Jewellery Guide: How to Pierce Ears at Home Safely

Thinking about getting your ears pierced? or changing earrings in your newly pierced ears? Whether it’s your first pair of earrings or you’re helping your child take this exciting step, it can come with many questions. From choosing the safest earrings to understanding aftercare, and even deciding whether to DIY a piercing at home, it’s essential to have all the facts. Let’s dive into the safest and most stylish ways to make this milestone moment truly shine—without the risks of a DIY disaster.

When understanding the differences between the two, professional piercing is always the safest route. Licensed piercers have the proper training, sterile equipment, and experience to ensure your piercing journey starts right. If you're considering the DIY piercing at home option, it's crucial to understand that household items should never be your go-to solution. Instead, only professional piercing kits with sterile equipment should be considered, and even then, stick to earlobe piercings only – leave those trendy cartilage piercings to the experts. Not ready for a full commitment? Consider stylish, non-pierced earring alternatives like gold ear cuffs or clip-on earrings. This option allows you to have the look of trendy cute piercings, in a non-permanent way without the need of getting pierced. It's also important to note that anyone under 18 should always seek professional services rather than attempting at-home piercing.

While it may seem straightforward, piercing your own ears carries risks like infections, cartilage damage, and improper placement. Without sterile equipment, you’re more likely to introduce bacteria, causing redness, swelling, and even permanent scarring. Plus, improper techniques could lead to shattering cartilage or creating uneven holes.

If you’re set on DIY, consider investing in a professional home piercing kit. These kits typically include sterilized earrings, gloves, cleaning solutions, and detailed instructions. But remember, even with the right tools, the safest option is visiting a licensed piercer.

So, you’ve just gotten your ears pierced – exciting times! But what’s next? Whether you chose a professional piercer or used a home kit, proper piercing aftercare is non-negotiable. The key to successful healing is about gentle, consistent care. Here is how to keep your piercing clean and comfortable:

Clean piercing twice a day – with clean hands and your saline solution, clean your piercings twice daily. A gentle cleanse in the morning and another before bed will stop infections and bacteria. Pro tip: Instead of using cotton swabs, as they can leave fibres that irritate your piercing, use clean gauze or simply let the saline solution run over the area in the shower.

Don’t touch the new piercing – Whilst it can be tempting to touch or twist your new earrings, this can introduce bacteria and cause infections. Keep those hands away unless you’re cleaning them.

Avoid harsh products- Harsh cleaning products like Alcohol and hydrogen peroxide might seem like good choices for killing bacteria, but they're actually too harsh for your delicate healing piercing. They can dry out your skin and actually slow down the healing process – definitely not what we're aiming for!

Choose hypoallergenic earrings- Start with hypoallergenic jewellery and earrings for sensitive ears that are made from stainless steel or platinum. These materials are gentle on sensitive skin and reduce the risk of allergic reactions.

Long-term piercing care – Give your ears regular breaks from wearing earrings, rotate between different styles to prevent irritation and invest in quality pieces like hypoallergenic, waterproof and tarnish-free jewellery that will last a long time, rather than costume jewellery.

For new piercings, small stud earrings are the way to go. You need to make sure, whether you have a known allergy or not, that they're safe for sensitive ears and hypoallergenic, since it's a fresh wound. Make sure they’re comfortable, easy to manage, and ideal for the healing process. Make sure the backs are flat and secure to avoid irritation or snagging. Always choose hypoallergenic earrings and jewellery materials like stainless steel, titanium, or gold to minimize the risk of allergic reactions and ensure a smoother healing experience.

The best jewellery for sensitive skin is hypoallergenic, like our gold hoop earrings, which are made with allergy-free metals. Sterling silver, especially with the trusted 925 stamp, is a classic choice. Gold is another great option, but make sure it’s 9ct or higher. For those looking to splurge, platinum offers both luxury and comfort. Stainless steel, particularly surgical grade, is ideal for initial piercings thanks to its durability and skin-friendly properties. It's also important to choose nickel-free jewellery, as nickel can often cause irritation, and these materials are typically free from it, making them safer for sensitive ears.

When it comes to choosing earrings for kids or young children, it’s best to avoid dangly earrings, as they can easily get caught or pulled, leading to discomfort or injury. Instead, go for small, comfortable studs, ideally in the 4mm to 5mm range, like our small pearl studs, as these are the perfect size for little ears. It's also crucial to select earrings with secure backing systems, like screw-on or flat backs, to ensure they stay in place and minimize the risk of losing them. Additionally, look for waterproof and tarnish-free earrings, as these materials will hold up better through daily wear and activities like swimming or playing without losing their shine. These simple considerations ensure your child's earrings are both safe and durable, while also looking great.

For everyday wear, you’ll want to go for earrings that are both stylish, practical and long-lasting. Small hoops are a fantastic choice as they add a touch of elegance without feeling too heavy. Lightweight dangle earrings, like our teardrop gold huggies, also work well, adding a bit of movement and flair while staying easy to wear throughout the day. Comfortable studs are a classic choice—simple, practical, and perfect for a minimalist vibe. When selecting everyday earrings, look for waterproof and tarnish-free options. These types of jewellery are life-proof, meaning they’ll withstand daily activities, sweat, and the occasional splash of water, all while maintaining their shine and durability.

Once they've healed and you've waited the recommended timeframe from your piercer - knowing when to remove your earrings is essential for both comfort and jewellery care. It’s a good idea to take them out before swimming, we recommend even removing waterproof jewellery, as the chlorine or salt water can cause damage or irritation. Once your piercings are fully healed, removing earrings while sleeping is also recommended to avoid pressure and potential infection. During intense physical activity, such as exercise or sports, it's best to take out your earrings to prevent them from getting caught or causing discomfort. Lastly, when applying hair products or perfume, try to avoid the ear area, and always remove your earrings , as the chemicals can tarnish or damage the metal, and residue can irritate your skin.

How to know if your ear piercing is infected? 

Knowing if your ear piercing is infected starts with paying close attention to any signs of discomfort. Redness or swelling could indicate irritation or the early stages of an infected piercing. Itching or burning sensations are common signs that your skin might be reacting to the material in your earrings, especially if they’re not hypoallergenic or nickel free. Be mindful of unusual discharge—if it’s yellow or green, it could signal an infection that needs immediate attention. Persistent pain, beyond the usual healing process, is a red flag that shouldn’t be ignored.

If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to act quickly. Remove your earrings temporarily, clean the area with an appropriate solution, and consider switching to hypoallergenic or surgical-grade jewellery. Don’t hesitate to seek advice from a healthcare professional to prevent complications. Taking prompt action is the key to keeping your piercing healthy and trouble-free.

Should you sleep with earrings in?

Wondering if you should you sleep with earrings in? The answer depends on a few factors, like the type of earrings and the healing stage of your piercing. For new piercings, leaving earrings in overnight is essential to keep the hole open and aid proper healing. In this case, opt for small, flat back studs designed for comfort during sleep. These minimize irritation and reduce the risk of snagging on pillows or hair.

Once your piercings are fully healed however, the decision to sleep with earrings becomes more about personal preference and comfort. If you love the convenience of waking up with your favourite gold Huggies already on, choose lightweight, hypoallergenic earrings, preferably tarnish-free and waterproof, to ensure they remain life-proof even through nightly wear.

Removing earrings before bed is recommended to avoid pressure on your ears, reduce the chance of infection, and extend the life of your jewellery. This is particularly important for dangly or bulky earrings that can tug on your earlobes or break during the night. Whether you choose to leave them in or not, your ear health should always come first.