my kiddo seriously wants a labret for his 16th, and I have said a tentative "yes" if we find a soft backing that will spare his teeth and gums for sure. So I'm visualizing this and I remember he's shaving roughly every other day: Ok guys with this present or past: how did you shave with the labret in, such as healing time? this is pure curiousity for me and advice for him. and where do I start looking for softer (silicone???) backings/ shafts?
Do a search around your area, find a reputable piercer that you trust, ask if they stock PTFE or bioplast labret studs. Theres quite a variety of plastic jewellery that will be fine to use if you have concerns of the likes of gum recession (chances are very low, but i applaud the concern and effort undertaken rather than just dismissing what your son wants).
Thanks, atropine is Bioplast a material or maker trademark? I've heard the name and I think I've seen it on sites. I think all the Kid cares about is getting a spike for the "ball." and the larger part of my question is about the shaving. Are there tricks to it post piercing. (sadly, I think we have to wait until next summer. He's here at winter holidays, but not long enough to heal enough for me to be OK with him going back to dad -who might make him remove new piercings)
I cant say much from experience on shaving.. my hair doesnt interact with my piercings so its fine, but ive known plenty of people who havent had any problems.. Only advice i would have would be showering during of after shaving, along with aftercare afterward, to try to avoid having any stray hair inside the piercing. As for healing.. youd definately want at least 2-3 weeks for your son to be used to it and for it to be settled nicely.. 1-2months would be nice to give the piercing time to heal. If your son is wanting a spike id recommend avoiding it and going with a ball to start with. Even on his lip the spike can catch nicely on things and slow the healing process. A ball would probaly be a more gradual process on the Father if that does turn to be an issue. Wait for him to get use to it then go with the spike if he really wants.
ptfe and bioplast are safe for fresh piercings, like atropine said. im not sure about the shaving question (being a girl). my friend who has a labret piercing doesnt shave there and its never been a problem even when he was healing. i would say he should jsut do his best to shave around it and dont worry about the bit of hair he cant reach. as long as he keeps it clean, his own hair isnt going to bother it. once its healed (a few months) he can take it out to shave.
seconded on the bioplast btw. For the shaving I can say this. Shaving, by most men, is done wrong to begin with and can cause alot of irritation, ie:razor burn and ingrown hairs. And with a fresh piercing its can be difficult to get around it as well. I suggest before he shaves after a hot shower, the warm water softens the hair on the face. Second is to use a badger hair brish to apply the shaving cream or shaving lather. Reason being is the hairs on the badger brush while in soaked om the cream make the hair stand up and gently remove dead skin that can clog pores and cause irritation. A nice razor and a steady hand is all it takes. Make sure he keeps his face with a nice amount of warm water to keep the pores open. Third have him rinse his face with cold water to close the pores and then apply an aftershave that doesnt contain alcohol. To dry his face, pat it and dont wipe, wiping causes irritation. That should keep the irritation off his face while hes got the piercing healing. I hope it helps, as a former piercer and a metrosexual, im pretty good with metal and grooming. Good luck.
sounds like good advice, northernlytes thats exactly how i used to shave my body hair lol- hot shower, old school shaving brush, and cold water after- the cold water helped so much.
