Piercing Aftercare Instructions

  • 1. Clean Twice Daily: Gently clean the pierced area with saline water (salt + warm water or pre-made sterile saline). Avoid alcohol, peroxide, or heavy ointments — they irritate more than they help.

  • 2. Hands Off & Keep It Simple:Don’t twist, spin, or remove the jewelry. Keep hair, makeup, perfumes, and lotions away from the area. Let the piercing breathe and heal naturally.

  • 3. Watch for Irritation & Get Help if Needed: Mild redness is normal. If you notice increasing swelling, heat, discharge, or pain, seek professional medical care. A doctor can properly treat infections or complications.

We have cooling gel and cleaning solution that helps with inflammation for purchase.

If you ever need help, want us to take a look, or need your piercing changed, just stop by the shop anytime — we’re always here to help.

Call or text and we will try to get back to you within 24hrs.

(301) 469 - 8020

Healing Times by Piercing Type

Ear Piercings

  • Lobe: 6–8 weeks
  • Upper Lobe: 8–12 weeks
  • Helix (upper cartilage): 3–6 months
  • Tragus: 3–6 months
  • Daith: 4–6 months
  • Rook: 4–6 months
  • Conch: 6–9 months
  • Industrial: 6–12 months

Cartilage takes longer due to lower blood flow.

Facial Piercings

  • Nostril: 2–4 months
  • Septum: 6–8 weeks

  • Jewelry Guidelines

    • Keep your starter jewelry in place for the full recommended healing period.
    • Do not twist, rotate, or remove jewelry — rotating can tear healing tissue.
    • Avoid tight clothing, helmets, hats, or anything that puts pressure on the piercing.
    • Make sure your jewelry is the proper material (surgical steel, titanium, gold, etc.).

  • Daily Life Precautions

    • Be careful with hair, scarves, hoodies, masks, glasses, and headphones — they commonly snag new ear piercings.
    • Keep phones, headphones, glasses, and pillowcases clean.
    • Avoid sleeping directly on the piercing.
    • Keep makeup, perfume, hairspray, lotions, and oils away from the area.
    • Avoid high-sweat environments unless you clean the area immediately afterward.
    • Do not use random creams or “home remedies” (tea tree oil, alcohol wipes, Vicks, etc.)

  • Water Exposure

    • Avoid pools, hot tubs, oceans, and lakes during the first few weeks — these introduce bacteria.
    • Showering is fine, but rinse with clean water and pat dry.

What to Do If Your Piercing Becomes Swollen

Mild swelling and redness are completely normal during the first few days after a piercing. Your body is adjusting, and the tissue is beginning the healing process. However, if swelling continues for several weeks or doesn’t show signs of improving, here are a few steps that may help:
• Switch to real gold jewelry (14k–22k).
High-quality gold, especially a small hoop, allows for better airflow and reduces irritation from lower-quality metals. Proper airflow helps the piercing dry and heal more efficiently. (We offer real gold hoops in-store.)
• Avoid tight or compressing jewelry.
Jewelry that sits too tightly on the skin can trap moisture and put pressure on the healing tissue, which slows progress and can create bumps.
• Maintain consistent aftercare.
Clean the area twice daily with saline water and avoid touching or twisting the jewelry. Good aftercare reduces irritation and supports smoother healing.
• Be mindful of irritation sources.
Hair, makeup, pillowcases, headphones, facemasks, and clothing can all irritate a healing piercing without you realizing it.
• Know when to seek help.
If you notice excessive pain, thick pus, heat, or severe redness, contact a professional piercer or a healthcare provider. Early care prevents complications.