You have chosen where to get your piercing, and now there is another decision: titanium or steel? Some pieces look alike at first glance, but the material, finish and size matter just as much as the design.
For a new piercing, choosing the jewellery you like most is not enough. Here are the differences worth knowing and what to ask your piercer, especially if you have had reactions to nickel.
Table of Contents
Titanium: lightweight and worth considering if nickel concerns you
Titanium is lightweight and often used for jewellery in new piercings. If you are sensitive to nickel, it may be a suitable option, provided the piece has documented material quality.
The word “titanium” or the label “G23” alone does not prove that jewellery meets the requirements for this use. You can ask for documentation showing that it meets an appropriate material standard, such as ASTM F136 or ASTM F67, depending on the type of titanium.
- Weight: it is lightweight, which may help with comfort.
- Finish: the surface should be smooth, without defects that could irritate the area.
- Quality: knowing the material specification matters, not just its trade name.
No metal on its own guarantees fast or trouble-free healing. Placement, fit and aftercare count too.
Steel: not every piece is the same
Steel can contain nickel. So if you have had reactions to earrings, watches or costume jewellery, mention this before choosing a piece. Do not assume jewellery will be suitable just because it is advertised as “surgical steel”.
Not all steels have the same properties either. There are specifications for materials suitable for implants, whereas a generic label such as “316L” does not, on its own, certify the quality of the finished jewellery.
A healed piercing does not rule out a possible allergy or make every piece advisable. Before changing jewellery, it is worth assessing the condition of the area and the material you are going to insert.
How to decide with your piercer’s help
Rather than looking for one winner for every situation, ask about the specific piece. Jewellery made from a suitable material can cause problems if it fits too tightly, catches on things or has a poor finish.
- New piercing: ask for jewellery suited to the area, your anatomy and the stage of healing.
- Allergies or previous reactions: mention them before you start and seek medical assessment if needed.
- Changing jewellery: do not decide just because a few weeks have passed; ask whether the piercing channel is ready.
- Aftercare: follow the professional’s instructions and avoid handling the jewellery unnecessarily.
If you notice worsening pain, significant swelling, discharge or a skin reaction, do not try to solve it by repeatedly changing jewellery. Ask for guidance and seek medical assessment where appropriate.
At Bon Vivant Tattoo Studio, on Calle Montera in Madrid, you can ask about materials and options for our piercing services. You do not need to memorise the standards: what matters is getting a clear explanation of the jewellery you will be wearing.