Introduction
Welcome to our latest blog post, where we delve into the world of body piercings and the subtle yet significant differences in jewelry design. Imagine you’re excited about getting a new piercing at a piercing studio. You’ve thought about the location, the style, and even the color of the jewelry. Still, there’s one detail you might have yet to consider: should the jewelry be internally or externally threaded? This choice, often overlooked, can make a big difference in your piercing experience.
The challenge here lies in understanding the nuances between these two types of threaded jewelry. It’s not just about aesthetics; it’s about comfort, safety, and the healing process of your piercing. How do you know which one is right for your specific needs? Is one type better than the other for certain kinds of piercings? These are essential questions to consider, especially for those new to piercings or those looking to switch their current jewelry.
In this article, we’ll answer these questions and more. We’ll explore the differences between internally and externally threaded jewelry, dive into their respective advantages, and guide you on which type might best fit your piercing. Whether you’re a piercing enthusiast or someone planning their first piercing, understanding these distinctions is critical to making informed decisions about your body jewelry. Let’s get started on this insightful journey into the world of threaded jewelry!
Understanding Threaded Jewelry
Threaded jewelry is a special kind of jewelry we use for body piercings. Imagine a screw and a nut. The screw is like the part of the jewelry that goes through your skin, and the nut is the part that screws onto it to keep it in place. This is how threaded jewelry works.
There are two main types: internally threaded and externally threaded. Let’s learn about them!
What is internally threaded jewelry?
Internally threaded jewelry has a smooth end that goes through your piercing. It’s like a stick without any rough edges. At the end of this stick, there’s a small hole. A separate piece, which has a tiny screw, fits into this hole. It’s like putting a pencil into a pencil sharpener. This makes it gentle on your skin when you put it in or take it out.
What is externally threaded jewelry?
Externally threaded jewelry is different. The end of the jewelry that goes through your skin has threads on it, like the outside of a screw. The other part, which screws onto it, is like a nut that fits on these threads. It’s not as smooth as the internally threaded kind.
Both types are used in body piercings, but they feel and work a bit differently. Knowing about them is important so you can choose the best one for your piercing.
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The Differences Between Internally and Externally Threaded Jewelry
When we talk about internally and externally threaded jewelry, we look at how they are put together and how they feel when you wear them. Both are used for piercings, but they are a little different.
Physical Structure
Internally threaded jewelry is like a bottle with a cap. The central part that goes through your piercing is smooth, like the bottle. At the end of it, there’s a hole where you screw in a small piece, like putting the cap on the bottle. This design makes it really smooth and easy to put through your piercing.
Externally threaded jewelry, on the other hand, is more like a screw and a nut. The part that goes through your piercing has threads, like the lines on a screw. You screw on a piece, like a nut, onto these threads. This type can feel rougher when you’re putting it in or taking it out.
Comfort and Safety
Internally threaded jewelry is usually more comfortable. Since the part that goes through your skin is smooth, it’s gentle and doesn’t hurt or scratch. This is really good for new piercings or if your skin is sensitive.
Externally threaded jewelry might be less comfortable. The threads can scratch a little when you put the jewelry in or out, which might not feel nice, especially if your piercing is new or healing.
Knowing these differences can help you choose the right type of jewelry for your piercing, especially if you have sensitive skin or a new piercing. It’s all about what feels best and keeps your piercing happy and healthy.
Advantages of Internally Threaded Jewelry
Internally threaded jewelry is a popular choice for body piercings and has some great benefits. Let’s talk about why many people like to use it.
Safety and Healing
One of the most significant advantages of internally threaded jewelry is that it’s safer for your skin, especially when you have a new piercing. Since the part that goes through your skin is smooth, it doesn’t scratch or irritate. This is really important for helping your piercing heal without problems.
Internally threaded jewelry is also fabulous for people with sensitive skin. It’s less likely to cause irritation or an allergic reaction, which keeps your skin happy and healthy.
Durability and Quality
Internally threaded jewelry is often made with better-quality materials. It’s strong and lasts a long time, so you don’t have to worry about replacing it often. This kind of jewelry is a good investment because it keeps its shape and shine even after you wear it for a long time.
Quality is important, especially for something you wear every day. Internally threaded jewelry gives you that quality, making it a smart choice for your piercings.
Choosing internally threaded jewelry means you’re picking something that’s safe, comfortable, and high-quality. It’s a great option for keeping your piercings healthy and looking good for a long time!
When to Choose Externally Threaded Jewelry
Even though internally threaded jewelry has many benefits, there are times when externally threaded jewelry might be a good choice too. Let’s explore when it makes sense to pick externally threaded jewelry for your piercings.
Cost-Effectiveness
One big reason to choose externally threaded jewelry is that it often costs less. If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, this type can be a good choice. It’s especially helpful if you like to change your jewelry often and want different styles without spending too much.
Suitability for Certain Piercings
In some cases, externally threaded jewelry might be just fine for your piercing. If you have an older piercing that’s already healed well, this type of jewelry can be a good option. It’s also useful if you have a piercing that’s not too sensitive or in a tough-to-reach place.
Availability and Variety
Externally threaded jewelry is pretty common, so you’ll find a lot of choices in stores. There are many different styles, colors, and designs. If you love having lots of options and enjoy trying new looks, you might appreciate the variety available with externally threaded pieces.
Remember, the most important thing is to choose jewelry that feels comfortable and safe for your piercing. If you’re not sure, you can always ask a professional piercer for advice. They can help you pick the best type of jewelry for your needs.
Impact on Piercing Healing and Maintenance
When you get a new piercing, it’s important to think about how your jewelry choice will affect its healing and how easy it is to take care of. Let’s talk about how internally and externally threaded jewelry can have different impacts on this.
Healing Process
Internally threaded jewelry is often better for the healing process. Since it’s smooth and doesn’t have any rough edges, it’s gentle on your new piercing. This means there’s less chance of irritation or infection, helping your piercing heal faster and more comfortably.
Externally threaded jewelry, with its threads on the outside, can sometimes catch on the skin or cause little scratches. This might slow down the healing process or make it a bit more painful, especially if the piercing is still very new.
Cleaning and Care
Taking care of your piercing is super important. Internally threaded jewelry is usually easier to clean because there are fewer places for dirt or bacteria to hide. This helps keep your piercing clean and reduces the risk of infection.
With externally threaded jewelry, you have to be a bit more careful when cleaning. The threads can trap bacteria or dirt, so you need to pay extra attention to cleaning those areas well.
Long-term Maintenance
For long-term wear, comfort is key. Internally threaded jewelry is often more comfortable and doesn’t bother your skin as much. This makes it a great choice if you plan to wear the same piece for a long time.
No matter which type of jewelry you choose, always make sure to clean your piercing regularly and follow any care instructions from your piercer. This will help keep your piercing healthy and looking great!
Conclusion
As we’ve navigated the intricate details of internally and externally threaded jewelry, it’s clear that each type holds its unique set of benefits and considerations. Internally threaded jewelry, with its smooth insertion and lesser risk of irritation, stands out as a preferred choice for new piercings and those with sensitive skin. Its high-quality construction and durability make it a wise investment for long-term wear. On the other hand, externally threaded jewelry offers an economical and varied selection, suitable for well-healed piercings and those seeking a diverse range of styles.
The decision between these two types of jewelry hinges on factors like the stage of healing of your piercing, your skin’s sensitivity, and personal preferences in style and budget. Understanding these differences is crucial in ensuring not just the aesthetic appeal of your piercing, but also its healthy and comfortable healing.
Ultimately, the choice of jewelry should align with your personal needs, comfort, and the health of your piercing. Whether you opt for the smoothness of internally threaded pieces or the variety of externally threaded ones, the right knowledge empowers you to make informed decisions for your body art. This journey through the nuances of threaded jewelry underscores the importance of thoughtful consideration in every aspect of piercing care and style.
Updated December 6, 2023.
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