Gauge Size
| GAUGE | COMMON PIERCINGS |
|---|---|
| 20G (0.81mm) | Most earlobe piercings are made with a 20G needle, as are some nose piercings. |
| 18G (1.0mm) | An 18G needle can be used for earlobe piercings, nose piercings, as well as some cartilage piercings (e.g. forward helix). 18G earrings are great for many healed cartilage piercings. |
Correspondingly, how old do you have to be to buy piercing needles?
Additionally, is needle piercing better than gun?
The quick answer: A piercing needle is much better than a piercing gun, for many reasons. Needles are generally cleaner, more accurate, and less painful than guns. … Of course, there is risk with any piercing, but with proper technique and aftercare, most people can heal a new piercing with minimal complications.
Can I put a 16g in a 14G piercing?
Yes all day you can. However, the 16g post is thinner than the 14g. Downsizing is not an issue unless you’ve got a large collection of 14g jewelry that you wish to wear again. Downsizing to 16g is safe as long as it is healed.
How do you disinfect a piercing needle?
Place the metal portion of the needle in boiling water. Let it stand for at least 5-10 minutes. Wear your sterile latex gloves and remove the needle tip from water. Wipe it with rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide solution.
