It has a high strength-to-density ratio. The same goes for people seeking a substitute for metal jewelry because of sensitivity or budget concerns. As Jewelry Shopping Guide editors, we write about things that we love and we think you'll like too. Titanium 6Al4V ELI is an alloy used in medical applications and it is the most common titanium alloy used for body piercing. While body oils and sweat is a normal part of everyday life, they can have some effect on anodized metals, but this is not a major concern, because, really, how can you stop yourself from sweating? Gold (yellow or white) is appropriate for initial piercings if it is 14k or higher, nickel-free, and alloyed for biocompatibility. We also carry a full selection of Surgical Steel and Titanium Circular Barbells (Horseshoes) … Don’t use abrasive cleaners or harsh detergents as this could damage the surface of the metal and can dull the colors over time. In other words, titanium is considerably less dense than stainless steel … For most Type 2 titanium anodizing lines, AMS 2488D is the applicable specification. This type of titanium won’t react with body fluids since it’s nickel-free, and corrosion resistant. Titanium is also recommended for new piercings in healing, although many people can use Surgical Steel straight away, as long as it is high-quality Surgical Steel jewelry. Not every metal can be anodized, as some metals just react differently to the process. When it comes to initial piercings, there are some materials that should be avoided because they can increase the likelihood of having an allergic reaction, poor healing, and rejection. Even if the jewelry is coated in 14 karat gold or higher, the gold is simply a thin coating over a metal base made of different alloys, including nickel. This goes for gold overlay or gold vermeil jewelry, which are just other terms for gold-plated. There are a few materials approved by the Association of Professional Piercers (APP), but implant-grade titanium is the one most piercers recommend for initial piercings. Sterling silver is made primarily of silver, but it does contain other metals (usually copper). Is anodized titanium safe for piercings? Paraben-free beauty products are ones free of certain chemicals that act as preservatives. Avoid chemicals such as hairspray, perfume or make-up coming into contact with the anodized jewelry. There are a lot of raw materials that can be used to make it: metals, glass, plastics, and organic materials. However, while it may slowly wear off, it will never flake off. The heating process is done by introducing electricity to the metal which results in a permanent surface change. That said, you’ll still need to be mindful of sensitive skin and allergies. One unique aspect of both niobium and titanium is that they can be heat-treated, or anodized, to produce different colors -- you can have a pink, … You don’t have to be worried about using it because it’s actually used in a lot of major surgeries that a replacement is required in. Make sure any steel jewelry you choose is one of the following: Like titanium, nobium is hypoallergenic. It hasn’t been dyed, plated or coated with any other substance. And, they can damage healthy, healed skin. © 2005-2021 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. Anodized titanium cuff with natural colors. Titanium is by far the top choice for body piercings, and can be safely used for initial piercings. Always check this carefully and make sure that the entire piece of jewelry is made of titanium or niobium. Tear trough fillers may be an option if you’re looking to reduce the deep creases under your eyes. These are be sold as, Over time, you might notice that the vibrant colors of the anodized metal may start to fade. •gold (yellow or white) is appropriate for initial piercings … You will also find a large selection of bent bar jewelry in 16g and 14g for the eyebrow piercing. Our earrings are made by a medical implant manufacturer with the same implant grade titanium that they use for their medical implants. The gold coating can wear off or flake, exposing your fresh wound to said alloys. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you get Botox injections, you’ll need to follow the best practices for Botox aftercare. Just ensure that the materials are 100% safe. You’ll often see, Increases durability and resistance to corrosion. GOOD FOR FRESH EAR STRETCHES AND PIERCINGS. It can also be anodized, so you can find it in different colors. Anodized niobium is safe for body piercings because the color actually comes from a colorless, inert oxide layer that forms a transparent layer on the surface of the metal when an electrical current is passed through the niobium. I hope this guides you guys in the correct direction and that your next planned (or spontaneous ) piercing heals with … See them here. One of the most important aspects of getting a piercing is choosing a safe metal that won’t cause reactions or allergies. And the best part is, it’s hypoallergenic and extremely safe to wear. Since titanium is inert and non reactive to almost all chemicals it will never corrode, tarnish or rust. Surgical steel is a popular choice for piercings because it’s affordable, durable, and safe for most. Not all anodized metals are safe for piercings but anodized titanium and niobium are hypoallergenic and safe to wear. For new piercings, 14 karat gold is the sweet spot. You’ll often see niobium and titanium on the list of safe metals to use for fresh piercings due to their bio-compatible properties. Quick Overview: Pros of Anodizing Metals: How to Clean and Care for Anodized Jewelry, List of Good Luck Gemstones (A Handy Guide). Ultimately, the decision between titanium vs Surgical Steel piercing jewelry will be a personal one. However, while it may slowly wear off, it will never. Adrienne Santos-Longhurst is a Canada-based freelance writer and author who has written extensively on all things health and lifestyle for more than a decade. By implant-grade, we’re talking titanium that’s been certified for medical use and meets the standards for quality and safety set out by the American (now International) Society for Testing and Materials Standard (ASTM) or the International Standards Organization (ISO). When protocol isn't followed, or if you don't follow post-piercing cleaning instructions closely enough, infection can occur. Titanium is probably the most common metal type used in new piercings. This process is not unsafe and poses no harm to your body. For piercings in parts of the body with high movement, you’ll want extra flexibility and comfort. If there was no light during the process, there would be no colors. The only non-silver colored jewelry that is safe for initial piercings are anodized titanium, anodized niobium, genuine gold or rose gold, or colored bioplast! It’s regularly found in jewelry for piercings. Just ensure that the materials are 100% safe. Hypoallergenic and safe for initial, healing and healed piercings, this nostril screw is not only lovely too look at but it is ideal for anyone with metal sensitivities. As mentioned, anodizing doesn’t change the composition or nature of titanium. SAE International, the aerospace standards organization, is the governing authority for the specification for Type 2, which was last reviewed and reaffirmed in February 2018. See it here. If you don’t want to stay with us till the end, then here’s a quick overview that summarizes the benefits of anodized titanium and niobium. Store your jewelry in a fabric lined box or a soft pouch. OK for healed piercings. Titanium or Niobium anodized jewelry achieves its colors in a process where electricity is introduced to the metal, and is perfectly safe for fresh and healed piercings. © 2018 JEWELRYSHOPPINGGUIDE.COM ALL RIGHT RESERVED |, ENGAGEMENT RINGS, WEDDING RINGS AND WEDDING BAND, WHAT JEWELRY TO WEAR WITH YOUR WEDDING DRESS, One of the most important aspects of getting a piercing is choosing a safe metal that won’t cause reactions or allergies. Titanium Lip Piercings: Titanium lip piercing jewelry is light, safe and makes for a great piece for fresh piercings. During the anodizing process, a film or coating is formed on the surface by heating the metal. If you need to clean your jewelry, simply use warm water and a mild soap to clean off any grime buildup. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. The procedure involves injecting hyaluronic acid…, Buccal fat removal is a procedure that removes the buccal fat pads in your cheeks. This is merely because the oxide layer is starting to wear off and get thin, exposing the natural color of the metal. Nickel is a silver-colored metal found naturally in the environment. As with stainless steel, titanium alloys must meet specific requirements to be considered “implant grade”. Niobium is rare, relatively valuable and similar in appearance to metals like platinum or titanium. Not all anodized metals are safe for piercings, but anodized titanium won’t cause allergic reactions. Not every metal can be anodized, as some metals just react differently to the process. GOOD FOR HEALED EARS AND PIERCINGS. Titanium doesn’t contain any nickel, which makes it safe for people with sensitive skin or a nickel allergy. Most other metals just exfoliate when anodized, meaning that the surface layer will peel off. If you can drop the cash, platinum piercings are a safe and more expensive alternative to titanium piercings — if you can find them. Low karat gold contains higher amounts of other metals, including nickel and copper. Symbols of Strength and Power and What They Mean in... Everything You Need to Know About Azurite Gemstone... Best Wedding Bands to Fit a Marquise Engagement Ring, Fashionable Jewelry for Older Ladies – A No-Nonsense Guide, Symbols of Strength and Power and What They Mean in Jewelry, Your Ultimate Guide to Vintage Coro Jewelry. Both niobium and titanium can display gold, green, purple, copper, yellow, blue and sometimes even an, Something to watch out for is metals like stainless steel that have been given a titanium coating. But if these two metals have been anodized, which they often are, do they still remain safe for piercing jewelry? What makes anodized metals so special is the array of rainbow colors that they display without the use of any dyes. The softer the gold, the more prone it is to nicks and scratches that can irritate your skin and damage tissue. One great thing about titanium lip jewelry is that it comes in a variety of colors and looks highly polished. We also have plain Surgical Steel and Anodized Titanium Nose Hoops in various colors. Titanium is a very strong metal, stronger than stainless steel and 45% lighter. Here’s a look at those reasons, some second-best options, and materials to avoid at all costs. Over time, you might notice that the vibrant colors of the anodized metal may start to fade. Nope. If you go this route, look for unalloyed niobium that’s ASTM B392 compliant. Titanium doesn’t contain any nickel, which makes it safe for people with sensitive skin or a nickel allergy. That means it remains hypoallergenic and, therefore, safe for piercings. Swelling, redness, bleeding, or bruising are typical after a new nose piercing, but a bump may be cause for concern. As already mentioned above, if you’re choosing titanium, make sure that the metal is, in fact, anodized titanium and NOT other metals anodized with titanium. The jewelry surface should be polished and smooth, because a rough or jagged surface could cause irritation and tearing. Titanium is a hard metal that could have a … The higher you go, the softer the gold. Titanium, niobium, zinc, aluminium, magnesium and tantalum are able to undergo the process. This will keep it dust and moisture free and away from scratches. All that’s been done is an electric current has passed … Something to watch out for is metals like stainless steel that have been given a titanium coating. But when it comes to piercings, part of the issue is abrasion. Gold (yellow or white) is appropriate for initial piercings if it is 14k or higher, nickel free, and alloyed for biocompatibility. One thing that’s interesting about titanium is that it can be colored in a safe and biocompatible way. Titanium piercings may cost a bit more than jewelry made from other materials, but the payoff is a reduced risk of complications. It is considered to be more appropriate for sensitive skin than steel, is much lighter than steel, and is often highly polished and shinier than steel. Of this selection of metals, only the first two are suitable for body piercings. If you’re intrigued, keep reading. Here are a few other things to keep in mind, regardless of the material you choose going forward: You can’t go wrong with titanium jewelry, especially for a new piercing. Most of the time, your bump will…. Just remember that not all steel jewelry is of the same quality. Taking your search online will open up a range of options to choose from. They may carry some harmful health effects. It does contain some nickel, but thanks to a low rate of transfer, your skin is unlikely to notice. Body jewelry is fashion and self-expression. In most piercing jewelry, an anodized titanium coating will be made over surgical grade stainless steel to add durability and color. Titanium is a high-quality metal and has no nickel, which means it is safe for people with metal allergies and sensitivities. This makes the anodizing process a work of art, and sometimes, getting the exact same color again can be tricky. It's done to create a slimmer face. We use grade 23, which is implant grade; the same material the medical industry uses … Titanium anodized belly button ring, 16 ga Piercing Tips Body Piercing Tips Body piercing jewelry is a popular way of expressing the individuality these days and a growing number of people go for body piercing to show the beauty of their body, to become more attractive and add sexy look to their style. Titanium handles moisture well and is very body safe for the long-term wear body piercings require," Faris tells us. It’s regularly found in jewelry for piercings. Keep reading as we cover this topic in depth. Bioplast, Tygon Medica/Surgical Tubing, and PTFE (Teflon) are safe for new piercings. Jewelry made of low-grade metals will eventually tarnish, scratch, or chip. Chemically speaking, titanium is less likely to be absorbed by biological systems than niobium. Both niobium and titanium can display gold, green, purple, copper, yellow, blue and sometimes even an oil slick effect. In the case of titanium and niobium, anodizing causes the natural oxide layer on the surface to thicken and the miniscule debris found on the surface of the metal is removed by the process, resulting in a smoother texture. The following are jewelry materials approved by the APP for fresh piercings. Not all anodized metals are safe for piercings but anodized titanium and niobium are hypoallergenic and safe to wear. Not all piercings are created equal. Niobium is a metal similar to titanium and has similar advantages -- it's durable, lightweight and affordable. Look for jewelry made from titanium with these compliance designations: As long as you don’t have a known metal allergy or extremely sensitive skin, you have other safe options outside of titanium. Neither should cause an immune response or allergic reaction. Implant grade titanium G23 (Ti6al4v-ELI) is the material used in surgical implants, is biocompatible (friendly with your body), resistant to body fluids and nickel free. Grade 5 titanium piercing jewelry is durable, safe and resistant to body fluid attacks. Learn more about the procedure, potential side…. Even though there are other colors on the surface, the metal is still either titanium or niobium all the way through. Seeking a substitute for metal jewelry is durable and easy to maintain alloys used in medical applications avoid on! 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