Aftercare guide
Piercingaftercare.
Read first
Before youbegin.
Every piercing is different and healing times vary based on the location, your body, and your lifestyle. Always follow the specific instructions given by your Grade A piercing professional. This guide covers general best practices — your piercer may customize aftercare based on your individual piercing.
Cleaning routine
Dailycare.
Saline solution
Clean your piercing 2–3 times daily with sterile saline solution (0.9% sodium chloride). You can purchase pre-made wound wash at any pharmacy. Spray or soak the piercing for 5–10 minutes each time.
Clean hands only
Always wash your hands thoroughly with antibacterial soap before touching your piercing. Avoid letting others touch it. Minimize contact as much as possible — even with clean hands, less is more.
Gentle drying
After cleaning, gently pat the area dry with disposable paper products (paper towels or gauze). Avoid cloth towels, which can harbor bacteria and snag on jewelry.
Know your piercing
Healingtimes.
These are approximate healing times. Your individual healing may vary based on your health, aftercare routine, and lifestyle. A piercing may look healed on the outside before the internal tissue has fully healed — always complete the full healing period before changing jewelry.
| Piercing | Approx. healing time |
|---|---|
| Earlobe | 6–8 weeks |
| Helix / Cartilage | 6–12 months |
| Tragus | 6–12 months |
| Industrial | 9–12 months |
| Nostril | 4–6 months |
| Septum | 6–8 weeks |
| Lip / Labret | 6–8 weeks |
| Tongue | 4–6 weeks |
| Eyebrow | 6–8 weeks |
| Navel / Belly Button | 6–12 months |
| Nipple | 9–12 months |
| Dermal / Surface | 6–12 months |
What to avoid
Do's &don'ts.
Do
- Clean with sterile saline solution 2–3 times daily
- Wash hands before any contact with the piercing
- Leave the initial jewelry in during the healing period
- Sleep on clean pillowcases (change frequently)
- Rinse oral piercings with alcohol-free mouthwash after eating
- Be patient — healing takes time
- Contact your piercer if you notice signs of infection
- Wear loose clothing around body piercings
Don't
- Touch, twist, or rotate the jewelry unnecessarily
- Use alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or Bactine on piercings
- Submerge in pools, hot tubs, lakes, or baths
- Apply makeup, lotions, or sprays near the piercing
- Change jewelry before the piercing is fully healed
- Sleep on the piercing (use a travel pillow if needed)
- Remove crusties by picking — let saline soften them
- Use tea tree oil or other home remedies without consulting your piercer
When to get help
Signs ofinfection.
Some redness, swelling, and discharge (clear or white) is normal during the healing process. However, you should seek medical attention if you experience any of the following:
- Excessive or increasing redness and swelling
- Yellow or green pus discharge
- Persistent pain that worsens over time
- Hot to the touch around the piercing site
- Fever, chills, or nausea
- Red streaks extending from the piercing
Anyquestions?
If you have any concerns about your piercing's healing or need to schedule a jewelry change, our piercing professionals are here to help.