Does it hurt? Unlike ear piercing, a gun is not used, instead, a super-sharp one time use needle is used. With the gun, it tears a hole in the piercing area which causes some pain. With the one time use needle, it cuts a precision hole with relatively no pain. But for the following few days after the piercing you will most likely feel some discomfort.

How much does it cost? Piercing range from 35 to over 60 dollars. Depending on the jewelry, gauge, and place that is pierced.

Are there age restrictions? In Minnesota currently there is a law restricing body piercings to age 16. Your parent will need to also sign for you. Restrictions vary from shop to shop, but are generally the same.

Where did you guys get the piercing information? We conducted both a phone and in-person interview with Marcie from "Marcie's Tattoo and Piercing Shop" in Blaine, MN. We also used our own experiences to help out.

Do you have any piercings? Me? I have both lobes double pierced, double 0G lower and 4G upper, a helix to orbital industrial and daith as well in the left ear. In addition i have a rook and a double orbital in the right. Check it out in the ear project section. I also have my tongue pierced, 14G.

Can I just do it myself and save time and money? NO!! Never try to pierce yourself in any way, shape or form. Taking a safety pin and ramming it through your naval is NEVER a good idea. Even if you burn, or put alcohol on the needle to steralize it, you won't. Trying to pierce yourself can have baaaaaad consequenses. Hepatitis B is a common one.

Do they numb it? Most piercing places I've been to don't generally numb the area to be pierced, on the tongue sometimes they put an Ora-Gel type stuff to numb it and absorb any pain. At some places they will numb the area if you ask nicely.

How can I go from 18 gauge to 8 gauge? First of all, gauge, if you didn't know is the thickness of the jewelry. Okay, to go from a smaller gauge to a much larger gauge can take some time. The best way is to gradually move up, like from 18G to 16G. Then from 16G to 14G, allowing the new gauge to be in for a week or two before moving up again. You can move about two gauges at a time if you don't mind a little pain for a few hours (ex. 14G to 10G). Also, you can go to a piercing shop and have them stretch them for you, this is quicker, but sometimes more expensive.

Is it safe to get your tongue/lip pierced if you have braces? In short, lip NO, tongue MAYBE. If you have braces it is a pretty good idea not to get your lip/labret pierced. The jewelry could get caught on your braces and that would be very painful. You'd have to visit the dentist to get it removed. But with your tongue, if taken care of properly, can be safe. Just don't stick out your tongue all the time or be careless in any way. Or you'll end up in a bad situation. Above all, BE CAREFUL.

What is your favorite piercing? I think that the tongue is my favorite piercing. For a few reasons. First, it never grows out, it's easy to hide from your parents (just don't yawn). And let's not forget the other fun and entertaining things a tongue barbell is useful for. = o )

ShaRp ImaGes