That post-piercing glow? We love it. But here’s the truth—your jewelry’s staying power depends on what you do next. At LABRET, we’ve seen the good heals, the bad, and the "why did I touch it?" disasters. The difference between a piercing that thrives and one that barely survives? Smart aftercare, no guesswork needed.
Our piercers don’t just send you home—we arm you with medical-grade saline spray and foolproof instructions because healing shouldn’t be a mystery.
Understanding the Healing Process
It's important to understand that healing times can vary depending on the type of piercing, your healing ability, and how well you follow the provided ear piercing aftercare guide. Most piercings go through several stages of healing, with each stage requiring different attention and care.
General Aftercare Guidelines
Keep It Clean
- Wash your hands: Always wash your hands thoroughly before touching your piercing. This simple step can prevent bacteria from introducing, which can lead to infections.
- Use sterile saline spray: Clean your piercing twice daily with a saline solution like NeilMed Aftercare Spray. This product keeps the area clean and hydrated without causing irritation.
- Gentle cleaning method: Hold the spray a few inches away from the piercing and gently mist it. Avoid using cotton swabs or pads, which can leave fibers behind and irritate the area.
Avoid Irritants
- Stay away from alcohol and peroxide. These harsh substances can dry out the skin and irritate the piercing. Instead, stick to saline solutions for cleaning.
- No swimming: Avoid pools, hot tubs, and oceans for at least two weeks after getting your piercing. These environments can expose your piercing to bacteria and chemicals that can cause infections.
Mind Your Sleep Position
- Avoid pressure on your piercing: Sleeping on a new piercing can cause irritation and prolong healing. If you’re a side sleeper, try using a piercing pillow with a hole in the center or a travel pillow to relieve pressure on the piercing.
- Change your pillowcase regularly: A clean pillowcase can help prevent dirt and bacteria from getting into your piercing while you sleep.
Limit Contact
- Hands off: Resist the urge to touch, twist, or play with your piercing. The more you leave it alone, the better it will heal.
- Avoid jewelry changes early on: Changing your jewelry too soon can cause irritation or even cause the piercing to close up. Follow the recommended healing times specific to your piercing type.
- Try not to bump it or get it snagged: If you get a tragus or conch piercing, you may need to switch from listening to music with in-ear buds to an over-ear headphone, as ear buds will be painful given they will rest directly on your new piercing. Similarly, if you wear the over-ear headphones and get an upper helix piercing, you might need to switch to the earbud style. Similarly, if you wear glasses, a forward helix can be pretty painful, as the temples of your glasses (the arms) will rest directly on your new forward helix piercing.
Watch for Changes
- Monitor your new piercing for signs of infection, such as excessive redness, swelling, or unusual discharge. Some mild redness and swelling are normal in the first few days, but a professional should evaluate anything more severe.
- Consider keeping a journal or notes about your healing process. Document any changes you notice, which can help when discussing your healing with your piercer.
Aftercare Products We Recommend
At LABRET, we provide a complimentary bottle of NeilMed Aftercare Spray with every piercing. This saline solution is gentle yet effective for cleansing and hydrating your new piercing. Here are some additional products you might consider:
- Piercing pillow: A specialized pillow with a cutout for your ear can help you sleep comfortably without putting pressure on your piercing.
- Gentle moisturizers: If your piercing feels dry, you may use a fragrance-free, gentle moisturizer around the area, but avoid applying it directly to the piercing.
What to Avoid
- No harsh chemicals: Avoid using alcohol or hydrogen peroxide, as these can irritate the skin and complicate healing.
- Do not change your jewelry too soon: Each type of piercing has a specific healing timeline, so it's best to follow your piercer's advice on when you are ready for a change.
- Don’t ignore symptoms: If you notice any concerning signs, such as persistent pain, swelling, or discharge, contact LABRET for guidance. Early intervention can prevent more serious issues.
- Check out our blog post “10 New Ear Piercing Mistakes to Avoid During Healing” for a broader list of what else to NOT do after you get pierced.
Follow-Up Care
- Free checkups: Our relationship with clients doesn't end when they walk out the door. At LABRET, we offer complimentary checkups for life. If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to come back and have our team look at your piercing to ensure everything is progressing smoothly.
- Communicate: Contact the LABRET team on Instagram or WhatsApp if you have any issues or questions throughout the healing process.
Following our essential tips and staying informed about healing is vital for proper healing and a successful piercing outcome. At LABRET, we’re committed to providing you the best service and support throughout your piercing journey. Again, if you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out!
