Surgical stainless steel earrings are typically your best bet for new piercings, as this metal is the least likely to cause an allergic reaction. Nickel and cobalt allergies are very common, so avoid these metals when you first get your ears pierced.
Standard ear piercings are a 20g or 18g if they were pierced by a gun. If they were pierced by a professional, the lobe piercing will typically be a 16g or 14g. After a minimum of two months it is typically safe to change the jewelry, but the piercing may still feel sensitive.
When choosing the earring to get pierced with, make sure you are choosing sterile, surgical grade stainless steel, plastic, titanium, or 14k gold. We suggest avoiding white gold for initial piercings (or freshly pierced ears) as they may contain traces of nickel.
The key to choosing your starter earrings is to find the jewelry that's right for your personal anatomy and that will help you heal quickly and without issue. Beyond choosing jewelry made with the right quality of metal, you're also going to want to look for jewelry that's free from nicks or scratches.
It is advisable to take your favourite earrings off from time to time to let your ears “breathe”. The reason behind this is that your earrings could trap dirt and bacteria (or shampoo) if you leave them on 24/7, which can lead to infections.
For ear piercings, it is recommended to wait 6-8 weeks before attempting to change your earring. This is recommended as 6-8 weeks is the length of time that it takes for a piercing to heal.
Are hoops or studs better for healing? In general, studs are recommended for healing piercings. Hoops and dangling jewellery pieces do not always stay in place and can complicate the healing process.
Hoops have to be one of the most popular earring style in the fashion world right now, but have always been a classic.
The most trendy ear-piercing types are rook, conch, daith, constellation and helix.
Generally speaking, you want to avoid nickel and opt for at least 14k gold (anything less usually contains nickel or brass) or sterling silver 925. If your ears are still reacting negatively, try posts made of medical-grade stainless steel or titanium, which tend to be the least reactive.
You should be able to wear any earrings you like (as long as it's not a flesh-tunnel situation) but in the first few weeks it is probably best to stick to earrings with silver- or gold-plated, solid silver/gold or hypoallergenic (nickel-free) posts and hooks.
Nose Piercings.
Nostril piercings are exceptionally common, whether they're singular or multiple on the nostrils. Nostril piercings are extremely easy to heal so long as you maintain the piercing properly and follow your after care.
Most earlobe piercings are around 20 gauge to 18 gauge. The average stud earrings are size 20 gauge. Gauge refers to the thickness of the barbell, post or ring that goes through the piercing.
After six months for earlobes and 12 months for cartilage, it's okay to switch from light stud style earrings to light dangling earrings and hoops!
A brilliant cut facet arrangement will provide the most sparkle, so look for a diamond with this cutting style. If you choose round brilliant diamond studs, make sure the diamonds have either Excellent or Very Good cut grades from GIA.
Studs are small and usually simple earrings that don't hang past the ear lobe. They're reliable and practical for any occasion. Studs come with your first piercing and look great at any age and with any style or face shape.
Rook piercings are located in the cartilage at the uppermost part of the inner ear. The location does go through a thick bit of cartilage so it can be more painful and harder to heal than many other spots on the ear. The Rook is more in line with the Snug when it comes to pain and healing.
Yes, you can wear hoop earrings everyday. Hoop earrings come in different styles and sizes, from delicate and dainty to chunky and oversized. Delicate and dainty hoops can be worn on a daily basis, while chunky and oversized hoops can be worn for a more bold and statement look.
Tongue piercings have the fastest healing duration of all piercings at only two weeks before you can downsize the bar. Lower lip piercings have a minimum of 6-8 weeks, while upper lip piercings (such as madonna or monroe piercings) take around 8 weeks.
Don't eat spicy, salty or acidy foods or liquids while you are healing. Avoid hot drinks such as hot chocolate, coffee, and tea. Eat cold foods and drinks as they lessen swelling. Be extra careful when eating crunchy foods.
Typically, ear lobe piercings take around 4-6 months, while upper or inner ear piercings take between 6-12+ months to fully heal. You'll know your ear is healed once any discharge, swelling, redness, flaking, or soreness stops.
This is why board-certified dermatologist Shari Sperling, DO recommends cleaning your earrings at least once week, which is enough to help you "avoid dirt and bacteria buildup and prevent infection, bad odor, and debris that [accumulates] on earrings," she says.