Hi there! I'm Lily, and I've been a professional piercer for over 15 years. I'm happy to answer any and all questions you have about piercing.

It's great that you're thinking about getting your ears pierced! It's a fun way to express your personal style. When it comes to how long you need to keep your starter earrings in, there's a bit more to it than a simple answer.

You'll often hear that you need to keep your starter earrings in for 6 weeks. While this is a good starting point, it's crucial to understand that everyone's healing process is different. Several factors can influence how long it takes for your piercings to heal completely, and it's essential to prioritize healing over a specific timeframe.

Think of it like recovering from a small cut. Just because the cut looks closed on the surface doesn't mean it's fully healed underneath. The same applies to piercings. The tissue inside the piercing needs ample time to regenerate and strengthen.

**Here's a breakdown of why the 6-week timeframe is often cited:**

* Cartilage vs. Earlobes: Cartilage piercings, like those in the upper ear, generally take longer to heal than earlobe piercings. Six weeks is usually the minimum for earlobes, while cartilage piercings might require 3 to 6 months or more.
* Initial Healing Phase: The first 6 weeks are crucial as the piercing is most vulnerable to infection and irritation. During this time, a fistula (the tunnel of skin that the jewelry goes through) is forming.
* Downsizing: After the initial healing phase, your piercer may recommend replacing your starter earrings with shorter, more comfortable jewelry. This is called "downsizing" and helps prevent snagging and irritation as the piercing continues to heal internally.

**How to tell if your piercings are ready for new jewelry:**

* No Pain or Tenderness: Fully healed piercings shouldn't be painful or tender to the touch.
* No Discharge or Crusting: The piercing site should be free of any discharge, crusting, or redness.
* The Fistula Feels Firm: Gently feel around the piercing hole; it should feel firm and not move around easily.

Important Notes:

* Always consult with your piercer: They can assess your piercings and advise on the appropriate healing time and jewelry changes.
* Avoid touching your piercings: Your hands carry bacteria that can lead to infection. Only touch your piercings with clean hands when cleaning them.
* Follow proper aftercare: Your piercer will provide instructions on how to clean your piercings. Consistent, gentle cleaning is essential for promoting healing and preventing infection.

Remember, patience is key! It's always better to err on the side of caution and wait a little longer than to change your jewelry too soon and risk irritating or infecting your piercings.
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When you first get your ears pierced, you should leave the earrings in until your ears are completely healed. This usually takes about 4 to 6 weeks. If you don't, your holes could close up and you'll have to go through everything all over again!read more >>