Healing Times
The time it takes for your piercing to heal will depend on its location. Lobe piercings will typically heal within 8 - 12 weeks, while helix, conch, flat, and tragus piercings can take 6 - 12 months.
How to care for your piercing
Avoid touching your piercing - unless you're cleaning it. Always wash and dry your hands thoroughly first to prevent infection.
Soak a cotton bud in piercing solution, then gently press it to your piercing to soften and remove any discharge.
Pat the area dry with a disposal paper towel - avoid cotton wool, as its fibres can stick to your piercing.
Clean your piercing twice a day, and don't change your earrings ahead of your healing time.
New piercings close quickly, so continue wearing earrings consistently for one year after the initial piercing.
Additional Advice
- Avoid swimming in chlorinated pools or the sea for four weeks.
- Skip sunbeads or tanning for the first two weeks. If tanning, cover the area with a breathable plaster.
- Don't use soap, beauty products, or disinfectants like Savlon or TCP - these can slow healing and are too abrasive.
- Avoid sleeping on the piercing, as pressure can affect its healing angle. Keep bedding clean.
- Keep hair away to avoid dirt and oil. Avoid contact with shampoo, hair dye, hair products, or makeup.
- Be mindful of your piercing, avoiding snags from clothing like hats or scarves.
- You can purchase piercing solution at our studios or from your local pharmacist. Follow all product instructions.
Changing Your Jewellery
Once your piercing has fully healed, you can change your studs at home. Just make sure your hands are clean, hold the earring from the back and gently unscrew the head to the left until it separates from the post.
If you'd prefer not to change your jewellery yourself, our piercers will be happy to switch it for you free of charge. Simply book a Follow-up Appointment at your nearest Piercing Studio.
Downsizing Your Jewellery
Once your piercing begins to heal, we may recommend "downsizing" your jewellery. This involves swapping your original bar for a shorter one to help prevent snagging. It's most commonly recommended for cartilage piercings (like the helix, tragus, or conch), and costs £20 per stud.
You can book a Follow-up Appointment at your local studio to see whether downsizing is right for you, and our team will be happy to advise on next steps.
