After Care
Proper aftercare supports healthy healing and helps reduce irritation and complications.
Healing piercings requires patience, consistency, and gentle care. Always follow the aftercare instructions provided by your piercer, as healing can vary depending on the piercing, your body's natural immune system, and where you live in the world.
Healing takes time
Consistent aftercare, quality jewelry, and healthy habits all play an important role in the healing process. Let's make your journey safe and swift.
General Aftercare Guidelines
01
Wash Your Hands
Always wash your hands thoroughly before touching or cleaning your piercing.
04
Avoid Irritants
Keep makeup, lotions, hair products, and harsh cleaners away from your piercing.
02
Clean Gently
Clean your piercing 1–2 times daily using sterile saline solution, or clean fresh water.
05
Be Mindful
Avoid twisting, rotating, or playing with your jewelry during healing.
03
Keep It Dry
Gently pat dry using clean disposable products.
06
Be Patient
Eating well, getting enough sleep and drink lots of water will aid in healing.
Detailed Care by Piercing Category
Select body type below to read customized hygiene regimes, normal symptoms, and cautions.
Suggested Care Products
Sterile Saline Solution
Use packaged sterile saline solution with no additives. The only ingredient should be: ✔ 0.9% sodium chloride
❌ Do NOT Use:
-
Contact lens saline
-
Eye drops
-
Homemade salt water mixtures
-
Harsh antiseptics or alcohol-based product
Homemade salt solutions are often too strong and may irritate or dry out the piercing.
✔ What is Normal?
During Early Healing
-
Minor bleeding
-
Localized swelling
-
Tenderness
-
Bruising
Throughout Healing
-
Mild itching
-
Discolouration
-
Whitish-yellow secretion (crust) on the jewelry
-
Tightness around jewelry
Important to remember: Piercings heal from the outside in and may appear healed before the internal tissue has fully recovered. Continue proper aftercare throughout the entire healing period. Even healed piercings can shrink or close quickly without jewelry.
Step-by-Step Cleaning Instructions
Step-by-Step Cleaning Instructions
Wash Your Hands
Always wash your hands thoroughly before touching or cleaning your piercing.
Clean With Sterile Saline
Rinse your piercing with sterile saline solution 1–2 times daily.
⚠️ Important: Do not rotate or twist your jewelry during healing.
Dry Carefully
Gently pat dry using clean disposable paper products.
Avoid cloth towels, which may harbor bacteria or snag jewelry.
💡Actions & Avoidance
What To Do
-
Leave It Alone: Avoid unnecessary touching or movement.
-
Stay Healthy: Support immunity with rest, hydration, & nutrition.
-
Keep Bedding Clean: Wear breathable clothing and wash bedding often.
-
Check Jewelry: Regularly check threaded ends for tightness.
What To Avoid
-
No Harsh Products: Avoid alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, soaps, or ointments.
-
No Overcleaning: Overcleaning causes extreme skin irritation.
-
No Trauma: Avoid sleeping on it, tight clothing, or friction.
-
No Unhygienic Water: Avoid lakes, pools, and baths for 8-12 weeks.
-
No Beauty Sprays: Keep cosmetics & hairspray far away.
Approximate Healing Times
Healing times vary depending on geography, jewelry quality, personal aftercare routine, lifestyle, and overall health.
Earlobe
12 weeks +
Cartilage (Helix, Flat, Conch)
6–12 months
Nostril
6 months
Septum
2–3 months
Navel
6 months +
Nipple
6–12 months
Surface Piercings
6–12 months
Oral Piercings
8 weeks +
When to Seek Help
Healing times vary depending on the piercing and your individual body
Increased redness, swelling, or warmth
Green or yellow discharge
Severe pain or throbbing
Fever or chills
Disclaimer Note
These guidelines are based on professional experience, research, and accepted industry practices. This information is not intended to replace medical advice from a qualified healthcare professional. If you suspect an infection or serious medical complications, seek professional medical attention immediately.