Make-up and skin products
Foundation, powder, sunscreen and perfume cause irritation if they get into the piercing. Leave the area around the piercing clear when applying make-up and clean gently in the evening.
Hair
Long hair can wrap around the jewellery and tear the piercing if pulled. Tie your hair up loosely and be careful when using a brush. Protect the piercing during hairspray and hair dyeing.
Hats, headphones, masks
With ear piercings, choose in-ear or lightweight models instead of on-ear headphones; pressure leads to irritation and bumps. If a mask strap rubs your nose or ear piercing, try a tie-back model.
Phones and glasses
Keep your phone clean; switch to the non-pierced side when holding it to your ear. If the arm of your glasses presses on an ear piercing, choose a position that doesn't affect the jewellery.
Clothing
Things like turtlenecks, scarves and beanies can catch on the jewellery and pull it. Be more careful in the first weeks.
Make-up and skincare
Make-up products carry a risk of irritation and infection if they come into contact with piercings. With piercings around the nose, eyebrows and lips, make sure brushes and sponges don't touch the piercing when using foundation, powder and concealer. Keep skincare products (acids, retinol, peels) away from the area around the piercing. These products cause burning and dryness on a new wound.
- When removing make-up, wipe around the piercing separately and gently.
- Don't spray perfume or hairspray on the pierced area.
- Wash your make-up brushes often.
Hair, hats and accessories
Long hair can wrap around the jewellery and tear the piercing if pulled. With ear and nose piercings, tying your hair up or brushing it in a way that protects the jewellery helps. Hats, beanies, bandanas and masks can press on ear piercings; choose models whose straps don't touch the ear. If mask loops and glasses pull on your ear, try a different model or way of wearing them.
Choosing clothes
With a belly piercing, loose, soft cotton clothes are most comfortable; high waists and tight belts put pressure on it. Sweaters and scarves wrapped around the neck and collar can also catch on ear and nose jewellery.
Precautions for sport and work
The rule to follow at work is not to remove a new piercing. If there is a dress code, a clear piece of jewellery or a skin-coloured bar can be planned in advance with your piercer. During sport, make sure items that put on pressure, such as headbands and helmets, don't touch the piercing. Showering and rinsing the piercing with saline immediately after training prevents the build-up of sweat and bacteria.
Seasonal considerations
In winter, scarves, beanies and sweater collars can wrap around the jewellery and easily irritate a new piercing. In summer, sunscreen, sea water and sweat come to the fore; keep creams and oils away from the piercing. Because metal jewellery can get very hot in the sun, it is good to keep your ear in the shade if you are outdoors for a long time. The basic rule is the same in every season: reduce friction, pressure and dirt.
Photos and social life
It is natural to want to show off your piercing; however, constantly turning the jewellery, playing with your ear for selfies or letting friends touch it is a hygiene risk. Only touch the jewellery with clean hands, when necessary and gently. Wearing fake earrings for social events irritates a healing piercing; in the first months, wear only your current jewellery.
Common mistakes
- Using headphones that put on pressure
- Touching the piercing with a make-up brush
- Getting hair wrapped around the jewellery
This article is for general information and is not a substitute for medical advice. Consult your piercer or doctor about your personal situation.
Official and reliable sources
Not sure? For a short free consultation at the studio book an appointment or browse our jewellery.
FAQ
Can I use in-ear headphones?
They can be used if they don't press on the pierced area; to reduce pressure on a new piercing, use them briefly and keep them clean.
Where should I spray perfume?
Spray it on areas such as the neck and wrists; keep it away from the piercing.
What should I do for phone calls?
Use speakerphone or headphones; keep your phone clean.
This content is for general information only and does not replace medical diagnosis or treatment.