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Piercing Guide

Lulu Ave Piercing Guide: Close-up of different piercing types- Lulu Ave

PIERCING 101

Lulu Ave has been providing piercing services for over 20 years and are always looking for ways to improve our processes, supplies, and overall cleanliness. As a result, we have moved to a 99% disposable piercing process to reduce the risk of infection and cross-contamination. In addition, we also use single-use needles for all piercings to ensure a sterile and smooth experience for every client.

Our staff is regularly trained on piercing best practices to ensure the health and safety of our clients. We also focus on further educating ourselves about ear and facial anatomy to provide the best piercing experience possible. This includes identifying the most optimal angle while selecting the optimal size and shape of jewelry for our client’s piercings and placements. 

Lulu Ave Piercing Guide: Expert demonstrating aftercare techniques- Lulu Ave

BECOMING A 99% DISPOSABLE ESTABLISHMENT

Lulu Ave. has shifted to a 99% disposable process to improve cleanliness and reduce the risk of infections. We dispose of all our tools and needles after each use to provide clients with a brand-new experience every time.

Lulu Ave Piercing Guide: Variety of hypoallergenic piercing jewelry- Lulu Ave

KEEPING A STERILE AND CLEAN ENVIRONMENT

Lulu Ave places a strong emphasis on maintaining a clean and organized space for both our clients and employees. We use high-grade disinfectant solutions, follow strict cleaning schedules, and complete standardized safety checklists between appointments to ensure a sanitary and safe facility.

Lulu Ave Piercing Guide: Illustration of piercing placement tips- Lulu Ave

NEEDLES > PIERCING GUNS

Piercing experts know that needles are considered the safest option for piercings as they are designed to make precise, clean cuts with minimal trauma to the skin. The piercing industry largely uses needles for this reason, as piercing guns can damage the skin and are typically less sterile.

Lulu Ave Piercing Guide: Visual reference for optimal piercing placement tips - Lulu Ave

THE HUMAN ANATOMY

Piercing is as much an art as it is a science. When professionally executed, piercings are a beautiful form of body adornment and self-expression. Piercing experts pay attention to detail prior to making any new punctures. By thoroughly examining the piercing area, assessing individual ear anatomy, considering existing placements, and identifying the best spacing and angles for new piercings, we curate the perfect look for our clients.

GLOSSARY

Ear Lobe

An ear lobe piercing is located at the bottom of the ear, and typically allows for multiple piercings before reaching cartilage territory. Lulu Ave. uses flatback earrings to ensure that there is plenty of space for swelling, unlike butterfly backings that lock into the back of the ear and don't allow for swelling.

Stacked Lobe

A stacked lobe is a lobe piercing located above or on top of another lobe piercing vertically or diagonally. This is typically done to complement an existing lobe piercing or to correct a lobe piercing that was not in the desired area. A stacked lobe can sometimes help achieve this.

Mid Helix

The mid helix piercing is located on the outer center part of the ear. This narrow section is a good alternative to a conch piercing for those who prefer a different style. Because of its thin and narrow anatomy, it is typically pierced with narrow or small pieces that fit the anatomy of the ear.

Conch

A conch piercing is located on the inner center section of the ear. Many people enjoy this piercing because they can easily switch to a ring after it has fully healed.

Helix

A helix or cartilage piercing is located on the upper corner of the ear and is the most common piercing after lobe piercings. Many people enjoy wearing hoops or rings in this area, and it is possible to get multiple helix piercings if the anatomy allows for it.

Forward Helix

The forward helix is located above the tragus and next to the rook. It is important to check the anatomy to see if it is suitable for this piercing. Typically, one forward helix is the most common, but some people have the proper anatomy to fit up to three forward helixes above one another.

Tragus

The tragus is located on the innermost part of the ear near the sideburns. This piercing has the least amount of space for jewelry, so it is limited to smaller pieces. It is recommended to have the anatomy checked for this piercing as well to see if it is suitable for piercing and to determine the best fitting jewelry.

Daith

While stylish, the daith piercing is also rumored to help with migraines and anxiety. It is located in the small fold of cartilage above the ear canal where the outer ridge of the helix ends at the inner ear. It requires a professional piercer and a bit more time to properly place this piercing. Styling it with a centerpiece like hoops will make it the focal point of the ear.

Rook

The rook is a bump-like part of the ear located above the daith and next to the forward helix. This piercing is typically done with a curved barbell and can later be switched to a ring. If you are looking for a unique piercing that will make an impact, the rook is worth considering, even though it may be more painful than other piercings.

Flat

The flat cartilage area below the upper rim of the ear is large enough to accommodate multiple piercings. Flat cartilage piercings offer a lot of flexibility and can be customized to fit your personal style. These piercings are no more painful than traditional helix piercings. As always, we advise checking the anatomy of your ear to properly determine the best placement and type of jewelry needed.

Industrial

An industrial piercing connects two piercings with one piece of jewelry, typically between the helix and forward helix. This versatile piercing allows you to show your personality and create a unique look by adding two new piercings.

Lulu Ave Piercing Aftercare: Step-by-step guide for cleaning piercings - Lulu Ave Body Jewelery

PIERCING AFTERCARE

CLEANING INSTRUCTIONS

Use the Saline Spray, clean the area no more than 2x a day, spray the entrance and exit area of your jewelry and wipe off the excess with a clean paper towel.

Expert Piercing Care Tips: Proper hygiene practices Lulu Ave Body Jewelery

POST-PIERCINGS

  • Please do not remove your jewelry during its healing time as it will begin to close immediately.
  • Avoid cleaning your piercing with chemicals such as alcohol, Neosporin, bactine, essential oils and other products as they are not designed to clean piercing.
  • Make sure you wash your hands thoroughly before cleaning your piercing. A piercing is an open wound, so dirty hands or fingernails can transfer bacteria on your new piercing. Be careful not to aggravate your new piercing.This includes turning or playing with your jewelry, washing and styling your hair, putting on or removing clothing, and sleeping on your fresh piercing.
  • When you shower, please make sure all soaps or shampoos are washed off your piercing.
  • When you shower, make sure all soaps or shampoos are washed off your piercing(s).
  • Be careful and avoid sleeping on your piercing(s), sleep on your back or use a travel pillow.
  • Avoid swimming in chlorinated pool water, lakes and other bodies of water during the healing process.

Feel free to each out to us if you have any questions following your piercing. If you're having any post-service issues please be sure to book a check-up appointment.

Lulu Ave Piercing Aftercare: Image of healed piercings - Lulu Ave Body Jewelery

PIERCING HEALING TIMES

Before you can change your jewelry you want to make sure your piercing is healed. This is not exact as everyone heals differently.

  • Earlobe: 2-4 months
  • Helix: 6-9+ months
  • Forward Helix: 6-9+ months
  • Flat: 6-9+ months
  • Conch: 6-9+ months
  • Tragus: 6-9+ months
  • Daith: 6-9+ months
  • Rook: 6-9+ months
  • Industrial: 8 months - 1+ year

AFTERCARE TIPS BY PIERCING LOCATION

EAR LOBES AND HELIX (CARTILAGE)
  • Avoid makeup and any hair products.
  • Thoroughly wash-off any excess debris.
  • Use a travel pillow to sleep.
  • Avoid touching or twisting jewelry.
ADVANCED CARTILAGE PIERCINGS (ROOK, FORWARD HELIX, DAITH, CONCH,TRAGUS, INDUSTRIAL)
  • Avoid headphones as they can put pressure on the piercing.
  • Avoid makeup and any hair products.
  • Use a travel pillow to sleep.
  • Avoid touching or twisting jewelry.
  • Thoroughly wash-off any excess debris.
  • Be careful when styling your hair or getting it styled.
NOSTRIL
  • Avoid makeup, creams, serums and or face wash directly on the piercing.
  • If you have a cold or allergies, be gentle when blowing your nose.
SEPTUM
  • Do not pick at debris buildup. Use warm water or saline and gently remove it.
  • If you have a cold or allergies, be gentle when blowing your nose.
NAVEL
  • Avoid clothing that does not rub on piercing. Ex. high waisted pants or jeans resting on the piercing.
  • Avoid body creams, moisturizers and perfumes directly on piercing.
  • Avoid other bodily fluids.
  • Refrain from any exercises that require the use of your abdominal
  • Avoid swimming in chlorinated pool water, lakes and other bodies of water during the healing process.
NIPPLE
  • Avoid moisturizers, body creams directly on piercing.
  • Avoid other bodily fluids.
  • Avoid tight clothing, lace bras, and woven fabrics.
  • Avoid using loofah when showering.
  • Be careful hugging people, changing clothes as it can get caught and yanked on your piercing.

HAPPY HEALING!

Thank you for reviewing our aftercare guide and polishing up your piercing knowledge. If you have any post-service concerns, please book a check-up appointment with one of our piercing experts.

Piercing Jewelry Maintenance: Cleaning and upkeep advice  Lulu Ave Body Jewelery

ABOUT PIERCING JEWELRY

We know that superior materials ensure a better piercing and healing experience, which is why we provide only the highest quality piercing jewelry at affordable price points. We carefully select our curated collections, paying attention to the shape, size, and design of our jewelry pieces. In terms of precious metals, we only carry 14k gold and titanium for piercing jewelry as they contain hypoallergenic properties and are known for being the safest metals throughout the industry.