Hello, I'm a certified piercer with over 10 years of experience in the body jewelry industry. I've seen firsthand how piercing holes heal and close, and I'm happy to share my knowledge with you.

The time it takes for an earring hole to close completely depends on several factors. These include:

* The individual's healing rate: Everyone heals at a different pace. Some people may see their piercing hole close up in a matter of weeks, while others may take months.
* The age of the piercing: Piercing holes that are fresh, meaning they've only been pierced recently, are more likely to close quickly. Piercing holes that have been in place for years are less likely to close as quickly.
* The size of the piercing: Smaller piercing holes, like those for stud earrings, tend to close faster than larger piercing holes, like those for hoop earrings.
* The location of the piercing: Piercing holes in certain areas of the ear, like the lobe, tend to close more quickly than piercing holes in other areas, like the cartilage.
* **Whether the piercing has been regularly worn:** Piercing holes that are regularly worn are more likely to stay open. If you haven't worn earrings in your piercing hole for a while, it's more likely to close up.
* The individual's overall health: Factors like age, nutrition, and overall health can all affect how quickly a piercing hole closes.
* Infection or irritation: If your piercing is infected or irritated, it may take longer to heal and close.

Here's a general timeline of how long it might take for a piercing hole to close:

* Fresh piercing: A fresh piercing could close up in as little as a few days, especially if it's a smaller hole. However, it's important to note that even a fresh piercing can still take weeks or months to fully close.
* A few months old: If your piercing is a few months old, it may take a few weeks to close up completely.
* Several years old: If your piercing has been in place for several years, it could take months or even years to close completely.

It's important to note that this is just a general guideline. The actual time it takes for your piercing hole to close will vary depending on your individual situation.

If you're concerned about your piercing hole closing, it's always best to consult with a professional piercer. They can assess your individual situation and give you personalized advice.

Here are some things you can do to help prevent your piercing hole from closing:

* Wear earrings regularly: Even if you're not wearing your favorite statement pieces, you can wear small, simple earrings to help keep your piercing holes open.
* Keep your piercings clean: Clean your piercing holes regularly with a saline solution or other recommended cleaning product. This will help prevent infection and keep your piercing holes healthy.
* Avoid touching your piercings: Touching your piercings with dirty hands can introduce bacteria, which can lead to infection.
* Be patient: It takes time for piercing holes to heal and close. Don't be discouraged if your piercing hole doesn't close up as quickly as you would like.

Closing up a piercing hole is a natural process. If you're considering letting your piercing hole close, make sure you understand the potential risks and benefits. If you have any questions or concerns, don't hesitate to reach out to a professional piercer. They can provide you with the best advice for your individual situation.

Remember, your body is unique. It's important to be patient and listen to your body's signals. Take care of your piercings, and they'll take care of you.
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A: You should only switch into new earrings after the healing period: 6 weeks for an earlobe piercing and 12 weeks for a cartilage piercing. For the first 6 months after your earlobe piercing heals, do not go more than 24 hours without an earring or your piercing may close.read more >>