Tattoo & Piercing

Plugs: Styles and Materials Plugs, sometimes mistakenly called gauges, have been worn by many diverse ethnic groups throughout history, primarily throughout African and South Pacific regions. With globalization throughout the world, the customs of these people have traveled to the West and now this type of body piercing throughout North America and Europe is more popular than ever! For those of you who don’t know, plugs/gauges are worn primarily in the ears after the initial piercing has healed and has then been stretched larger. Occasionally plugs are worn in other piercings such as the nose, labret or cartilage, but the […]

Pop Jewelry: Turn of the Century Vintage Romance This look comes together with a blending of opulent jeweled pieces, classic elements like pearls and florals, and modern folkloric styling. Grunge layering, pastoral freshness, and vivid pigments intermingle to create something both distinctly modern and innately heritage, with a vintage charm that feminizes the overall look. Pearls set the stage for classic drama, especially when paired with filigree, cabochons, and oversized cocktail flowers. To keep the style modern and add interest, layer strands in varying sizes or colors, mix in some textured beads or crystal, or hold multiple tiers together with […]

Popular History of Piercings: What We Learned From the 80’s For much of the pierced and modified generation, the eighties were a blur of early childhood energy, or even a period of pre-existence, but as retro becomes the new modern and modern begins to look to the future, the world of alternative fashion is slowly taking on a life of its own. And for those of us who did live through and can remember the 1980’s, our worst fears have undeniably begun coming true: the eighties are back! …at least, eighties fashion. What many of us neglect to realize (or […]

Popular Modification: the Fabulous Fun of Finger Tattoos Tattooing on the fingers has always existed, and slowly but surely it has even become a staple of modern tattoo art. The famous image of a man’s knuckles curled into fists and emblazoned with tattooed letters spelling out “love” and “hate” is so iconic that it’s recognized across multiple generations. In the new millennium though, the finger tattoo has taken on an entirely different, far less philosophical role: interactive fun. Tattooing can be used, whether large scale or minuscule, as a form of physical comedy interacting with the body. Inked garters, buttons, […]

Proper Aftercare of Coated and Plated Body Jewelry In recent years, coated and plated body jewelry has become popular in the culture of pierced and modified individuals because the processes used offer more vivid color options than the traditional look of common base metals. It’s a fact that plated and coated jewelry materials require special care and cleaning. Some of the outer layers may peel, chip away, crack off, or break down over time as a result of your jewelry being in contact with moisture and heat generated by your own body. Plated and coated jewelry are not recommended for […]

Organic Body Jewelry: What are the Pros and Cons of Wearing Natural Materials? The use of natural materials in body jewelry fashion is a trend that refuses to be ignored. It’s easy to understand why the modified culture has been turning to organic and naturally derived jewelry considering the current chaotic state our climate is in. These types of materials, which include but are not limited to wood, horn, bone, stone, and shell are not only good for the health of our piercings; they’re also amazing for the well-being of our planet. But how are plugs for stretched ears or […]

Quick Take: Body Jewelry for Sensitive Skin Sensitivity to certain materials can detour people from wearing jewelry, and who wants that?! When it comes to body piercing, it is especially important to know what your body reacts to. An allergic reaction can be as simple as a rash or itching, or as severe as blistering. Because your skin is ever changing throughout your life, it is possible you may develop a sensitivity at any time. Even if you’re uncertain and just want to play it safe, the following materials should keep you in the clear. Bioplast contains NO METAL whatsoever! […]

Quick Take: All about Eyebrows The actual piercing itself is done in a variety of ways depending on exactly where along the brow you’re getting pierced, what size needle is being used, and the general preferences of your piercer. Some modification artists will use forceps for the eyebrow and others will prefer to pierce freehand, sometimes using a hollow needle receiving tube or cork. Aftercare is much like that of other piercings, with sea salt soaks, gentle cleansings, and avoidance of makeup or lotions all being common recommendations. Eyebrow Jewelry Most standard eyebrow piercings will be worn with a small […]