When can you change your earrings? Advice for new piercings

New ear piercings can feel healed long before they actually are on the inside. That's why it's a good idea to know the general recommendations before switching to your own earrings, while remembering that every skin heals at its own pace.

In this guide, you'll get an overview of waiting times for earlobes and cartilage, how to look after the piercings along the way, and which signs to watch out for if something doesn't look right.

The short answer: wait at least around six weeks for earlobes and longer for cartilage

Many jewellery shops' guidelines suggest that you should wait at least around six weeks before changing earrings in a new earlobe piercing. This is a rule of thumb, not a guarantee, as healing time depends on the individual's skin and body.

Even if the piercing looks nice and healed on the outside, the tissue underneath can still be sensitive. So the best advice is to stick to the timeframe your piercer or doctor has given you, rather than going by a specific number of weeks alone.

Earlobe: typical recommended waiting time, and what to do beforehand

For piercings in the earlobe itself, it's often recommended to wait at least around six weeks before trying to change to new earrings. During that period, it's important to leave the original earring in place unless your piercer says otherwise.

• Wash your hands thoroughly before touching your ear or earring.
• Wash the new earring before inserting it, so you don't introduce bacteria to a piercing that's still healing.
• Take it slowly the first time, and don't force the piercing if it feels tight.

If the change goes smoothly and without discomfort, that's a good sign, but keep an eye on the piercing over the following days.

Cartilage: heals more slowly, so wait longer and ask your piercer

Cartilage piercings heal more slowly than earlobe piercings, because the tissue is different and the blood supply is smaller. Here, a waiting time of around twelve weeks or more is often mentioned before you should change the earring.

Because cartilage heals so much more slowly, it's extra important to follow your piercer's specific recommendation rather than a general rule of thumb. Some cartilage piercings can require considerably longer than others, and only the person who did the piercing knows your particular piercing and healing process.

Hygiene: wash your hands, avoid touching it, keep hair and products away

Good hygiene is one of the most important things you can do to support healing, whether the piercing is in the earlobe or cartilage.

• Always wash your hands before touching your ear or changing an earring.
• Avoid touching or twisting the earring more than necessary.
• Keep long hair away from the piercing so it doesn't get caught or pull on it.
• Be careful with hairspray, perfume and other products close to the new piercing.

These simple habits reduce the risk of irritation and give the piercing time to heal.

Signs of problems: redness, swelling, heat, pus or pain

Most ear piercings heal without any problems, but it's good to know the signs that mean you should take action.

• Persistent redness around the hole.
• Swelling or a feeling of warmth in the skin.
• Pus or fluid from the hole.
• Pain that doesn't ease off, but rather increases.

If you experience a combination of these signs, or you're in doubt, you should contact a doctor if you suspect an infection. It's always better to ask once too often than to wait too long.

Your first new earrings: choose light, simple studs without heavy charms

When it's time to change, it's a good idea to choose light and simple earrings rather than heavy styles with large charms, which can put strain on a hole that's still relatively new.

In the shop's jewellery collection, you'll find ear studs and earrings in 925 sterling silver with 18 carat gold plating, hand-picked by Dinna. A simple stud like the Genua earring or Faciligi earrings can be a safe choice for the first change, while Saturno earrings, Pacema earrings and Estimo earrings are also light styles to start with, if your piercer has given the green light.

Summary

Wait at least around six weeks before changing earrings in the earlobe, and allow longer, around twelve weeks or more, for holes in the cartilage. Keep the hole clean, avoid touching it, and watch out for redness, swelling, warmth, pus or pain, which are signs that you should contact a doctor. When you're ready to change, light and simple earrings are the best choice.

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