Are you thinking about getting your ears pierced? Ear piercings have been a common body modification for years, and millions of people have one or more pierced ears to add jewelry.
Choosing ear piercings as an adult gives you a significant degree of control over the entire process. You have the freedom to choose the method and type of earring and even arrange the healing and aftercare yourself. This empowerment can really enhance the experience, making it more rewarding and personal.
If you’re about to get your very first piercing for yourself or even your child, these tips can help ensure that everything goes according to plan and that you know exactly where you stand.
Research providers
Before you begin your piercing journey, take some time to thoroughly research all the places in your area that offer ear piercings. Visit the property, look for reviews and ask for recommendations from family and friends. The more you know about the providers and the quality of their work, the more confident and informed you will make your decision.
During your research, ask what type of ear piercing equipment they use. Some places use a spring-loaded gun to pierce ears, others use a needle, and more modern tools combine aspects of both approaches for a cleaner, less painful piercing that is more precise than a gun and less scary than a needle. You can then decide which option you prefer for your piercing.
What do you want to have pierced?
When it comes to ear piercings, the options are endless. While many start with a simple earlobe piercing, you can also consider piercing the cartilage, daith, tragus and more. Understanding these options can help you make a choice that reflects your personal style and preferences.
You can opt for one earlobe piercing or multiple earlobe piercings or piercings in other parts of the ear at the same time. However, it is not recommended to use more than four at a time due to the strain on the ear from multiple adjustments.
Type of jewelry
When you get your piercing, you will need to leave the original earring in place for approximately 6 weeks (12 weeks for cartilage piercings) to allow the piercing to heal and the hole to take shape around the jewelry you choose. You can choose stud earrings in different metals; however, stainless steel is the most popular due to its hypoallergenic properties. You can get titanium, gold, and silver earrings, but avoid gold-plated earrings until everything has healed for optimal recovery.
Can you commit to aftercare?
Aftercare is just as important as how and who pierces your ears. There are many risks associated with not taking care of your ear piercingThe most obvious is an infection, which can be fatal if it enters the bloodstream.
You should clean your piercings three times a day with a specific cleanser. Make sure you wash your hands and keep your new piercing covered if you come into contact with anything that could contaminate the area. For the first six weeks, you should also give the earrings a full rotation at least three times a day. In the first six months after piercing, you should avoid going longer than 24 hours without earrings to prevent the holes from starting to close.
Remember that maintaining proper hygiene and adhering to aftercare standards are critical. This responsibility can help you prevent infections and ensure that your piercing heals properly. Always wash your hands and clean your earrings when changing them to avoid complications. Your dedication to this process is the key to a successful piercing experience.
It can hurt
There are varying opinions on how much it can hurt to have your ears pierced, so it’s essential to be prepared for the pain. You may feel better if you take paracetamol or ibuprofen before your appointment to help manage the pain, but what hurts for one person may be nothing more than a scratch for someone else. So it’s always worth taking anecdotal stories of pain with a grain of salt. . However, you can expect some pain, even just a little bit, as you get the actual piercing in place. Cartilage piercings usually hurt more than lobe piercings if you choose this option.
Getting your ears pierced can add character to your body and express yourself. Knowing what to expect and how to choose the appropriate piercing options will ensure that your new body jewelry looks good now and for years to come.
