Shark Bites Piercing in Nairobi, Kenya

Shark Bites Piercing Procedure

The Shark Bites piercing procedure involves creating four separate piercings on the lower lip, with two on each side. Here’s a step-by-step outline of the process:

• Consultation: Our piercer will discuss your desired placement, jewelry options, and provide aftercare instructions. This is a good time to ask any questions or voice concerns.
• Preparation: Our piercer will clean and disinfect the area around your lower lip to prevent infection. They’ll then mark the exact spots where the piercings will be placed, ensuring symmetry.
• Piercing: Using a sterilized hollow needle, our piercer will create each hole one by one. Typically, they start on one side and then move to the other. You’ll feel a sharp pinch for each piercing.
• Jewelry Insertion: After each piercing is made, our piercer will immediately insert the chosen jewelry, usually studs or small hoops. This ensures the holes stay open and begin healing properly.
• Final Cleaning: Our piercer will clean the area again and check to ensure everything looks symmetrical and correctly positioned.

Aftercare: Healing time for Shark Bites piercings can take 2 to 3 months. It’s crucial to keep the area clean, avoid touching or playing with the jewelry, and follow the piercer’s aftercare instructions to prevent infections or complications.

Considerations before getting a Shark Bites Piercing

Before getting a Shark Bites piercing, consider the following factors:

• Pain Level: Since it involves four piercings, expect more discomfort compared to a single piercing. Pain tolerance varies, but be prepared for some sharp pain during the procedure and tenderness afterward.
• Healing Time: This piercing has a longer healing time, typically 2 to 3 months, but it can take up to 6 months to fully heal. You’ll need to be diligent with aftercare, as the healing process requires consistent cleaning.
• Aftercare: You’ll need to clean the piercings 2-3 times daily using a saline solution. Avoid smoking, alcohol, and spicy foods, as these can irritate the piercings.
• Swelling and Irritation: Swelling is common, especially during the first week. Cold compresses or ice chips can help reduce it, but you may also need to avoid activities that could irritate the piercings, such as eating hard or chewy foods.
• Jewelry Options: Initially, you’ll need to wear longer jewelry to accommodate swelling. Once the healing process is complete, you can switch to shorter jewelry or different styles, but this should only be done by a professional.
• Cost: A Shark Bites piercing can be more expensive than single or double piercings due to the number of holes. Make sure you budget for both the procedure and quality jewelry.
• Potential Risks: With any piercing, there’s a risk of infection, rejection, scarring, or migration. Proper aftercare minimizes these risks, but it’s important to monitor for any signs of complications.
• Lifestyle Impact: Consider how this piercing might affect daily activities such as eating, speaking, or playing musical instruments. It can also impact employment in settings with strict appearance policies.
• Piercing Professional: Choose an experienced and reputable piercer who uses sterilized equipment and follows proper hygiene practices to reduce the risk of complications.
• Dental Health: Lip piercings can sometimes cause gum recession, tooth erosion, or enamel damage over time, especially if the jewelry rubs against your gums or teeth. Opt for biocompatible materials like titanium or gold to reduce this risk.

Shark Bites Piercing Pain and Healing

Pain Level

• During the Procedure: Shark Bites piercings can be more painful than a single lip piercing because you’re getting four piercings at once. You’ll feel a sharp pinch for each one, but an experienced piercer will work quickly to minimize discomfort.
• After the Procedure: Expect swelling, tenderness, and throbbing around the pierced areas for a few days. The pain is usually manageable and should gradually subside, but since there are four piercings, it may take a bit longer to feel comfortable compared to less complex piercings.

Healing Time

Typical Healing Duration: The healing period for Shark Bites piercings is around 2 to 3 months, but it can take up to 6 months for complete healing. Healing varies depending on your body’s response, lifestyle, and how well you follow aftercare instructions.

Healing Tips

• Clean Daily: Clean your piercings 2-3 times daily using a saline solution or a piercing aftercare spray. Avoid using alcohol or hydrogen peroxide, as these can dry out and irritate the piercings.
• Avoid Touching: Keep your hands off the piercings unless you’re cleaning them, as touching can introduce bacteria and cause infections.
• Be Careful with Eating: Eat soft foods initially and avoid spicy, acidic, or salty foods that can irritate the piercings.
• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to help reduce swelling and support healing.
• Avoid Oral Irritants: Refrain from smoking, drinking alcohol, or using harsh mouthwashes during the healing period, as these can slow down the healing process or cause complications.
• Monitor for Issues: Keep an eye out for signs of infection, such as excessive redness, swelling, pain, or pus. If you notice any of these symptoms, consult your piercer or a healthcare professional.

Possible Healing Complications

• Infection: Bacteria can easily enter the piercings, especially during the initial healing period, so be diligent about cleaning.
• Swelling: Swelling is normal in the first week, but if it worsens or doesn’t subside, it could be a sign of an issue.
• Migration or Rejection: If your body doesn’t accept the piercing, it may start to push the jewelry out. This can happen due to improper placement, poor aftercare, or the body’s natural reaction.

By following proper aftercare and being patient, you can help ensure a smoother healing process for your Shark Bites piercings.

Shark Bites Piercing Aftercare

Proper aftercare is crucial for ensuring that your Shark Bites piercings heal well and avoid complications. Here’s a comprehensive guide:

Cleaning Routine

• Saline Solution: Clean your piercings 2-3 times daily using a saline solution or a piercing aftercare spray. You can buy pre-made saline or make your own by mixing 1/4 teaspoon of non-iodized sea salt with 8 ounces of warm distilled water.
• Cleaning Process:
  – Wash your hands thoroughly before touching the piercings.
  – Soak a clean cotton pad or gauze in the saline solution and gently press it against the piercings for a few minutes.
  – Gently remove any crust or debris around the jewelry using the soaked pad. Do not twist or turn the jewelry, as this can cause irritation.

Oral Hygiene
– Rinse After Eating: Rinse your mouth with an alcohol-free, antibacterial mouthwash or saline solution after eating to remove food particles and prevent bacteria build-up.
– Brush Gently: Brush your teeth gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid irritating the piercings.

Swelling Management
– Cold Compress: Apply a clean, cold compress or ice pack wrapped in a cloth to the outside of your lip to help reduce swelling, especially during the first few days.
– Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water can help reduce swelling and support healing.

Avoid Irritants
– No Touching or Twisting: Avoid touching or twisting the jewelry unnecessarily, as this can introduce bacteria or cause irritation.
– Avoid Smoking and Alcohol: Both can irritate the piercings and slow down the healing process, so it’s best to avoid them during the healing period.
– Stay Away from Spicy, Salty, or Acidic Foods: These can cause discomfort or irritation, so it’s wise to avoid them until your piercings have healed.

Sleep and Lifestyle Tips
– Sleep on Your Back: Try to sleep on your back or on the opposite side of your piercings to avoid pressure on the area.
– Avoid Oral Contact: Refrain from kissing or oral activities that can introduce bacteria to the piercings until they are fully healed.

Monitor for Complications
– Watch for signs of infection such as redness, swelling, pain, heat, or pus. If you suspect an infection, consult your piercer or a healthcare professional promptly.
– Avoid changing the jewelry before the piercings are fully healed (at least 2-3 months) unless instructed by a professional.

Long-Term Care Even after your piercings have healed, continue to maintain good oral hygiene and keep an eye on them to prevent issues like migration or gum recession.

Following these aftercare steps, you can help ensure a smooth healing process for your Shark Bites piercings and reduce the risk of complications.

Shark Bites Piercing Jewelry

Choosing the right jewelry for your Shark Bites piercings is essential for comfort, healing, and style. Here’s a guide to the best options:

Initial Jewelry

• Labret Studs: These are a popular choice for initial jewelry because they have a flat back, reducing irritation against the gums and teeth. They’re available in various lengths to accommodate swelling.
• Captive Bead Rings (CBRs): Some people opt for captive bead rings, which are circular hoops with a small bead that holds the jewelry in place. They allow more room for swelling but can move around more, potentially causing irritation during healing.
• Flat Back Studs: These studs have a flat disc on the back, which helps reduce the risk of the jewelry pressing against the inside of your mouth, making them a comfortable option during the healing process.

Material Options

• Titanium: Hypoallergenic, lightweight, and corrosion-resistant, titanium is one of the safest options for initial piercings, especially if you have sensitive skin or allergies.
• Surgical Stainless Steel: A common choice for body jewelry, surgical stainless steel is durable and affordable. However, it may cause irritation for those with metal sensitivities.
• 14k or 18k Gold: Opt for high-quality gold jewelry (14k or 18k) that is nickel-free to reduce the risk of allergic reactions. Avoid gold-plated jewelry, as the plating can wear off and cause irritation.
• Niobium: Similar to titanium in terms of being hypoallergenic, niobium is a safe and comfortable choice for initial piercings.

Long-Term Jewelry Options

• Labret Studs: Once your piercings are fully healed, you can switch to shorter labret studs for a more snug and subtle look. You can choose from various bead designs or gemstones for a bit of personalization.
• Hoops: If you prefer hoops, you can choose from seamless rings, captive bead rings, or clicker rings. These offer a bolder look and are great for those who want more movement and flexibility with their jewelry.
• Circular Barbells: These are horseshoe-shaped hoops with beads at each end, offering a unique look that’s different from standard rings or studs.

Jewelry Sizes

• Gauge: Shark Bites piercings are typically done with 16-gauge (1.2 mm) or 14-gauge (1.6 mm) needles. Make sure any jewelry you choose matches this gauge to avoid issues with sizing.
• Length/ Diameter: The length or diameter of the jewelry will depend on your anatomy and preferences. Your piercer will usually start with longer or larger jewelry to accommodate swelling, and once healed, you can switch to smaller sizes.

Jewelry Styles for Customization

• Colored Anodized Jewelry: Titanium and niobium can be anodized to create various colors, allowing for a more personalized look.
• Gemstone or Crystal Ends: Opt for labret studs with gemstone or crystal ends for a touch of sparkle.
• Different Shapes: Once healed, you can explore different bead shapes, such as stars, hearts, or skulls, for a more unique style.

Tips for Choosing Jewelry

• Always consult our piercer before changing jewelry, especially during the healing period.
• Avoid cheap, low-quality materials like nickel or plated metals, as they can cause irritation or allergic reactions.
• Make sure the jewelry you choose is smooth and free of any sharp edges that could cause damage or irritation to the piercing.

By choosing high-quality materials and appropriate styles, you’ll ensure your Shark Bites piercings are comfortable, safe, and stylish throughout the healing process and beyond.

Cost of a Shark Bites Piercing in Nairobi, Kenya

The cost of a Shark Bites piercing can vary based on factors such as location, the experience of the piercer, and the quality of the jewelry used. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect:

Average Cost Range

• Overall Cost: The average cost for a Shark Bites piercing ranges from Ksh. 5,000 to Ksh. 10,000. This price includes all four piercings since they are done simultaneously.
• Piercing Per Hole: At Rebel Inks Tattoos, Tattoo Removal and Body Piercings Parlour we may charge per piercing, typically around Ksh. 1,500 to Ksh. 2,500 each, making the total approximately Ksh. 5,000 to Ksh. 10,000

Factors Affecting the Cost

• Location: Piercing studios in larger cities or areas with a higher cost of living may charge more than those in smaller towns. Rebel Inks Tattoos, Tattoo Removal, and Body Piercings Parlour is located in the heart of the Central Business Disrict (CBD) in Nairobi, Kenya, and is easily accessible to both locals and foreigners in the country
• Experience of the Piercer: More experienced piercers tend to charge higher fees due to their expertise, but paying extra can be worth it to ensure proper placement, safety, and professionalism. At Rebel Inks Tattoos, Tattoo Removal, and Body Piercings Parlour we have experienced professionals who offer quality and premium services.
• Jewelry Quality: The initial jewelry used can significantly impact the overall cost. High-quality materials like titanium, surgical stainless steel, or gold will increase the price but are safer and more comfortable, especially during healing.

Additional Costs

• Aftercare Products: You may need to purchase saline solution or piercing aftercare spray, which can cost an additional Ksh. 500 to Ksh. 1,000
• Jewelry Upgrades: If you decide to change your jewelry after the healing period, higher-quality or custom jewelry can cost anywhere from Ksh. 500 to Ksh. 1,000 or more.

Important Tips

• Avoid choosing a piercing studio solely based on price. It’s better to pay more for a reputable, experienced piercer who follows proper hygiene and safety practices.
• Always ensure the studio uses sterilized equipment and high-quality jewelry to minimize the risk of complications or infections.
• Overall, plan for an initial investment of around Ksh. 5,500 to Ksh. 11,00 or more for a Shark Bites piercing, considering the potential extra costs for aftercare and future jewelry changes.