Getting a new piercing in Singapore and wondering what to expect or how to care for it? This guide covers all you need to know.
With the lessening taboo against tattoos and piercings, it’s no surprise that more people are looking to get body art or modifications done. If you’re a total newbie who’s planning to add some new bling to your bod, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve put together a definitive guide on body piercings in Singapore that encompasses all you need to know. But before you get that new piercing you’ve been eyeing, take note that not all types of placements and studs may work for you. It’s always best to chat with a professional before making an appointment. Word of advice: don’t get any impromptu piercings before conducting proper research about the clinic or studio.
What to know about body piercings in Singapore
1. Ear piercings
Ah, the classic lobe piercing – you’ll only need a couple of weeks to bounce back from this. But if you’re planning to go for cartilage, it can take more than six months for your piercing to fully heal. Here are all the other areas of your ear that you can get pierced:
- Tragus: The inner piece of cartilage located over the ear canal and above your lobe.
- Helix: It sits on the outer cartilage rim of the upper part of the ear. If you get a double helix, the second piercing is placed under the first one.
- Forward helix: This goes through the cartilage at the front of the ear.
- Daith: It goes through the inner ridge of the cartilage.
- Rook: This goes through the cartilage on the ridge between the inner and outer conch.
- Conch: This pierces the cartilage that forms the back of the ear.
- Snug: It goes through the cartilage on the other ridge of the ear.
- Industrial: This involves two piercings in the cartilage on opposite sides. It will be connected by one piece of jewellery – usually, one that looks like a mini rod.
- Standard lobe: You know this one, most people have it.
Type of jewellery used: Stud earrings (lobes, helix and conch); French hook earrings (lobe); fake plugs (lobe); circular barbells (lobe and cartilage); spiral cartilage earrings (helix); captive beads (helix, rook, daith and tragus); segment rings (lobe, helix, rook, daith and tragus); seamless rings (daith); industrial barbells (industrial). Go all out with ear hangers, plugs and tunnels for stretched earlobes.
Where to get pierced: Piercing Clinic, #01-222, Marina Square, 6 Raffles Boulevard, Singapore 039594
2. Nose piercings
Nose piercings are all the rage and oh-so-chic. If you’re thinking of making an appointment for this piercing in Singapore, take note that the expected healing time is more than three months. These are the two types of nose piercings you can get here:
- Septum: Also known as the ‘bullnose’, this piercing goes through the skin in between both nostrils.
- Nostril: A basic piercing on either the left or right side.
Type of jewellery used: For nostril piercings, opt for captive beads rings, nostril screws, nose bones or seamless rings. Circular barbells, septum pinchers, septum tusks, segment rings and septum clickers are great for septum piercings.
Where to get pierced: Ink by Finch, #02-30, Peninsula Shopping Centre, 3 Coleman Street, Singapore 179804
3. Face piercings
If you’re looking to stand out from the crowd, this can be pretty eye-catching as not many people have face piercings in Singapore. Note that the healing time can stretch beyond six months. But for oral piercings it can be much quicker, ranging from just four to six weeks.
- Eyebrow: A surface piercing that goes through the top and bottom part of your eyebrow.
- Bridge: This goes through the skin between the eyes.
- Labret: It goes through the middle part of your lower lip, just above the chin.
- Medusa: This is usually done with labret studs and sits on the philtrum.
- Monroe: Similar to the Medusa but located on the side — it looks like Marilyn Monroe’s beauty mark!
- Lower lip: This goes through the skin below the lower lip and extends inside your mouth.
- Cheek: The piercing enters through the cheek from inside the mouth.
- Tongue: According to experienced individuals with tongue piercings, this heals the fastest. It goes through the tongue while avoiding contact with the frenulum.
- Smiley: This oral piercing goes through the upper frenulum, or the web between the inner upper lip and gums.
Type of jewellery used: For eyebrow piercings go for straight barbells, micro bent barbells, circular barbells and captive rings. Skin anchors and dermal tops work great for dermal piercings.
Where to get pierced: Exotic Tattoos & Piercings, #04-103, Far East Plaza, 14 Scotts Road, Singapore 228213
4. Body piercings
These piercings are usually a little more drastic than other types of body modifications. So the expected healing time will likely vary depending on the area you choose and your skin’s sensitivity. If you’re patient enough and willing to wait, these are the kinds you can get:
- Dermal anchors: Unlike traditional piercings that enter one side of your flesh and come out the other, dermal anchors are single-point surface piercings. A dermal punch is used to remove a small circle of flesh, usually on the neck or back.
- Belly: The navel or belly piercing enters through the upper rim of the belly button and exits through the interior.
- Vampire bite: A surface piercing on the neck or the shoulder.
- Nipple: You know the deal.
Type of jewellery used: For navel piercings, opt for belly button rings, navel shields and belly jewellery. If you’re piercing your nipple, choose nipple shields, bent barbells or straight barbells.
Where to get pierced: Rise Above Tattoo and Piercing, #04-70, Far East Plaza, 14 Scotts Road, Singapore 228213
Piercing safety and aftercare
Most studios in Singapore sterilise reusable equipment before use, but you can never be too careful. So don’t be embarrassed to enquire. Your piercing artist should also be wearing gloves at all times – especially when handling your skin, equipment and jewellery.
Be sure to go through the steps for aftercare with your piercer after it’s all done. Our best piece of advice? Don’t touch it while it’s fresh. And should you have any allergies or injuries that affect the healing process, visit a doctor. There’s nothing cool about a post-piercing infection.
Now, go ahead and rock your brand new body piercings in Singapore!
