Piercings 101: A Straight-Shot Guide to Pain, Healing, Jewelry & What to Expect

Piercings 101: A Straight-Shot Guide to Pain, Healing, Jewelry & What to Expect

Piercings don’t have to feel like walking into a sterile doctor’s office or getting lectured by someone with gloves and an attitude. At Curly’s, we keep it simple: clear info, real respect, and zero judgment, with the same rebellious, welcoming vibe you get from our tattoo chairs.

Whether you’re a UGA student getting your first nose stud…

A friend hyping up your roommate for matching helix piercings…

Or someone finally leveling up their look with some metal…

This guide gives you everything you need to know, without the pretentious shop talk or fear-mongering.

Let’s break it all down.

What Piercings Curly’s Does (and the Ones We Don’t Touch)


We keep it clean, safe, and professional, without making you feel like you wandered into a clinic.

Here’s what we do:

Ear Piercings



  • Lobes (1st, 2nd, 3rd)

  • Upper lobes

  • Helix

  • Forward helix

  • Tragus

  • Conch

  • Daith

  • Industrial

  • Rook


Facial Piercings



  • Nose (nostril)

  • Septum

  • Eyebrow


Oral



  • Lip

  • Labret

  • Monroe / Madonna

  • Snake bites


Body Piercings



  • Nipple


We Also Offer



  • Stretching / gauging services


What We Don’t Do


We don’t perform:

  • Genital piercings

  • “Exotic” body piercings


We keep it safe, steady, and high-quality, the type of work we can proudly stand behind.

Pain Levels (Honesty Only, No Sugarcoating)


Everybody’s pain tolerance is different, but here’s the truth:

Piercings hurt for a second, then it’s over. Most clients are shocked by how quick and manageable it is.

Here’s the real breakdown:

Easiest / Least Pain



  • Earlobes

  • Nostril

  • Lip


Feels like: a fast, hot pinch.

Moderate Pain



  • Helix

  • Conch

  • Tragus

  • Eyebrow

  • Septum


Feels like: pressure + sting, then done.

Spiciest



  • Nipple

  • Industrial


Feels like: two quick punches from a tiny, determined ghost.

But listen, Matt and the crew talk you through everything.

Our vibe is friendly, conversational, and down-to-earth, which helps first-timers calm the hell down quickly.

Healing Timelines (Realistic, Not Rushed)


Healing depends on your body, lifestyle, and how well you follow aftercare.

Here’s the average timeline:

Ears



  • Lobes: 6–8 weeks

  • Helix/cartilage: 4–6 months

  • Industrial: 6–12 months


Face



  • Nostril: 3–4 months

  • Septum: 6–8 weeks

  • Eyebrow: 2–3 months

  • Lip: 6–8 weeks


Body



  • Nipple: 6–9 months


These are averages, not promises. If you catch it, sleep on it, or spin it (don’t spin it), you’ll slow things down.

Jewelry Types (What You Can Expect at Curly’s)


We sell jewelry at the shop, piercing jewelry, and cosmetic jewelry, but we don’t post prices online because styles and costs vary too much.

Here’s what you’ll typically see for fresh piercings:

Starter Jewelry



  • Implant-grade titanium (best for sensitive skin)

  • Surgical steel

  • Niobium

  • 14k gold options (for certain piercings)


Popular Styles



  • Studs (flat backs, threadless)

  • Captive bead rings

  • Seamless hoops

  • Barbells

  • Clickers (septum + daith)


We’ll help you choose what’s safe, comfortable, and fits your anatomy, not what’s trendy on TikTok this week.

How to Prep for Your Piercing


Showing up prepared makes the whole experience easier.

Do This:



  • Eat a solid meal beforehand

  • Drink water

  • Bring your ID

  • Wear clean, comfortable clothes

  • Come in calm, we’ll take it from there


Avoid This:



  • Alcohol

  • Blood thinners

  • Energy drinks (these spike anxiety)

  • Coming in sick

  • Coming in after a workout (your body needs chill mode)


You’re not proving toughness. We’re here to make the process feel smooth, not scary.

What to Expect During the Appointment


Whether it’s your first piercing or your fifth, here’s how a typical session at Curly’s goes:

Step 1: Consult


We check your anatomy, placement, jewelry type, and healing expectations, and answer your questions, without talking down to you.

Step 2: Marking the Spot


You check it in the mirror, and we adjust if needed.

Step 3: The Piercing


Deep breath.

The needle goes in.

It’s over before your friend finishes saying, “You got this!”

Step 4: Jewelry In


Quick, smooth, secure.

Step 5: Aftercare Walkthrough


We give you the exact steps to keep your piercing clean and happy, no overcomplicated routines or conflicting instructions.

Aftercare: The Rules That Actually Matter


Aftercare is where most people mess up.

It’s not complicated; it just requires consistency.

Do:



  • Clean with saline solution

  • Keep hands off

  • Stick to showers (not baths or pools)

  • Let it breathe

  • Sleep carefully, especially with ear piercings


Don’t:



  • Twist or spin the jewelry

  • Use alcohol or peroxide

  • Change jewelry too soon

  • Let your friends “clean it” (please don’t)

  • Ignore irritation bumps, ask us for help early


We’re always here to answer questions. Communication is one of your biggest strengths as a shop.

Why Athens Trusts Curly’s for Piercings


Your ideal piercing clients, especially college students and first-timers, want reassurance, comfort, and straight answers.

Curly’s delivers that without losing the badass vibe.

People choose us because:

  • We’re friendly, approachable, and real

  • We explain everything without making you feel stupid

  • We treat you like a human, not a transaction

  • The shop looks tough, but the vibe is warm

  • You walk out feeling more confident in your own skin


That’s the Curly’s difference, rebellion with genuine connection.

Your Piercing, Your Story


Piercings aren’t just jewelry, they’re identity, confidence, and self-expression.

They’re milestones, memories, and moments of “hell yeah, let’s do this.”

Whether you’re adding your first stud or leveling up your whole look, Curly’s gives you a place where you belong, no judgment, no pressure, no gatekeeping.

Just real people doing badass work with honesty and care.

Come in, bring a friend, ask questions, and let’s make something rad.

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