Getting a new body piercing is an exciting step in personal expression. Whether it is your first piercing or an addition to your collection, understanding the basics helps you make good choices. One of the most important things to know is what “gauge” means for body jewelry. This term refers to the thickness of the jewelry that goes into your piercing. Knowing the difference between low gauge and high gauge is key to a comfortable experience and proper healing. At Tribu Piercings, we believe in providing clear information so you feel confident about your piercing journey.
Key Takeaways
- Gauge is Thickness: Gauge measures the thickness of body jewelry.
- Smaller Number, Thicker Jewelry: A lower gauge number means thicker jewelry. A higher gauge number means thinner jewelry.
- Importance of Correct Gauge: Using the right gauge for your piercing helps prevent damage, discomfort, and problems with healing.
- Piercer’s Role: Your piercer will help you choose the correct gauge based on your anatomy and the type of piercing.
- Healing is Key: Proper aftercare and the right jewelry gauge support healing.
What Does “Gauge” Mean in Body Piercing?
When you talk about body piercing, the term “gauge” describes the thickness of the jewelry post that passes through your skin. It is important to understand that the gauge system works differently from how we usually measure things.
Here is how it works:
- Lower Number, Thicker Jewelry: A smaller gauge number means the jewelry is thicker. For example, a 14-gauge (14g) piece of jewelry is thicker than an 18-gauge (18g) piece.
- Higher Number, Thinner Jewelry: A higher gauge number means the jewelry is thinner. An 18g piece is thinner than a 14g piece.
This might seem backward at first, but it is a standard system in the piercing world. The gauge size is chosen carefully by your piercer to match the specific piercing and your body’s anatomy. Using the correct gauge is very important for the health and comfort of your piercing.
Understanding Piercing Gauge Sizes
Different piercings require different starting gauge sizes. This is not just a style choice; it is about proper healing and avoiding issues.
Why Piercing Gauge Sizes Matter
The thickness of your jewelry plays a large role in:
- Healing: The right gauge helps the piercing heal without problems. If jewelry is too thin for a fresh piercing, it can cause the “cheese cutter effect,” where the jewelry slowly cuts through the skin. If it is too thick, it can cause unnecessary stretching or trauma.
- Comfort: Jewelry that is the correct gauge feels more comfortable in your piercing.
- Stability: Properly gauged jewelry sits securely in the piercing, reducing movement that could irritate the area.
- Preventing Migration and Rejection: Using the wrong gauge can cause your body to push the jewelry out (rejection) or for the piercing to shift its position (migration).
Low Gauge vs. High Gauge: The Differences
Let us look more closely at what low gauge and high gauge mean and when they are used.
High Gauge Piercing Sizes
High gauge refers to jewelry that has a larger number, meaning it is thinner.
- Examples of High Gauges: 20g, 18g, 16g.
- Common Uses:
- Earlobes: Many initial earlobe piercings are done with 18g or 20g jewelry.
- Nostril: Often pierced with 18g or 20g jewelry.
- Some Cartilage Piercings: Certain ear cartilage piercings may use 16g or 18g.
- Characteristics:
- Smaller Hole: Creates a smaller piercing channel.
- Less Noticeable: Thinner jewelry can be less visible, which some people prefer.
- Delicate Appearance: Often chosen for a more subtle look.
Low Gauge Piercing Sizes
Low gauge refers to jewelry that has a smaller number, meaning it is thicker.
- Examples of Low Gauges: 14g, 12g, 10g, 8g, and even larger sizes like 0g, 00g.
- Common Uses:
- Navel (Belly Button): Often pierced with 14g jewelry.
- Tongue: Typically starts at 14g or 12g.
- Nipple: Commonly pierced with 14g or 12g.
- Industrial: Usually 14g.
- Stretching: Larger-gauge jewelry is used when someone wants to stretch a piercing, such as earlobes, to a bigger size.
- Characteristics:
- Larger Hole: Creates a wider piercing channel.
- More Durable: Thicker jewelry tends to be stronger and less likely to bend or break.
- Statement Look: Often chosen for a bolder or more noticeable appearance.
- Better for Healing: For some piercings, a thicker gauge provides more stability and a better healing environment, reducing the risk of migration or tearing.
Choosing the Right Gauge for Your Piercing
When you get a new piercing, your professional piercer will select the appropriate starting gauge. This decision is based on several factors.
- Type of Piercing: Different body parts can support different gauges. For example, a delicate nostril piercing will use a much thinner gauge than a navel piercing.
- Anatomy: Your body’s unique structure plays a role. The thickness of your skin or cartilage will help determine the best gauge for stability and healing.
- Initial Healing: Most initial piercings are done with a specific gauge to allow for swelling and proper healing. It is not recommended to change the gauge during the healing period unless advised by your piercer.
- Future Plans: If you plan to stretch a piercing later, your piercer might start with a slightly larger initial gauge or advise on the best starting point for stretching.
It is important to trust your piercer’s judgment. They have the training and experience to choose the gauge that will give you the best chance for a successful piercing. If you have questions about the size, do not hesitate to ask. For more information or to speak with one of our experienced piercers, you can contact us.
Aftercare and Gauge Changes
Once you have your new piercing, proper body piercing aftercare is crucial. The gauge of your jewelry plays a part in this.
- Do Not Change Jewelry Too Soon: Do not change your initial jewelry until your piercing is fully healed. Changing it too early, especially to a different gauge, can cause irritation, infection, or close the piercing.
- When to Downsize (or Upsize): Sometimes, after the initial swelling goes down, your piercer might recommend “downsizing” your jewelry. This means putting in a shorter post of the same gauge to prevent snagging. Rarely, a piercer might recommend upsizing the gauge if the initial one is causing issues. Always have a professional make these changes.
- Stretching Piercings: If you decide to stretch your piercing to a larger gauge, this should be done slowly and carefully by a professional piercer. Forcing a stretch can cause permanent damage, scarring, or blowouts.
- Jewelry Selection: When you are ready to change your jewelry, always make sure the new piece is the correct gauge. At Tribu Piercings, we offer a wide selection of high-quality jewelry in various gauges. You can visit our store locations to see our collection and get advice from our team.
Remember, consistent piercing aftercare and using the correct gauge jewelry are important for keeping your piercing healthy and looking good for years to come.
Common Piercing Gauge Sizes
Here is a general guide to common starting piercing gauge sizes for different types of piercings. Keep in mind these are typical sizes and can vary based on individual anatomy and piercer preference.
- Ear Lobe: 18g, 20g
- Cartilage (Helix, Tragus, Conch): 16g, 18g
- Nostril: 18g, 20g
- Septum: 16g, 14g
- Navel (Belly Button): 14g
- Nipple: 14g, 12g
- Tongue: 14g, 12g
- Lip (Labret, Monroe): 16g, 14g
- Eyebrow: 16g, 18g
Always confirm the recommended gauge with your piercer.
Conclusion
Understanding what “gauge” means is a basic but very important part of body piercing. It refers to the thickness of your jewelry, with lower numbers meaning thicker jewelry and higher numbers meaning thinner jewelry. Choosing the correct gauge, guided by a professional piercer, is key for proper healing, comfort, and the overall health of your piercing. Whether you are getting a delicate high-gauge earlobe piercing or a bolder low-gauge navel piercing, Tribu Piercings is here to provide you with expert guidance and high-quality jewelry. We make sure you have the information you need for a good piercing experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common piercing gauge?
The most common piercing gauge can vary depending on the type of piercing. For earlobes, 18g or 20g are very common. For many cartilage piercings, 16g is often used.
Can I change my piercing gauge myself?
It is strongly recommended that you do not change your piercing gauge yourself, especially for a fresh or unhealed piercing. A professional piercer can safely change your jewelry and advise on the correct gauge.
What happens if I use the wrong gauge jewelry?
Using jewelry that is too thin can cause the piercing to tear or migrate. Jewelry that is too thick can cause damage, pain, or prevent proper healing. Always use the gauge recommended by your piercer.
Is 14g bigger than 16g?
Yes, 14g is bigger (thicker) than 16g. Remember, with gauges, a smaller number means thicker jewelry.
What does “stretching” a piercing mean?
Stretching a piercing means gradually making the piercing channel larger to fit thicker, lower-gauge jewelry. This process should always be done slowly and carefully by a professional.
How do I know what gauge my piercing is?
If you are unsure of your piercing’s gauge, it is best to consult with a professional piercer. They can accurately measure your piercing and recommend the correct jewelry size.
Visit Tribu Piercings today for expert advice and a wide selection of body jewelry.