a baby.

[Siriusly Black]

personally speaking i have nothing against piercing (anywhere) as long as it's something you really want and that it will make you happy. As for me i think i want my lip pierced but will get to that later (lol) for now the only thing that's pierced is my ears (i have 3 holes on each ear... planning on getting another one done).

[Chrysalis]

There's no danger of infants choking on earrings, because they wear studs with screws which are hard to remove, especially by a baby.

I don't see anything wrong with piercing the ears of babies. They will get used to their earrings and it will become like a part of themselves. For me, at least, I can't go outside without earrings, I always feel naked when I'm not wearing them.

[HollywoodBob]

Plus it's much easier for a parent to keep an infant's ear from being infected than if they're an older child.

-HollywoodBob

[jasper]

There's no danger of infants choking on earrings, because they wear studs with screws which are hard to remove, especially by a baby.



Okay, that sounds safe-- as long as the babies are young enough not to have the muscular coordination to get the jewelry out of their ears.
I bet there really aren't many babies who grow up to resent their parents for piercing their ears. If piercing goes against your values, likely, you weren't raised by someone who would have pierced your ears. . . and if you just don't like ear rings when you grown, you takethem out.

My employer just enacted a new dress code that says no jewelry in visible piercing except ears. I wonder what the people with eyebrow or nose piercings are going to do.

[Pegasus]

I don't see anything wrong with piercing the ears of babies. They will get used to their earrings and it will become like a part of themselves.
Have you ever been in the mall when a baby was getting his/her ears pierced? There is nowhere you can go and not hear that scream. When you're in the doctor's office and hear a scream like that, you at least know that that child isn't going to get a life-threatening illness, that you're doing everything you can to ensure your baby a healthy and happy future. Punching a hole through your child's skin just so she can wear a jewel in her ear is very different. You know what babies/young children do when something hurts? They pull on it. In this case, it increases the pain. I think it's cruel to pierce babies. My mom made us wait until we were twelve to get our ears pierced. When I finally got them pierced, I felt very faint. I had no idea it would have that effect on me. My mom was then able to say, "See why I wanted you to wait? It was completely your decision, and you were looking forward to it so much it made the pain worth it." Babies cannot make this decision.
Edit:I wonder what the people with eyebrow or nose piercings are going to do. Take them out. They hardly look professional, and to many of us, they're quite repelling. Fair or unfair, I judge a business by the overall appearance of those who wait on me, and if I'm trying very hard to overlook that awful thing clicking on the end of their tongue (or in some other odd place), that's what I remember.

[Chrysalis]

I don't think there's anything cruel about piercing babies. I can't even remember that. I don't know how it's done in India, maybe they use a different method there. However born in a family with a natural love of jewellery there is no way that children will regret it as they grow older. All Indian girls and women I know had their ears pierced as infants, and no one regrets it. Jewellery is not as popular among white cultures, especially not the kind that is very noticable. Honestly, what's the point of piercing your ears if you're going to wear studs anyway?:lol: You're supposed to show off your earrings.

[Pegasus]

It's not regretting it as you get older; it's the pain of having a hole put in your ear when you're too young to understand it. I hate the screaming and crying that accompanies my babies' shots--I cry with them--but at least there's a medical reason behind it. I would not be able to deal with the idea of causing my babies that kind of pain just so their ears can look "cute." That's something we can do when they're old enough to understand that the piercing will be painful, but they personally think it's worth the pain at that point.

[Chrysalis]

Actually, even my dad had his ears pierced when he was little. Apparently my grandmother wanted a baby girl so much that for a while she dressed him up as one.:lol: Not to worry,it doesn't seem to have affected his brain too much...;)

*shrugs* I want my baby to look beautiful. I suppose that's where you and I differ.:) I see it as an advantage for the baby to have pierced ears, because later they might be afraid to get it or not take care of it properly and get infections. I dunno really, it's a very cultural thing. Even piercing the nose after birth was a common occurence till my mother's generation. She and my aunts don't have their noses pierced, but my grandmothers do.

ETA: It's also common in our culture to shave baby's heads. First when they are just babies and the second time when they are about 4 years old. The advantage of this is that the hair becomes thick and lovely. Babies cry during shaving. But it needs to be done. It's not unnecessarily cruel or anything.

[jasper]

When are you ever old enough to understand that piercing will be painful? All through school I was told by other kids that it didn't hurt! Ha!!! I got my ears pierced when I was 16, and that's when I understood that it was going to hurt-- right when that stud went through my ear!! I was thinking- ouch!!! and duh!!

I got two piercings in each ear that day and nearly passed out. Then I got bored of earrings by the time I was 22, and even though I hardly ever wear them now (once every two years maybe?) I still get infections from time to time.


Edit: Take them out. They hardly look professional, and to many of us, they're quite repelling. Fair or unfair, I judge a business by the overall appearance of those who wait on me, and if I'm trying very hard to overlook that awful thing clicking on the end of their tongue (or in some other odd place), that's what I remember.

I totally agree about the "not looking professional" thing. But I can't think why ear rings are acceptable if other rings are not.

And those tongue pierced teeth clicking people want to watch out for wrecking their teeth!

[Pegasus]

Can you imagine going through that pain-and-nearly-passing-out thing when you were too young to understand anything more than "Mom means milk"?
One pair of earrings looks nice. Pierced odds-and-ends look just plain tacky. To quote a friend (and this cracked me up, because he had several holes in each ear), "Have some respect!"

[jasper]

Isn't it a contradiction? Pierced ears are nice, noses are not?

I agree with the dress code- I don't think it looks professional, and they want us to look professional. But they've already hired people with piercings, and now they say it's not allowed.

[Chrysalis]

But, who determines what looks professional?

It's silly to be so biased about someone with piercings. My mum's cousin has her nose pierced on both sides and she has at least three piercings in each ear. She's an animal welfare lawyer and she's a wonderful person. Piercings say something about a person, but not enough. People view percings anywhere else on the face other than nose and ears as aggressive. I myself have caught myself enough number of times as dismissing navel piercings as slutty. But these things don't affect a person's personality or their performance at work. Too much importance is placed on trivialities, it seems.

[jasper]

But, who determines what looks professional?
.

the administration. the board. the boss. And it is their job to do it. But. ... how are earrings professional?

[Chrysalis]

They are decoration. Just as any other piercing.

The definition of professional is more often than not based on prejudices.

[crookshanksmom]

I wish someone had told me belly rings were slutty. I would have made sure to sleep with lots of guys, wear trashy clothes, etc. Just kidding! I got my belly piercing because I thought it was pretty. It pleased me, I didn't get it to show off. Trust me, not many "slutty girls" work in the day care buisness!

[HollywoodBob]

I think they're cute, especially the little sparkley dangley ones. ;)

-HollywoodBob

[jasper]

I don't know if I'd say slutty. But I think it's all about sex appeal-- the ears, the noses, the navels. . . and so on. All of it.

[Chrysalis]

Well, no, I'm sure that most girls who wear belly button piercings are just ordinary.:) It's just the ones that I knew were kind of ...slutty.

They're not really my thing, I prefer ear piercings.:)

[HarryPotter]

Personally, I don't like piercings... neither in men or women...
But that doesn't mean that I think it is wrong... I think every person has the right of doing what they want with their body... I wouldn't do it

[Kirsten]

I have my ears pierced. I used to have two sets of holes in each ears but it got to be too much of a hassle finding 2 matching pairs of earrings every morning, and the second set of holes weren't straight, so I let the second lot heal up. I would like a nose piercing, but I don't like my nose enough to draw attention to it.

As for other facial piercings - lip, tongue, eyebrow etc, I think they look ridiculous. I really don't like the way it looks. A girl at my hairdresser has a stud in her cheek, like a beauty spot, and I think it looks horrendous. But I honestly don't think employers should make assumptions about a person's ability to do a job based on piercing, any more than on hair length or eye colour. Piercings are decoration, not qualifications. The only time it matters is if a piercing could be a health and safety risk.

I really don't like piercings on children. Pierced babies is dreadful. Those children have no understanding of what's happening, cannot give permission, and cannot make the choice for themself. Toddlers with piercings - gross. They don't have the ability to look after the holes and the risk of infection must be awful. You know what toddlers are like - fingers in their mouths, in the muck, in their faces - they must be constantly infected! I would seriously consider prosecuting the parents of pierced babies for assault. I might get flamed for this, but it just looks common and schemie and awful.

On the other hand, I have three tattoos and I love them!

[Snape_is_my_Man]

i personally believe that any body piercing/tatoo is ok. some may look pretty stupid. however it is your choice to get them or not. i wanted for some time an eyebrow ring and a ring in the cartiledge of my ear, but now that im a little older im not so big on getting them. maybe the one in the cartiledge, but the eyebrow to me would just end up being really annoying. plus with having to deal with people automatically thinking you're some punk doesn't help either.

my, well we'll just call her my sister-in-law, has a belly button ring, tongue and a tatoo on her back. however when she got pregrent she took them all out. the belly button got really streched out because of her stomach expanding from the pregancy. when she had her baby she decided she really didn't need to put back in all her rings. so like i said i think it's really a very personal decision and only you and decide. unless you're under 18 then you're parents own you. lol and if they say no then you're screwed. lol

[Pegasus]

But, who determines what looks professional?
When my husband was transferred to a new store as the manager, he had to ask one individual to remove his earrings before he came to work. When this individual wanted a promotion and the area manager was coming to the store, my husband recommend he get a haircut and dress more professionally. The only time I've seen my brother-in-law with short hair was when he went in for a big job interview. It's like wearing a suit and making sure your shoes look nice when you go in to ask for a raise; it's what you do. As far as judging people on their appearance, I always want to look my best, don't you? How can I feel good about myself when I don't even bother to do my hair and makeup before I leave the house? Any employer will tell you that conservative is always better.

[Classical_Wizar]

I don’t like them just because I hate pain, I always change my mind so hate to wake up one day and see myself branded with something I now hate and fear of infection. To each their own though some people dont mind them, who am i to tell somebody what to put on/in their body.

[Freak of nature]

Why not. I would like to have a nose ring.

[ComicBookWorm]

Before I start, let me say I am an ex-hippie so I do understand counter-culture tendencies in people.

Some piercings come close to being mutilations. I think most facial piercings look stupid. And while you think you are expressing yourself, you are really communicating that you aren't ready to be part of the greater society as a whole. And while that may be just what you want to communicate, it will be conterproductive to your own ability to function in society because it will negatively impact anyone who meets you. They won't automatically think "Wow how brave to be expressing yourself so openly" A lot of them will thing "Bleech, what a flake". Other people with piercings may approve, but they are in the minority.

You really don't see piercings in the business world. Managers are afraid to hire them because they look flaky. So unless you are in a counter-culture occupation (arts, entertainment) you will be making it hard to get a job. Also, you will be stuck with the holes the piercings make forever. Elizabeth Hurley (the actress/model) had a nose piercing, and now that she needs to be photographed constantly she has to always deal with the left-over hole.

And piercing parts of your body that you normally wouldn't want damaged (you know where I mean) is plain stupid. If you don't want those parts to be mangled, then don't mangle them. And tongue piercing just seem to be in the way. Then there is always the real issue of infection.

Besides when I meet someone with a piercing, I get diverted from looking at them as a whole person. Facial piercings only seem to detract from looks not enhance them. They are a distraction. There are so many ways to stand out as an individual, piercing just isn't one that I think works.

[MaraudersMap]

I don't have any piercings but I pierced my friend's eyebrow myself once. I found out from people that you need to use a hollow needle, so I used a syringe. We didn't have a ring to put there, and anyways I thought a safety pin would look better. So the next day she came to school with a safety pin in her eyebrow, and I thought she looked HOT but everyone was like "You guys are nuts!" When her mom found out, they let her keep it, but begged her to go get an actual ring instead of the safety pin.

[DragonBlk17]

The only piercings are the ones in my ears...I'm going up with the piercings so in 3 years i'll get my third hole done in my ears

[Neithan]

Wow 7 pages...
About the pain thing, I got my ears pierced when I was about 14, my eyebrown pierced when I was 17 and the left side of the lip at 18 (I'm 20 now). Strangely enough the most painful one was the ears. And not only did it hurt but they just wouldn't heal. So I took the earrings off after 2 months or so, and the holes permanently closed whereas I never had any problems with the other piercings.

As for the "distracting" side of facial piercings evoked by ComicBookWorm, you really get quickly used to it. When I take my piercings off at times, it always takes several hours before my family, friends or boyfriend notice.