Content

• Steps
• Part 1 of 3: Choosing earrings
• Part 2 of 3: Going to a Pro
• Part 3 of 3: Caring for your piercing

The first ear piercing is an exciting experience, as is the choice of the first earrings! There are several factors to consider when choosing earrings, including the design you like, the metal the earrings are made of, and the ear piercing area. If you are not sure which earrings you would like, ask a professional for advice.

Steps

Part 1 of 3: Choosing earrings

1. 1 Find the right metal for your earrings. Earrings made from medical grade stainless steel are best for new piercings, as this metal is less likely to cause an allergic reaction. Allergies to nickel and cobalt products are very common, so you should avoid using these metals if you are getting your ears pierced for the first time. During your piercing procedure, ask a professional about the best earrings to help you choose the right metal.
   • Besides surgical stainless steel, there are other fairly safe options such as platinum, titanium and 585 gold.
   • Seek the advice of your doctor to identify possible metal allergies.
2. 2 Select small rings for easy cleaning and quick wound healing. These small rings are usually made of stainless steel and are ideal as a first decoration for your earlobe. Immediately after the puncture, the lobe may swell a little, and the rings, unlike the nails, will not press on it during the healing process.
   • There are two main types of rings:
     • Rings that open and close with a ball that is removed and then inserted into place. The ball has tiny indentations on each side for the ends of the ring into which they are inserted. Pressing down on the ring locks the ball in place.
     • Rings with a special spring that opens by pressing and then snaps into place. Click on the spring to put on the earrings, then snap it back. Thus, a monolithic ring is formed.
   • These earrings are usually much easier to clean because they do not have a retainer to cover fresh puncture sites.
   • Make sure to choose earrings that fit your earlobe, but avoid touching the piercing too often.
3. 3 Find the studs for your piercing. Studs are the most popular type of fresh piercing earrings because they are very small and neat. Many people prefer studs as they are comfortable and go with just about any outfit. While cloves are easy to peel, they are much easier to get infected than ringlets. This is due to the fact that they have retainers that are difficult to clean.
   • If you have opted for cloves, you will need to be especially careful when cleaning.
   • Most piercing stores use special ear piercing studs. They usually have a sharp tip for a neat and clean piercing, as well as “secure” locks at the back that limit the risk of the earring snuggling to a new piercing.
   • If you are going to get pierced, choose earrings that will not cling to clothing, such as imitation diamond earrings, which are held in place with special notches. Also, do not buy studs that are too large, as this will make it harder for you to clean your piercing.
4. 4 Choose the matching earrings. Since you will have to wear them for at least six weeks before changing them to something else, be sure to choose the set you like. Simple rings or studs are perfect and will look great with anything.
   • Your earrings should be lightweight. Otherwise, they can permanently injure the puncture site, which will prolong the healing period and cause you pain.
   SPECIALIST'S ADVICE

   

   Ylva Bosemark

   
   
   Jewelry maker Ilva Bosmark is a high school entrepreneur and founder of White Dune Studio, a small laser-cut jewelry company. As a young person herself, she tries to inspire other young people to turn their hobbies into business.

   Ylva Bosemark
   Jewelry maker

   Consider purchasing your piercing from an independent jewelry designer. Ilva Bosmark, a high school entrepreneur and jewelry designer, says: “It's important to try to figure out where the jewelry comes from and how it was made. If you are supporting a local business or are a jewelry maker yourself, I think this is important to consider when choosing what you are going to wear. "

Part 2 of 3: Going to a Pro

1. 1 Visit a professional piercing shop. It is best to choose a themed institution for this. Very often, piercing workshops are combined with tattoo parlors, but this should not scare you. The masters of such salons always have the appropriate licenses and extensive experience. In addition, sterilization of instruments in such places is taken much more seriously than in others.
   • Craftsmen use sterile piercing needles and small hoop earrings.
   • If your child wants a tiger cub ring, you can take it with you to a piercing / tattoo store.
   • These establishments usually have a wide selection of jewelry. If you are not sure of your own choice, you can be helped to find the right earrings.
2. 2 Visit shops that specialize in body piercing. These establishments have a huge assortment of earrings, and sometimes they offer you to pierce your ears right on the spot and completely free of charge if you buy earrings from them. Most of the products in these stores are of inferior quality, so it is worth asking for help when choosing piercing jewelry.
   • In these stores, the piercing procedure is carried out with special pistols and piercing the lobe with hairpins.
   • You can find similar stores or departments in entertainment and shopping centers.
3. 3 Consider having your piercing done at a medical clinic. Parents usually choose these clinics when they are looking for a place where they can pierce their child's ears. The staff in such places is always professional and the procedure is carried out in a completely sterile environment.
   • Look for a medical clinic in your city that specializes in piercing, but keep in mind that they are now much less popular than tattoo / piercing parlors or shops.
   • To get your ears pierced at one of these clinics, you need to make an appointment with a doctor.
   • Other doctors' offices and clinics sometimes provide a similar service.

Part 3 of 3: Caring for your piercing

1. 1 Make sure the earrings are disinfected before putting them on. Equipment and supplies in all professional settings are generally sterilized properly. Most new earrings are sold in sterile packaging. If you decide to bring earrings with you, in this case they must first be soaked in alcohol for disinfection purposes.
2. 2 Rinse your piercing regularly. It is very important to clean a fresh puncture two to three times a day. You should rotate the earrings one full turn after each cleaning to avoid skin crusting or infections. Be sure to wash your hands with antibacterial soap before cleaning your ears.
   • Some people prefer to clean their piercings with rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide. This is a good option, however, such products can be very uncomfortable when they get into wounds.
   • Some people recommend cleaning the piercing with a salt water solution. This is a more natural but equally effective method.
   • Some parlors issue a flyer with guidelines for caring for a new piercing.
   • Apply the cleansing solution with cotton pads or balls. Gently wipe the puncture area from the front and back.
3. 3 Wear your piercing for at least six weeks. It is important to wear earrings for a minimum of six weeks for lobe piercings and 12 weeks for cartilage piercings. If you remove the earrings earlier, the puncture is likely to heal or you will get an infection.
   • Try to wear earrings at all times for the first six weeks after your procedure. A fresh piercing can heal very quickly, so leave the earrings in your ears until they heal completely.
4. 4 Don't change your earrings. It's perfectly okay to be tempted to swap your earrings, but resist the temptation. Wear cloves or rings until the wound is completely healed. If you remove your earrings too early, you risk damaging your ear or causing an infection.
5. 5 Watch for signs of infection. If you do not clean the puncture properly, infection can develop in the puncture, so you must be extremely careful during the cleaning process. See your doctor if you notice signs of infection.
   • Some signs of an infection are:
     • Painful sensations in the piercing area after 48 hours from the moment of the puncture.
     • Swelling around the puncture more than 48 hours after the procedure.
     • Bleeding.
     • Purulent discharge.
     • Difficulty turning the earring while cleaning.
     • Fever, especially in children. If you experience signs of a fever, it is very important to go to the hospital right away to prevent the spread of a serious infection.