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Piercing - Aftercare

Whether it’s a lobe, cartilage, or nose piercing, proper aftercare is everything. Looking after it properly will help it heal beautifully and reduce the chance of irritation or complications.

Here’s exactly what you need to know 👇

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💧 What Should I Use to Clean My Piercing?

We always recommend sterile saline solution — simple, skin-safe, and effective.
Your saline should list 0.9% sodium chloride as the only ingredient.

❌ Avoid creams, oils, tea tree, witch hazel, alcohol, or anything that promises “fast healing.” These can dry or irritate the skin and slow healing.

 

🧼 Daily Cleaning Routine

Keep your new piercing happy and healing by following these steps once or twice daily:

  1. Wash your hands thoroughly before touching your piercing.

  2. Spray sterile saline directly onto the area or onto a piece of sterile gauze.

  3. Do not twist or turn your jewellery — it can cause trauma and delay healing.

  4. Gently dry the area with clean, disposable gauze or tissue. (Avoid towels — they trap bacteria and can catch on jewellery.)

  5. Remember: less is more. Be gentle and consistent.

 

💫 What’s Normal During Healing?

Don’t panic — some things are totally normal, especially in the early days:

  • Mild swelling or tenderness

  • Localised redness

  • Light bleeding or bruising

  • A clear-yellowish fluid that forms light crusting

  • A tight feeling around the jewellery

Even if your piercing looks healed on the outside after a few weeks, it’s still delicate inside. Continue your aftercare for the fullhealing time.

 

🚫 What to Avoid While Healing

Healing piercings are sensitive — protect them by avoiding:

  • Over-cleaning (once or twice a day is plenty)

  • Touching or playing with your jewellery

  • Sleeping on the piercing (use a travel pillow to relieve pressure)

  • Swimming in pools, oceans, lakes, or hot tubs

  • Makeup, skincare, fake tan, or perfume near the area

  • Scrubbing or removing crusts (they help protect your skin)

  • Headphones, hats, or tight clothing that rub against the area

 

⏳ Healing Times (Approximate)

Each piercing heals differently — here’s a guide:

  • Lobes: 8–12 weeks

  • Cartilage (Helix, Conch, Tragus, etc.): 6–12 months

  • Nose: 6–9 months

✨ Remember: Everyone heals at their own pace. Bumps or irritation can delay things — be patient and consistent.

 

💍 Downsizing Your Jewellery

If you’ve had a cartilage piercing, we’ll need to downsize your jewellery after around 6 weeks.
This helps:

  • Shorten the bar to fit your healed tissue

  • Reduce movement and friction

  • Prevent irritation and bumps

This appointment should only be done in the studio using sterile equipment.
Not sure if you’re ready? Just WhatsApp or DM us a photo — we’ll happily advise 💬

 

🚨 Something Doesn’t Feel Right?

If your piercing becomes very swollen, red, hot to touch, or painful, please get in touch via WhatsApp or Instagram DM (@byracheljade) as soon as possible.
It could mean your bar is too short or the area is irritated — we can often fix it by upsizing or reviewing your aftercare routine.

If you notice signs of infection(spreading redness, thick discharge, fever, or worsening pain), please contact your GP or seek medical advicepromptly.

 

💌 Stay Connected & Book Appointments

Got a question or want to book your next appointment?
📱 WhatsApp me directly 07581402956 or DM me on Instagram: @byracheljade
🌐 Book or message:www.byracheljade.co.uk

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