Yes, starting most new piercings with a hoop was very common for many years within the industry, and there are Piercers who still practice this today- however as the years have gone by, our industry has grown/advanced, and we have learned more as Professional Piercers, starting most new piercings with a hoop is now generally not advised for several reasons.
Healing Process: The healing process for a new piercing can be more complicated with a hoop compared to a stud. Hoops move/spin more freely in the piercing channel, which can cause friction and irritation- and pull debris and bacteria through the piercing channel. This can slow down the healing process and increase the risk of complications.
Rotation: Hoops can rotate, flip, and twist within the piercing, making it more challenging to maintain proper cleanliness and hygiene during the initial healing period. They are not as stable as a straight barbell or labret stud.
Pressure Points: Hoops can exert pressure on the surrounding tissue, especially if they are too tight or too large for the piercing. This leaves a much higher risk of discomfort, poor healing and other potential complications like irritation bumps or irritation abscesses.
Difficulty in Cleaning: Cleaning and caring for a piercing with a hoop can be more challenging compared to a stud. Studs have a fixed position that helps prevent movement and make cleaning easier- and are much less likely to pull debris through the piercing channel as mentioned above. Daith Piercings are an exception to this. Due to the shape and location of the anatomy/piercing, they are often started with hoops to ensure proper healing and comfort. Some Piercers may also start Septum piercings with hoops- but keep in mind that the hoop should NOT be fitted or tight. Initial jewelry needs to be larger to allow for swelling room and should be worn at least until swelling has subsided (up to 4 weeks in some cases), at which point you may be able to downsize at your Piercer’s discretion. Starting any piercing with fitted jewelry will leave you at a high risk of complications when the swelling pushes against the jewelry, potentially causing severe pain, and other issues.
For these reasons, many professional piercers often recommend starting a new piercing with a high-quality stud, such as a labret stud or a straight barbell. These types of jewelry provide stability, reduce the risk of complications, and make the healing process
more comfortable. After the initial healing period, which will vary depending on the piercing location, you may have the option to switch to a hoop. It's essential to follow your Piercer's aftercare instructions and consult with them about the best timing for changing your jewelry to a hoop, as everyone’s body heals at different rates. We often recommend visiting your Piercer for a check-up before you switch your jewelry to a hoop, so that they can evaluate the area in person to know for sure if it is ready to be changed.