Besides surgical stainless steel, other fairly safe options include platinum, titanium, and 14K gold. Talk to your doctor if you want to determine if you have metal allergies. [1] X Research source
There are 2 common types of rings/hoops: Ball closure rings are squeezed together around a ball to stay in place. The ball has a tiny indent on each side for the ends of the ring to fit into. The pressure of the ring keeps the ball in place. [2] X Research source Spring closure earrings are hoops/rings that open and close with a spring that snaps in and out of place. Open the spring to place the earring on your ear, and once the earring is on, close the spring. This creates a solid hoop/ring. Hoop and ring piercings are typically easier to clean because they don’t have earring backs that block your fresh piercing. Make sure to get hoops or rings that are snug on your ear lobe, you won’t want your piercing to move too much. [3] X Research source
If you choose studs, make sure to take extra care when cleaning your piercings. Most piercing stores like Claire’s or Icing use specialty studs when they pierce ears. These studs usually have a sharp, pointed tip to make a clean piercing, as well as a “safety” clutch earring back that limits the risk of pushing the back too tightly against the fresh piercing. If you are going to a store to get your ears pierced, pick an earring that doesn’t catch on clothes, such as ones with rhinestones because they need prongs to hold them in. Also, avoid overly large studs, as this will make your piercing more troublesome to clean.
Make sure to get lightweight earrings when you get your ears pierced. Heavy earrings could damage your new piercings, take longer to heal, and cause you pain.
These piercers give piercings with sterilized needles and usually use small rings/hoops. Even if a young child wants to get their ears pierced, you can take them to a tattoo/piercing shop. These shops usually have a jewelry selection for you to choose from. They can help you choose the right earrings if you’re unsure of what to get. [5] X Research source
These stores do piercings with piercing guns and usually pierce with studs. These stores and kiosks are usually found in malls and shopping centers.
There are a few Medical Ear Piercing clinics around the country, but these clinics are far less popular than piercing shops or piercing stores. You must book an appointment to get your ears pierced at one of these clinics. [6] X Research source Other doctor’s offices and walk-in clinics sometimes do piercings as well.
Some choose to clean their piercings with rubbing alcohol and hydrogen peroxide. These are good options, but they do tend to sting. Some recommend cleaning your new piercings with salt water. This is a more natural method, but is just as effective. Some piercing stores give out an after-care solution for you to clean your ears with. [7] X Research source Apply your cleaning solution of choice with cotton swabs or cotton balls. Gently rub your cotton ball or cotton swab on the front and back of your piercing.
For the first 6 months after your piercing, try to leave earrings in at all times. Fresh piercings can close very quickly, so it’s best to leave in your earrings to allow your piercings to completely heal.
Some signs that your piercing has become infected include: Tenderness around your piercing after the first 48 hours. Swelling around the piercing more than 48 hours after a new piercing. Bleeding from your piercing. Puss discharge from the piercing. Being unable to rotate your earrings when cleaning them. Fever, especially in children. If you have a fever, it’s important to get to a hospital right away, as you may have a serious infection.
