Whether you have just gotten a piercing or are planning to get one, it is important to know how to properly care for your new piercing . A good aftercare routine is essential for fast and proper healing. Whether it is a helix piercing, daith piercing, conch piercing, or tragus piercing , maintaining good hygiene is of the utmost importance. Here are some tips to ensure your piercing heals quickly and without problems.
How do you clean a piercing? Step-by-step explanation
A clean piercing is a healthy piercing. Establish a consistent cleaning routine twice a day, morning and evening, until your piercing is fully healed. This can take several months, depending on the placement and your body.
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This is how you clean your piercing correctly:
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Read more in our article: cleaning a piercing.
Piercing aftercare tips: what to do and what not to do
Good aftercare goes beyond just cleaning. These are the most important do's and don'ts for a smooth healing process:
✅ You *will* do this
- Clean your piercing twice a day using the described method.
- Always dry the piercing thoroughly after cleaning or showering.
- Use a travel pillow ('donut pillow') so you don't sleep on your piercing.
- Regularly check if the closing mechanism of your piercing is still secure.
- Downsizing after 2–3 months: replace the longer initial backpost with a shorter one; this prevents the post from getting caught in your hair or clothing.
❌ You don't do this
- Twisting or moving your piercing irritates the tissue around the wound.
- Pulling or picking at scabs is part of the healing process. Let them come off as they please.
- Apply perfume, makeup, or moisturizer directly on or around the piercing.
- Allow soap or shampoo to work on the piercing while showering; always rinse thoroughly.
- Removing your piercing during healing can cause the opening to close up within hours.
Nazorg per piercing type: helix, tour, conch & tragus
Each piercing type has its own healing path. Below you will find specific tips per type, so you know exactly what to look out for.
Helix piercing aftercare
The helix piercing is located in the upper, thinner part of your ear; cartilage heals more slowly than earlobe flesh. Expect 4 to 6 months for complete healing, sometimes longer.
- Sleep on your opposite ear or use a donut pillow.
- Be extra careful when washing your hair; rinsing shampoo around can cause irritation.
- Do not wear sunglasses or a hat that puts pressure on the helix.
Nazorg piercing trip
The daith piercing is located deep in the inner fold of the ear. Due to its location, it is more difficult to reach, but with the right technique, it works well. Healing time: 9 to 12 months.
- Use an irrigation sprayer or spray bottle to ensure the saline solution penetrates deep into the soil.
- Regularly check that no scabs are building up around the ring.
- Avoid large ears (such as over-ear headphones) that put pressure on this area.
Conch piercing aftercare
The conch piercing is located in the middle part of the ear (inner or outer conch). It is a cartilage piercing with a healing time of 4 to 6 months.
- Keep the piercing clean with sterile saline solution, including the back.
- Never switch from an inner to an outer conch (or vice versa) yourself; have this done by a professional piercer.
- Pay attention to pressure from sleeping position; this is the most common cause of irritation with conch piercings.
Tragus piercing aftercare
The tragus is the small flap of cartilage in front of the ear canal. Healing time: 4 to 6 months. Because it is less visible, care requires some extra attention.
- Clean the front and back of the tragus daily.
- Do not wear in-ear earbuds or AirPods during the healing period.
- Never change your piercing yourself in the first few months; have this done by a professional piercer.
How long does it take for a piercing to heal?
Healing times vary depending on the placement of the piercing and differ from person to person. The table below gives you an idea of approximately how long it takes for your piercing to heal.
1: 2 - 4 months (Lobe piercing, upper lobe piercing)
2: 4 - 6 months (Helix piercing, forward helix piercing, flat piercing, conch piercing, tragus piercing, rook piercing)
3: 6 - 12 months (Mid-helix piercing)
4: 9 - 12 months (Daith piercing, anti-tragus piercing)
The 3 stages of the healing process
To get a clear picture of the healing times and the three different stages of this process, we have created a brief overview of what you can expect.
1. NOT PIERCED
In the beginning, your piercing will be somewhat sensitive and may appear a bit swollen. Additionally, you may experience some discomfort occasionally; no worries! This is completely normal with a new piercing. However, be extra careful during this phase, as your piercing is still very fresh!
Did you know? Our piercings can also be used for getting a new piercing? We use 14-karat (white) gold and offer two different piercing sizes. A longer backpost (8mm) for a new piercing and a shorter backpost (6.5mm) to downsize after about 2-3 months. This way, you can shine immediately after getting a new piercing.
2. TO HEALING
Once the initial discomfort has subsided, your piercing begins the full healing phase! Piercings heal from the inside out, so the process takes some time and requires extra patience. During this period, it is important to apply the proper aftercare and check regularly for signs of healing. Pay close attention to any changes and remain patient while your body does its work to allow the piercing to heal completely.
3. HEALED
Once you have completed the full healing period, a piercing is considered healed. This means that you no longer suffer from fluid buildup, redness, or irritation. From that moment on, the piercing sits comfortably in place. This is also the time when you can have the piercing replaced by a professional.
Looking for the perfect 14k piercing? Check out the 14k gold piercing or huggie at Eline Rosina!
Don't know where to start? Also check out our 14k gold piercing sets to help you create the perfect ear stack .