Everyone knows that once you get a tattoo you will want another one, but how many people experience this with piercings? Here are eight things to think about before jumping in your car and racing to the nearest tattoo shop:

1. Piercings are cheaper than tattoos, but they aren’t cheap.

The typical piercing can cost you anywhere from $20-$80, or even more if you’re wanting an exotic piercing. Try saving up some money in a jar before you go. Put a dollar in every time you think about the piercing or when you look up pictures of the one you want. This way it’ll at least be a little cheaper.

2. You just decided yesterday, or even today, that you want this new addition to your body

I am definitely a spontaneous person who makes last minute life decisions and have survived so far, so what’s the point in waiting? Well piercings aren’t permanent; once you take them out, the hole will grow over, but there is a good chance of scarring. The general rule of thumb is to wait three-five days before making a huge decision.

3. You just recently got a piercing, and want another one on the same ear.

Unfortunately, you can’t just stick a needle in your ears as many times as you like. Every

time you get a piercing, the ear is being attacked by a giant needle and fighting off this foreign piece of metal that is now where the piece of the ear used to be. It needs time to heal. If you get a new piercing too soon, the healing time for the first piercing will likely take twice as long, if not longer, because you now have a new wound to heal. Also, you might have just gotten used to sleeping on that side again, why would you do that to yourself??

4. Society frowns down upon multiple piercings and/or tattoos.

Like you, I try to ignore the little box society tries to force us into, but unfortunately, if you have too many piercings it could cost you your current or future job. If you have short hair or wear your hair up a lot, an employer might not consider you if you have multiple earrings that make you appear “unprofessional.” Or maybe you’re thinking about getting a piercing elsewhere? Make sure your current job is okay with it before getting the piercing. I’m not saying you should not get it because of some job, there are always other jobs. I’m just saying think about it.

5. You haven’t done your research.

I have been guilty of just going to a tattoo shop because I wanted the piercing and later having to look up every little thing because I did not know if the amount of pain was normal or what the crusties were. Have you looked up the healing time or what to do if you have an infection? Have you researched the shop you want to get it done at and looked up reviews for the shop and/or piercer? What about prices? Have you determined how much you’re willing to pay and what each shop is willing to pierce the part of your body for?

6. They hurt.

This seems obvious, but a lot of people overlook this. If you’ve already been pierced then you have a pretty good idea about your pain tolerance and the soreness that comes with the new jewelry, but every piercing is different for everyone. If you haven’t been pierced before (then you don’t yet know what piercing fever is, get ready my friend because winter is coming), I don’t recommend googling how painful it is and whatnot because I did that, and turns out getting my industrial piercing didn’t hurt as bad as they said it would, but it was sore as HELL for over a month! Are you ready to no sleep on whatever side or body part for two or more weeks? If you’re not, then I suggest thinking about it for a bit longer.

7. The cleaning process is more than just running water over it.

This piercing will be your new baby. You must clean it three-five times a day with the sea salt spray (or I prefer Bactine for mine) while turning it, clean it with antibacterial soap in the shower (Dial Gold soap is good for this), and wash your hands EVERY TIME before touching it. Also, the more you touch it, the more irritated it will get and the longer it will take to heal.

8. Your friend got the same one you want and it looks good on him/her.

If your friend jumped off of a bridge.. Just kidding. If you put the same shirt on, would you and your friend look the same in it? Probably not. I’m not saying don’t get it because you’re friend has it, I’m just saying try to imagine it on yourself and think about whether or not it will look good on you.

If you’ve already looked at all of these and at least listened to one or two, and still want the piercing, then go for it! This article is not about discouraging you from getting the piercing, I just want you to think about it a little bit more before jumping on the bandwagon.