Many people get piercings as a form of self-expression. So, while it might seem like getting a piercing should be simple, there’s a lot to think about. You need to figure out where on your ear you want to be pierced, not to mention the plethora of jewellery options available you have to choose from. Additionally, you should consider the risks involved, the average amount of pain, and the healing process. Understanding these aspects will help you make the best choice and get ready for your new piercing.
Choosing Your First Ear Piercing
Make your earlobes and cartilage shine with unique, high-quality ear piercings. When choosing your first ear piercing, there are a few things to consider. Piercings can run the gamut from traditional to edgier ones, which is probably why earrings are so popular—there’s something that suits everyone. When talking about traditional lobe piercings, the full healing process takes around three to six months, with the most discomfort happening within the first few weeks.
The cartilage, or the skin and bone of the outer ear, is another common option for an ear piercing, albeit it might take longer to heal. Different cartilage piercings on the ear, such as the Daith, snug, helix, and conch, have varying pain thresholds and healing times. In general, the healing process should take four to twelve months, according to professionals. Since cartilage has less blood supply to combat germs, cartilage piercings are also more likely to become infected.
The ideal metal to use for your ear-piercing jewellery is another thing to think about. Those who get pierced for the first time should choose solid gold piercings for ears as the best option available because they are said to be hypoallergenic, which lowers the possibility that you will experience problems while your piercing heals. In addition, jewellery made of solid gold is quite alluring and goes well with any outfit.
Where to Get Your Ears Pierced?
Now that you have decided about the type of ear piercings, it’s time to find someone reliable to do it. It’s thrilling to get a new piercing, but you don’t want to spend a lot of money and go through the agony of getting one only to have it end badly. Take your time and locate a piercer you can trust to do excellent work.
Many states do not regulate the body art industry, so it’s up to you to find a trustworthy shop with great piercers. When researching a shop, look for reputable places that use single-use sterile equipment, implant-grade metals, and clean autoclave spore tests.
Also, the forceps, needles, jewellery, and any other metal equipment should be removed from an autoclave bag, with gloved hands, in your presence. Additionally, you should never have ear piercings done on you using anything other than a sterile, clean needle that has been certified for body piercings, such as a squeeze piercer or piercing gun.
How to Prepare for Your First Ear Piercing?
Any ear piercing guide would be incomplete if it didn’t offer tips for getting ready before your appointment. Before getting your first ear piercing, you should take the following aspects into account. Eat a light meal and drink lots of water. Stabilising your blood sugar levels can help you avoid experiencing nausea or dizziness after the procedure.
It’s strongly suggested against taking aspirin or ibuprofen, even though you might be tempted to do so before your consultation. These and related medications can weaken your blood, which could make your piercing bleed more heavily. Avoid drinking the night before because alcohol can have a similar impact.
On the other hand, keeping your hair away from your piercing when it is new can help prevent irritation and other complications. If you have long hair, consider tying it back before the appointment. Alternatively, you could bring a hair tie or headband with you to keep your hair out of the way.
The Heal Time
The area of the ear that has been pierced determines how long it takes for a piercing to heal. Most people’s first ear piercing, the lobe, typically takes six to eight weeks to heal. The healing period for cartilage piercings, like the helix or conch, can range from six to twelve months.
For a successful healing process, you must take proper care of your new piercing throughout this period. For additional guidance, schedule a follow-up appointment with skilled piercers if your initial ear piercing is not healing.
How to Care for Your Piercings
Here are some things to keep in mind to facilitate a minimally complicated healing process. Use an antibacterial cleaning saline solution to clean your piercing.
Using this once in the morning and once at night will assist you in cleaning, clearing any discharge, and flushing out your piercing. Make sure to leave your original piercing jewellery in place for the entire healing period. You can replace this earring after it heals, but you shouldn’t keep the piercing empty for the first twelve months.
Don’t clean your piercing with soap, cosmetics, or creams (such as TCP, surgical spirits, or Savlon). These products have the potential to be abrasive, which could hinder a full recovery or impede the healing process. Avoid swimming in the sea or water with chlorine in the first four weeks.
Avoid sleeping on your new piercing. Lying on a piercing can not only irritate and create pain, but it can also change the piercing’s angle when it heals. In this regard, choose sleeper earrings, which are made to fit snugly around your ears, for the utmost comfort.
