When you get a piercing, whether it’s your ears, nose, or any other part of your body, you might sometimes need to use something called a piercing retainer. But what exactly is a piercing retainer, and why might you need one? This guide will explain all about piercing retainers in a simple and easy way so that everyone, even a 5-year-old, can understand.
What Are Piercing Retainers?
A piercing retainer is a special type of jewelry that you can use to cover up a piercing. Imagine if you have a pretty earring, but you need to hide it for a special reason, like at school or a job interview. A piercing retainer helps with that. It’s made of clear or skin-colored materials that make it hard for others to see the piercing, but it still keeps the hole open.
Retainers are useful because they help your piercing stay in shape while you can’t wear regular jewelry. They’re especially handy if you need to hide your piercing for a while. So, piercing retainers are like little secret helpers for your piercings!
Why Might You Need a Piercing Retainer?
There are many reasons why someone might need a piercing retainer. Let’s look at a few of them:
1. Job or School Requirements
Sometimes, jobs or schools have rules that don’t allow visible piercings. If you have a nose ring or an ear piercing that needs to be hidden, a retainer is a perfect solution. It keeps your piercing hole open but doesn’t show up as jewelry.
2. Medical Reasons
If you’re going to have surgery or a medical procedure, your doctor might ask you to remove your jewelry. A piercing retainer can help you keep your piercing hole open while you’re healing from the procedure.
3. Sports and Activities
If you play sports or do activities where jewelry might be a problem, a retainer can keep your piercing safe. It’s less likely to get caught on things or cause injuries.
4. Traveling
When you travel, especially to places with different customs or rules, having a retainer can be handy. It helps you avoid any issues that might come up with your piercing while you’re away from home.
How to Choose the Right Piercing Retainer
Choosing the right piercing retainer is important so that it works well for you. Here’s what you need to think about:
1. Material
Piercing retainers can be made from different materials like silicone, acrylic, or glass. Silicone is soft and flexible, making it comfortable. Acrylic is lightweight and clear, and glass can be very smooth. Make sure to pick a material that is safe and comfortable for your piercing.
2. Size
The size of the retainer should match the size of your piercing. If it’s too big or too small, it might not fit well. Make sure to measure your piercing and choose a retainer that fits perfectly.
3. Shape
Some retainers are simple and straight, while others might have a more specific shape. The shape should be comfortable and fit well with your piercing.
4. Color
Retainers come in different colors. Clear ones are the most common because they blend in with your skin. However, if you need something more discreet, you might find skin-toned options that match your natural color.
How to Insert a Piercing Retainer
Inserting a piercing retainer is similar to putting in regular jewelry, but there are a few extra steps to make sure it goes smoothly:
- Clean Your Hands and Retainer: Before you start, make sure your hands and the retainer are clean. This helps avoid infections.
- Remove Any Existing Jewelry: If you have other jewelry in your piercing, take it out gently.
- Insert the Retainer Carefully: Put the retainer into the piercing hole slowly. If you’re having trouble, you might want to use a little bit of water or a lubricant to help it slide in.
- Check for Comfort: Make sure the retainer is sitting comfortably and not too tight or loose.
How to Take Care of Your Piercing with a Retainer
Taking care of your piercing is important, even when you’re using a retainer. Here are some tips:
1. Keep It Clean
Make sure to clean your piercing and the retainer regularly. Use a mild, non-alcoholic solution and a clean cloth to wipe everything down.
2. Avoid Irritants
Try to avoid using strong soaps or chemicals around your piercing. These can irritate your skin and make your piercing uncomfortable.
3. Check for Infection
Keep an eye out for signs of infection, like redness or swelling. If you notice anything unusual, it’s a good idea to see a doctor.
4. Change It Out if Necessary
Sometimes, you might need to change your retainer if it becomes damaged or uncomfortable. Make sure to replace it with a new one as needed.
Common Myths About Piercing Retainers
There are a few myths about piercing retainers that might make people worried. Let’s clear some of them up:
Myth 1: They’re Uncomfortable
Some people think retainers are uncomfortable, but many are designed to be soft and flexible. If you choose the right one and use it properly, it should feel comfortable.
Myth 2: They Can Cause Infections
Retainers themselves don’t cause infections if they’re kept clean. The key is to maintain good hygiene and use high-quality retainers.
Myth 3: They’re Hard to Insert
Inserting a retainer is similar to inserting regular jewelry. With a little practice, it should become easy.
Where to Buy Piercing Retainers
You can buy piercing retainers at a variety of places. Here are some options:
1. Online Stores
There are many online stores that specialize in piercing jewelry. You can find a wide range of retainers in different materials and sizes.
2. Specialty Shops
Stores that sell body jewelry often have a selection of piercing retainers. You can ask for help from the staff to find the right one.
3. Local Piercing Studios
If you have a local piercing studio, they might offer retainers as well. This can be a good option if you want to get professional advice.
Conclusion
Piercing retainers are a useful tool for anyone who needs to hide their piercings for various reasons. Whether it’s for a job, school, medical reasons, or sports, a retainer helps keep your piercing hole open without showing jewelry. By choosing the right material, size, and shape, and taking good care of your piercing, you can keep everything comfortable and healthy.
Remember, if you ever have concerns about your piercing or the retainer, don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional for advice. With the right retainer and care, your piercing can stay looking great and stay open, even when you need to keep it hidden.
