Very few piercing styles can stand up to the fame and popularity nipple piercings have been able to amass in the last decade. In fact, if we were to draft up a top ten list of the piercing styles in rave right now, Nipple piercings would claim the first, second and third positions, yes that’s how popular they are now. Doubt us? Well take a privileged look at the chests of Rihanna, Amber Rose, Bella Hadid, Kendall Jenner and even Kristen Stewart and tell us what you see.
The growing list of female A-list celebrities currently flaunting their nipple piercings is a tell-tale of how beautiful, and alluring this piercing style can get. If anything the fact it is one of the very few piercing styles that perfectly complements the natural female physique is enough reason to fall in love with it. Already excited about the nipple piercing? Here’s all you need to know.
From a historical perspective
Nipples piercings have been around since the 14th century, in those days of innocent beautification nipple piercings were decorated with an assortment of precious metals, from gold chains to diamond and sapphire studs, all in a bid to bring out the youthful exuberance of the breasts. Towards the end of the 19th century in the late Victorian era, they were a signature style statement for women. Today, the practice lives on, and an even more comprehensive catalog of nipple piercing styles and Jewelry have found their way into mainstream culture.
Getting a Nipple Piercing
Nipple piercings, though sophisticated looking (at least when compared to other piercings) are a pretty simple procedure to orchestrate. Your piercer would most likely begin by sterilizing the nipple and areola region of your breast. Next, he/she will mark the entry and exit points of the piercing to ensure symmetry, a slanty nipple piercing takes the shine out of this work of art. The next step would be to secure the nipple in one spot; this is done using a small clamp. Once the nipple is successfully tethered, a piercing needle is inserted through the previously marked entry point before being removed through the exit point.
Expect some pain and bleeding at this stage, but this usually subsides in a matter of seconds.
How painful is the procedure?
On a scale of one to ten nipple piercings are a solid four, so expect a sharp, fleeting sensation, similar to the feeling of getting your thumb pricked but for a longer period. The Nipples by virtue of their anatomy are richly supplied with nerves; it’s a surprise that it doesn’t even hurt more than this.
Healing Time and Aftercare
The time it takes for your nipple piercings to heal completely is dependent on your gender; for males, the average is four months. Females nipples, however, can take anything between 6 – 12 months to heal. Proper aftercare during this healing period is essential to prevent complications and hasten the healing time. In addition to the routine aftercare procedures recommended by your piercer, endeavor to keep to the stick to the following rules
- Clean the piercing (sea) salt water solution twice a day
- Maintain a good personal hygiene
- Eat healthy foods.
- Stay clear of alcohol and drugs like aspirin
- Wear loose fitting clothes/dresses
- Avoid public baths and swimming pools
- Do your best to keep your hands off the piercing
The best Nipple piercing Jewelry
For celebrity piercer Brian Thompson, Barbells are the best nipple piercing jewelry to perfectly complement your nipple piercings. That’s not to say they are the only options though; you still have an assortment of different hoop nipple jewelry, nipple rings, twister-spiral jewelry, and nipple shields to pick from. Whether you opt for barbells, hoops or any other nipple jewelry for that matter, just remember to go for nipple piercing jewelry built from durable and non-irritable materials like gold, titanium, niobium and surgical grade steel.
