A one-of-a-kind manual that covers everything piercers and piercees need to know about the process, from the woman who brought tongue-piercing into the mainstream.

Piercing pioneer Elayne Angel shares her exhaustive knowledge of piercing history, terminology, tools, techniques, jewelry, and placements. She debunks myths about piercing guns, metal detectors, and tongue infections; explains how to find a responsible and skilled piercer; and outlines proper aftercare. Packed with details that really matter--including advice for people with stretch marks, obesity, plastic surgery, and unique anatomy--this guide is the single most authoritative, go-to source on the subject.

Author Biography

ELAYNE ANGEL has been a professional piercer for more than 20 years and has performed over 40,000 piercings. She was awarded the President's Lifetime Achievement Award by the Association of Professional Piercers in 2006 and is a contributing writer for PAIN Magazine. She lives in Merida, Mexico.

Table of Contents

• Preface ix
• Acknowledgments xi
• Introduction: Piercing 101 1

Part 1 - The New Piercing Motivations 6 Piercing Past to Present 11

Part 2 - Groundwork and Preliminary Considerations Risks, Myths, and Warnings 20 Is Piercing Right for You? 28 You and Your Piercer 34

Part 3 - Piercing Preparation Picking and Preparing 44 At the Studio 49 Piercing Procedures 56 Jewelry 101: Sizes, Shapes, and Materials 65

Part 4 - The Holes Holes in Your Head: Ear, Nose, and Facial Piercings 82 Kiss of the Needle: Tongue and Oral Piercings 105

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