What Type of Metal Is Best for Piercings?

If you’ve had a new piercing, you’re likely familiar with how important the jewelry part is. Not only how it looks, but also how it is made! The metal can determine if your piercing heals without a problem or if it becomes irritated and painful.

I can’t tell you how many times I have seen people have allergic reactions or struggle with a slow healing process, solely because they installed the wrong metal. I would like to go through the best (and worst) metals to wear for piercings so you can feel better about your decision on behalf of your skin!

Titanium—the metal of choice by the professionals.

That is, when you ask any piercing professional what metal they suggest, titanium will almost always come first!

It is extremely lightweight, contains no nickel, and is a metal used for surgical implants, making it one of the safest materials to wear.

Titanium is the ideal metal for new piercings, as titanium is hypoallergenic and gives your body the best opportunity to heal with little to no complications.

Why titanium Best:

• Completely nickel-free and biocompatible
• Safe for fresh piercings
• Available in lots of colors through anodizing
• Doesn’t tarnish or rust

If you see “Implant Grade Titanium F-136” listed on jewelry, that’s exactly what you want. It’s professional quality.

Surgical Steel – Strong and Affordable

Surgical steel is another common metal used for piercings. It is often durable, shiny, and the transitory option. The only problem is that it contains nickel, which can pose issues for people with sensitive skin even in small amounts.

If you’ve never had a reaction to jewelry before, surgical steel is fine—especially for healed piercings. But for anyone prone to irritation, titanium is the safer pick.

Good to know:

• Look for “316L” or “316LVM” grade steel
• Avoid cheap steel that doesn’t specify the grade
• Keep an eye out for any redness or itching if you’re sensitive

Gold – Classic but Needs Caution

Gold jewelry looks beautiful, no doubt about it. But not all gold is piercing-safe.

If you’re going to wear gold, choose either solid 14k or 18k gold—never gold-plated or gold-filled. Gold-plated metal can peel or wear off, exposing the metal underneath, which can irritate or infect a piercing.

In fact, you should also avoid gold as a material for new piercings; gold is most appropriately used for healed piercings when your skin is toughened up.

Quick tips:

• Use only solid gold, not plated
• 14k and 18k are best; 24k is too soft
• Make sure it’s nickel-free

Niobium – The Hidden Gem

Niobium doesn’t get as much attention as titanium or steel—but it can also be a great alternative. It’s naturally nickel-free, safe for sensitive skin, and can also be anodized into different colors.

One downside? Niobium tends to be a little heavier and is not as readily available as titanium or steel. Nevertheless, if you are looking for something different while still being safe, niobium jewelry is a great choice.

Platinum – Luxury & Longevity

If you’re uninterested in the price point, platinum is another great option and is considered the highest quality. Platinum jewelry is hypoallergenic, resists tarnishing, and will stay shiny for life. Platinum is also heavy and dense, which conveys a premium feel when worn.

However, platinum jewelry can get quite a bit pricier than traditional jewelry materials, which drives down its presence within body piercing shops.

Metals to Avoid for Piercings

Some metals might look pretty or come cheap, but they’re not safe for your skin—especially in piercings.

Avoid:

• Nickel – causes the most common allergic reactions
• Silver – oxidizes and can trap bacteria in healing piercings
• Copper or brass – tarnish quickly and can irritate skin

Summary: When it comes to piercings, don’t compromise on metal quality. Your body deserves the best. For fresh piercings, titanium is the safest and most reliable option. Once healed, you can experiment with gold, niobium, or even platinum for style and variety.

Think of your piercing jewelry like skincare—it’s something your body wears every day. Choosing the right metal means faster healing, fewer problems, and a much better experience overall.