Titanium vs Surgical Steel – What’s the Difference?

What’s Safer for Body Piercing?

When it comes to body jewellery, the metal matters — especially for healing, comfort, and long-term wear. Two of the most commonly used materials in piercing studios are Titanium and Surgical Steel, but they’re not created equal.

So, which one is safer? And which is right for you?

Titanium: Lightweight, Strong, and Hypoallergenic

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Titanium (especially ASTM F-136 implant-grade) is one of the best materials for piercings. It’s:

- Hypoallergenic – ideal for sensitive skin

- Nickel-free or extremely low nickel content

- Corrosion-resistant – won’t tarnish or react with skin

- Lightweight – comfortable for new and healing piercings

At Piercing by Jooles, we use high-quality titanium for all new piercings to reduce the risk of irritation and ensure a smooth healing process.

Surgical Steel: Affordable but Not for Everyone

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Surgical steel (usually 316L or 316LVM) is often used for healed piercings. It’s strong and budget-friendly, but it does contain trace amounts of nickel, which can cause reactions in sensitive clients.

While many people can wear surgical steel with no issues, those with allergies or freshly pierced skin should be cautious.

What We Recommend at Jooles

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At Piercing by Jooles, we only use implant-grade titanium for new piercings. Every piece is fully traceable, meaning we know exactly where it comes from and how it was made. That transparency helps us ensure both quality and safety, especially for clients with sensitivities.

Surgical steel may be suitable for healed piercings in some cases, but titanium remains the gold standard — and that’s what we trust.

Final Thoughts

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If you’re unsure which material is right for you, titanium is the safer bet — especially for new piercings. It’s clean, safe, and trusted by professional piercers around the world.