Whether you’re a first-timer or a piercing pro, it’s important to stay current on after-piercing care. Keeping your piercings clean and healthy as you heal is crucial to keeping wounds infection-free for the best-looking piercings possible.

The Dos

Do Think About the Decision

Decisions made impulsively rarely end well. Give this important step a thought, and be confident in the direction you’re going. Consider the location of the piercing, how long it will take to heal, and the jewelry you’ll wear there. .

Do Go to a Pro

You only have one chance to get your piercing right—so make sure you visit a reputable location with trained staff who know their stuff.

Do Start with Quality

Give your piercing the best start by wearing quality jewelry as it heals. Gold-and-diamond studs are always a great choice. They go with anything, and you can add them to your jewelry wardrobe and wear them again and again.

Do Clean Regularly

Twice a day is a good go-to rule. Start by washing hands, and then use a gentle antibacterial solution and sterile cotton on your wound. Also shower often, especially if you often go to the gym or sweat a lot—many infections stem from bacteria that grow on unclean skin.

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The Don'ts

Don’t Go With Sterling Silver

We love sterling silver earrings, but not while we’re healing—it can have traces of lead. Instead, use titanium, surgical stainless steel, or 14K gold for best results.

Don’t Overclean

Even though you should clean your wounds regularly, don’t overdo it. If your skin stays wet constantly, bacteria can breed and create an infection.

Don’t Use Peroxide or Alcohol

These products are too harsh, especially for fresh wounds. Instead, try saline solution or antibacterial soap and water. Wash hands before handling your piercing and dampen ears before applying soap to create a lather.

Don’t Swap Jewelry

If you are tempted to change your jewelry before it’s healed, don’t. Know that healing takes time—even months, depending on where you were pierced. Stay patient and stick with your cleaning protocol, and know the results will be worth the wait.