Fashion has once again given birth to a new era of what is in and what is out. Besides the fashion set of the all-time well-known “It” bags, ear piercings, especially multiple ear piercings, have become a fashion statement for most people.
From hoops to drop earrings, new fashion symbols come one after another.
And suppose you are one of those people that the allure of these magnificent jewelry items piqued whose interest and the fascination, then you may have come across the perfect article just for you!
In this article, we will tackle a journey dedicated to the vibe of this trend and the Dos and Don’ts of ear piercings. In that case, without further ado, let us start and enjoy the ride on this ear-piercing journey.
What are examples of ear piercings?
Being a newbie in ear piercings may confuse, especially with the terms and names involved. Here is a list of some of the most common words to help you become familiar with them. Most people start off being familiar with piercing names by knowing their location when placed in the ear.
First are the tragus and anti-tragus piercings just right above the ear-lobe. They are pierced in the more intricate part of the ear near the edge of our face and front of the ear canal.
Although this type of piercing is challenging to take care of, studies show that it involves health benefits that can aid people experiencing anxiety and migraine.
Then the Daith piercing is a piercing in the cartilage that can have a hinged hoop and other rings. Ear-lobe piercings are also the most common and the go-to spot, especially in women, and they have variations like the standard lobe, transverse lobe, upper lobe, or side lobe piercings.
Compared to the tragus and anti-tragus, this piercing spot is much easier to clean and faster healing time.
The helix piercing is above your Daith piercing, similar to a helix piercing or cartilage piercing. It is on the soft and curvy tissue on top of our ears. It heals much faster than the tragus and anti-tragus but slightly slower than ear-lobe piercings.
Where Should You Get Your Ear Pierced?
More and more shops offer their services for piercings not limited to the ear alone. One factor to consider is the reputation of the said shop. It would be best if you got reviews and feedback from customers for your safety.
Aside from that, make sure that the staff has licensed or has enough experience and certification. In terms of the equipment, it would be best to use it as sterile and practice safety precautions.
Cleaning Ears After Piercing
Assuming you have had found the best shop in town and just got your ear pierced, one essential skill you may need to work on is the next step, which is cleaning and treating it. Ear piercings are relatively safe, but treating your ear is advisable to avoid infection and further complications.
The first tip in cleaning your ear piercings is to schedule them with your usual hygiene routine. To exemplify, you can clean it after taking a shower, brushing your teeth, doing your skincare to do it consistently. Make sure that you have washed your hands before you touch the pierced area to avoid bacteria infection.
After you have practiced this, you may clean it with warm water with one teaspoon of salt. Using a clean cotton swab, use this mixture solution to clean the area. Note the pressure on your hands when you clean your ears. Remember to dab, not wipe, as this will help your ear tissues heal faster.
After that, pat your ears dry with a soft and clean towel or tissue. In terms of scented soaps, we suggest you avoid using them in the meantime and use a mild soap with healing properties or antiseptic in it. As much as possible, avoid cleaning your ear piercing in public utilities to prevent bacterial infections and other viruses.
Another tip to trigger faster healing of the affected area is to keep it dry always to avoid trapping moisture in the area. Another helpful piece of advice is not to let a body hair go through the piercing site to avoid irritation. Most people pay little attention to this but monitor and watch for any abnormal discharge from your piercing.
When Can I Change Out My First Ear Piercing?
Now, let us assume that you have got your ear pierced and have been consistent in cleaning them for a while. Maybe you have this question, like when exactly you can change your ear piercings?
Keep calm, do not worry because we are going to address that concern. In terms of the healing time and overall healing process, ear piercings may have varying duration without complications. The reason for this is that it depends on the place and the type of piercing you got.
When Can I Change My Ear-Lobe Piercing?
Among the mentioned type of ear piercings, the ear-lobe piercings are the fastest and quickest piercing to heal. They only take about two weeks to a month to heal, assuming this is without complications entirely.
When Can I Change My Ear Helix Piercing?
Following the ear-lobe piercings, the next in line with the fastest healing duration is the helix piercings. They only take up also around a month and a half to two entire months to heal fully.
When Can I Change My Ear Cartilage Piercing?
As mentioned, compared to ear-lobe, tragus, anti-tragus, and helix piercings, the cartilage piercings are most likely to heal the slowest and longest. The reason for this is that you can find them in a delicate area in the ear, so they may take up around four to six months or even a year to heal fully.
It is advisable, however, to change your piercing at around after six months. Consult your piercer regarding this to avoid experiencing scars. Cartilage piercings are prone to scar tissues and keloid scars, so be mindful of the type of earrings you will use to change your piercing.
When Can I Change Out My Earring?
Now that you know the general duration of various piercings, you already know the perfect timing to change your jewelry. Take note, however, that you may not change your jewelry out while the piercing is still fresh and healing. Always ask advice from your piercer to have a better examination of the condition of your ear.
However, as mentioned, it is advisable to change your piercings at least after six weeks to allow your ears to breathe and adjust to a new feel of jewelry. During this time, even though the wound has not yet fully healed, we assume it has at least created a clot and is now safe to switch the old earrings.
If you are now allowed to take out your earrings, do not remove them for a long time because chances are, your hole will be most likely to close. This journey of having your ears pierced is very tedious, but it will be worth it once your ears have fully healed and are back in their full glory.
