Essential guide to pierciNg aftercare: Heal safely and keep it beautiful

Getting a new piercing is an exciting way to express yourself, but proper aftercare is crucial to ensure it heals correctly and looks great for years to come. Whether it’s your first piercing or your tenth, following a consistent aftercare routine will help you avoid infections, irritation, or unwanted scarring.

Why Aftercare Matters

A piercing is essentially a controlled wound. Like any wound, it needs care and time to heal. Poor aftercare can lead to complications such as:

• Infections

• Prolonged healing time

• Migration or rejection

• Scarring or keloids

General Aftercare Instructions

While healing times vary depending on the piercing location and your body, the first two weeks are critical. The following instructions are suitable for most standard piercings.

1. Keep it Clean

• Use a sterile saline solution (not alcohol or hydrogen peroxide, which are too harsh). You can also make your own, using 1/4 teaspoon of sea salt (not regular table salt) to 1 cup of boiled water, and apply with a cotton bud.

• Clean the area twice a day using a clean cotton pad or gauze, and gently pat dry with a tissue (do not use a towel, as it can get caught on your fresh piercing and cause undue pain and stress to the piercing site).

• Do not twist or rotate the jewellery during cleaning—it can damage healing tissue. Move it gently back and forth.

2. Hands Off!

• Avoid touching your piercing unless you’re cleaning it.

• Wash your hands thoroughly before any contact.

• Don't let others touch your piercing.

3. Be Mindful of Your Environment

• Avoid swimming in pools, lakes, or hot tubs during the initial healing phase.

• Change pillowcases regularly and avoid sleeping on the side with the piercings.

• Watch out for makeup, hair products, or fragrances near facial or ear piercings.

4. Jewelry Stays In

• Never remove jewellery during healing, even briefly.

• Re-inserting can be difficult and may lead to infection or closure.

• Make sure to keep tightening the ball of your jewellery every day (where applicable)

Healing Times by Piercing Type

Earlobe 6–8 weeks

Helix/Cartilage 3–6 months

Nose 2–4 months

Eyebrow 6–8 weeks

Lip/Labret 2–3 months

Navel 6–12 months

Note: Healing times vary from individual to individual. Always consult your piercer if you’re unsure.

Signs of Infection (and What to Do)

Some redness and soreness are normal during healing, but watch out for:

• Persistent swelling

• Yellow/green discharge

• Intense pain or heat

• Fever or chills

If these symptoms happen, please consult your piercer or a healthcare provider. Do not remove the jewellery without advice—it may trap the infection inside.

Bonus Tips for Happy Healing

• Stay hydrated and eat a balanced diet to support your body’s natural healing process. Taking vitamins such as Zinc and Magnesium is recommended to aid the healing process.

• Avoid stress and get plenty of rest.

• Don’t change your jewellery too soon—even if it looks healed on the outside, the inside may still be vulnerable.

Final Thought: Patience Pays Off

Healing a piercing takes time and commitment, but with the proper care, you’ll enjoy your new adornment for years to come. When in doubt, reach out to a professional piercer—no question is too small when it comes to your health.