The Difference between Tattoos and Piercings - and Why You Should Only Trust a Professional for Your Ink

For anyone considering their first tattoo, it's important to understand the difference between tattoos and piercings. Both are body modifications that can be permanent or temporary, and both involve puncturing the skin to some degree.

However, that's where the similarity ends. Read on to learn more about the key differences between tattoos and piercings - and why you should only entrust a professional with your ink.

Tattoos vs. Piercings - The Key Differences

1. Tattoos are injected under the skin while piercings go through the skin.

2. Tattoos are usually (but not always) permanent while piercings can be temporary.

3. The healing process for tattoos is longer than for piercings.

4. Tattoos require more aftercare than piercings.

5. The pain factor is different for tattoos vs. piercings - some people find tattoos more painful while others find piercings to be more painful.

6. The risks are different for tattoos vs. piercings - infection is more common with tattoos due to the needle going under the skin, while rejection is more common with piercings as the body can push out the jewelry over time.

7. The cost is different for tattoos vs. piercings - tattoos are typically more expensive as they take longer to complete, while simpler piercings can be done on a budget.

8. The placement is different for tattoos vs. piercings - with a tattoo, you can have it placed anywhere on your body, while with a piercing, the location will be limited by the type of piercing you choose.

9. The care is different for tattoos vs. piercings - you need to carefully clean and moisturize a tattoo to keep it looking its best, while Piercings need to be cleaned with saline solution or soap and water.

Different Types of Piercings

There are many types of piercings that go beyond just the standard earlobe piercing:

1) Cartilage piercing: This type of piercing goes through the hard tissue at the top of your ear (the cartilage). Popular examples include tragus, conch, and helix piercing.

2) Earlobe piercing: One of the most popular types of piercings, an earlobe piercing goes through – you guessed it – your earlobe! Earlobe pierced can be worn with studs, hoops, or dangly earrings.

3) Lip piercing: A lip piercing is any type of piercing that goes through your lips, including Monroe (or Madonna) piercing, labret, and medusa.  

4) Oral piercing: An oral piercing is any type of Piercing that goes through your tongue, gum, or cheek. Common oral piercings include tongue webbing, Frenulum linguae, and smiley. 

5) Nipple piercing: A nipple Piercing Is a type of Body Piercing that goes through…you guessed it…the nipple! Both men and women can get nipple pierced, although it is much more common among women.  

6) Navel (or bellybutton) piercing: A navel piercing is a type of body piercing that goes through your navel. Despite what you may have heard, navel piercing do take quite some time to heal properly so make sure you give yourself plenty of time before showing off your Bikini bod!

7) Septum piercing: A septum piercing goes through the narrow cartilage in between your nostrils. Septum pierce sometimes wear “clickers” – circular barbells that have a small hinge on one side – which makes them easy to take in and out as opposed to a traditional septum ring.

Wrap Up!

No matter what type of body modification you’re considering, always make sure to do your research ahead of time and visit reputable tattoo piercing shops professional who can help you realize your vision safely and successfully!