Piercing Myths That Need to Die This Halloween

It’s spooky season at The Loyal Sparrow, and while we love a good Montana ghost story, there are some myths out there that are scarier than any haunted house—especially when it comes to piercings. So let’s set the record straight. Whether you’re getting your first piercing or adding another to your collection, here’s what’s fact and what’s pure fiction.

Myth vs. Truth: The Piercing Edition

Myth: Piercings take forever to heal.

Truth: Healing times vary depending on the location and your body, but most piercings heal faster than you think—especially with proper aftercare. For example, lobe piercings may heal in 6–8 weeks, while cartilage or nose piercings can take a few months. Follow our aftercare guide and resist the urge to change jewelry too soon.

Myth: You can use alcohol or hydrogen peroxide to clean your piercing.

Truth: Please don’t. Those harsh products can dry out and irritate your skin, actually slowing healing. Use a sterile saline spray or a piercing aftercare solution recommended by your piercer. Gentle and consistent cleaning is key.

Myth: Piercings close up instantly if you remove the jewelry.

Truth: Some close quickly, others don’t—but it depends on how long you’ve had it. Fresh piercings can close within hours, while well-healed ones may stay open for years. Always talk to our piercers before removing jewelry, especially during healing.

Myth: It’s fine to get pierced with a gun—it’s faster.

Truth: Piercing guns are a big no. They can cause unnecessary trauma, push bacteria into the skin, and prevent proper precision or sterilization. Professional piercers use single-use, sterile needles for accuracy and safety.

Myth: You can’t swim with new piercings.

Truth: You can—eventually. But you need to wait until your piercing is fully healed. Pools, lakes, and the ocean can expose piercings to bacteria and cause infection if entered too soon. Once cured, rinse with saline afterward if you swim often.

Myth: Piercings are one-size-fits-all.

Truth: Everyone’s anatomy is different, and that’s what makes piercing an art form. Professional piercers at The Loyal Sparrow carefully assess placement, jewelry type, and gauge to fit your anatomy and aesthetic perfectly.

Myth: Piercings are just for looks.

Truth: Sure, they look amazing—but piercings are also a form of self-expression and empowerment. Many people get them as milestones, symbols of strength, or to feel more like themselves. Every piercing has a story.

The Final Word

Piercings shouldn’t be scary—they should be safe, personal, and fun. At The Loyal Sparrow, our piercers, Jimmy and Kyle, use only sterile, high-quality jewelry and take the time to walk you through every step of the process.

So this Halloween, leave the scary stuff to haunted houses and horror flicks—and let your next piercing be something you’ll actually want to scream about (in a good way).

Book your next piercing at The Loyal Sparrow and experience the art, safety, and skill behind every sparkle.