If you’re curious about what body parts can be pierced using a piercing gun, this list covers the most common and safe options. Whether you’re considering your first piercing or looking into quick, affordable methods, understanding the suitable piercing locations for a piercing gun helps you make an informed choice. This guide is especially useful for beginners and those exploring piercing options outside of professional needle piercers.
Earlobes
The earlobe is by far the most common and recommended area for piercing with a piercing gun. It’s soft, fleshy, and has fewer nerves and blood vessels compared to other parts of the ear, which reduces pain and risk of complications. Most piercing guns are designed specifically for earlobe piercings, making this option quick, affordable, and widely available in retail and mall settings.
Upper Earlobe
Just above the traditional earlobe piercing, the upper earlobe offers a slightly firmer area but is still suitable for piercing guns. This spot allows for multiple lobe piercings to create curated earring looks. However, because the cartilage starts to get thicker here, the risk of irritation and healing issues is higher than the soft lower lobe.
Tragus (With Caution)
While some shops use piercing guns on the tragus, it is generally discouraged by professional piercers due to the cartilage’s hardness and density. Piercing guns can cause trauma or shatter cartilage, leading to longer healing times or infections. If a gun is used, it’s crucial that the equipment is sanitized and the client understands the risks.
Helix (Rarely Recommended)
The helix is the outer rim of the ear cartilage and is a popular piercing spot but not ideal for piercing guns. Most professionals use a hollow needle due to precision and less trauma. Gun use here can increase chances of cartilage damage and poor healing, so it’s usually recommended only in emergency or non-professional settings.
Nose (Earlobe-Style Piercing Only)
Some piercers use piercing guns for nostril piercings, but only when the jewelry is a simple stud with a flat back, similar to earlobe earrings. The piercing gun can cause blunt force trauma to the nostril cartilage, so many professionals avoid this. If done, it’s important the gun is sterile and the client is informed about aftercare and risks.
Eyebrow (Not Recommended)
Eyebrow piercings require precision and minimal tissue damage, which piercing guns cannot provide. The gun’s blunt force can cause bruising, uneven placement, and damage to the sensitive skin and tissue around the brow. Needles remain the standard method for this area, so eyebrow piercing with a gun is not advised.
Cheeks (Dimple Piercings)
Though extremely rare and generally discouraged, some shops advertise cheek piercings with a piercing gun. The thicker skin and underlying muscles make this risky and prone to infection. Professional piercers almost exclusively use needles for dimples due to the precision and control needed to avoid nerve damage.
Cartilage Piercings Other Than Ear (Not Suitable)
Areas like the nose septum, tongue, lip, or nipple require precise piercing techniques and are unsuitable for piercing guns. The blunt force trauma from a gun can cause severe tissue damage and improper jewelry insertion, resulting in complications. Professional body piercers always recommend hollow needles for these locations.
Child or Infant Earlobe Piercings
Many retail piercing services use guns for infant or child earlobe piercings due to the speed and minimal distress it causes. While still controversial among professionals, this remains a common practice because the earlobe’s softness and simplicity make it relatively safe if proper hygiene is maintained.
Fake or Clip-On Piercings (Accessory Use)
Though not an actual piercing, some piercing guns are used to create temporary holes for clip-on earrings or fashion accessories in non-pierced ears. This is a non-permanent solution for those who want the look without commitment. However, it’s important to understand this is not a true piercing and may cause irritation if used repeatedly.
How to Choose
When deciding which body part to pierce with a piercing gun, safety and anatomical suitability are paramount. Piercing guns work best on soft, fleshy areas like the earlobe, where blunt force won’t damage cartilage or nerves. For cartilage or sensitive areas, professional piercers always recommend hollow needles due to precision and reduced trauma. Additionally, ensure the piercing gun is properly sterilized or uses disposable cartridges to minimize infection risk. If you want a piercing in cartilage or areas other than the earlobe, opt for a needle piercing from a licensed professional rather than a gun.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you pierce cartilage with a piercing gun?
Generally, no. Piercing guns are not designed for cartilage and can cause damage or infection.
Are piercing guns safe to use?
They can be safe for earlobe piercings if properly sterilized and used by trained staff, but they carry higher risks for other areas.
Why do professionals avoid piercing guns?
Because piercing guns cause blunt trauma and can damage tissue, especially in cartilage, leading to poor healing or complications.
Can you reuse a piercing gun?
Most modern guns use disposable cartridges, but the gun itself must be cleaned to prevent infections.
Is it painful to get pierced with a gun?
Pain varies by individual and location, but gun piercings are often quicker and less painful on soft earlobes.
What jewelry is used with piercing guns?
Typically, stud earrings with flat backs designed for gun use are used, as they fit the gun’s mechanism.
Final Thoughts
Piercing guns are a popular, fast, and affordable way to get earlobe piercings, especially for beginners or children. However, their use is largely limited to soft tissue areas due to the blunt force impact and hygiene concerns. For cartilage and other body parts, hollow needles remain the safer, more precise choice preferred by professionals. Understanding the limitations and risks of piercing guns ensures you can make a safe decision and enjoy your new piercing without complications.
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