Q&A for How to Pierce Your Ear

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Question

What are some tips for someone who is getting their first piercing?

Sasha Blue
Professional Body Piercer
Sasha Blue is a Professional Body Piercer and the Owner of 13 Bats Tattoo and Piercing Studio in the San Francisco Bay Area. Sasha has over 20 years of professional body piercing experience, starting with her apprenticeship in 1997. She is licensed with the County of San Francisco in California.

Sasha Blue

Professional Body Piercer

Expert Answer

Make sure you eat before and drink plenty of water, so you’re properly hydrated. Don’t be in a rush. Allow yourself time so you can look at all the jewelry options and ask any questions you may have.

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Question

Will it hurt when I put the needle in?

Community Answer

Yes, but it also depends on your own pain tolerance. Most people liken the pain to getting pinched.

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Question

Can I switch I earrings early as long as I clean it and always have an earring in?

Community Answer

No, you should only switch earrings after 5 to 6 weeks. Otherwise, the hole won't heal as fast as it would if you had left it in.

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Question

Does it look weird if it closes up?

CuteUnicorn

Community Answer

No, it ends up looking like a small scar the size of the needle you pierced it with.

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Question

Can I use a regular sewing needle?

Community Answer

You could, but a safety pin is typically thicker and sharper, which makes the process easier and makes it less painful to put earrings in afterward. That being said, using anything other than an piercing needle puts you at more risk of an infection, so a sewing needle or a safety pin is not recommended.

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Question

Is it normal if the ear lobe is a little swollen just after piercing it?

Community Answer

Yes. They may be a bit swollen for a few weeks while they are healing.

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Question

What should I do if I pierce it incorrectly and have to go to the hospital?

Community Answer

You can have doctor treat it, wait for it to heal, and get it done again professionally.

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Question

"Washing the piercing" is recommended. Should this be done with the earring in or out?

Amelia Schroeder

Community Answer

For six weeks, it should be done with the earring in. Afterwards, it should be done with the earring out.

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Question

Do you have to take the piercing out when you wash it with salt and water?

Community Answer

No, you shouldn't remove the earring for six to eight weeks.

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Question

Can gold be used as a starter earring?

Community Answer

Yes. Gold is generally a good starter earring, just make sure it isn't gold plated.

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Question

How fast is the process of piercing my ear?

Community Answer

Preparation can take a long time; the longer the better really. However, putting the needle through should be done as quickly as possible, and jewellery should be put in immediately after. Taking a long time will cause a natural inflammatory response and the needle may get stuck halfway through (which would be painful).

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Question

Does it hurt to have a cartilage piercing?

Community Answer

Cartilage piercings sting for a few minutes after piercing but they do not hurt as badly as you might think they would.

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Question

Why can't I share needles with other people. Why will it lead to infections?

Community Answer

Sharing needles is always dangerous. Blood and other bodily fluids contain bacteria, and when you share needles, you can transfer that bacteria which can lead to serious infections. Even when you clean a needle, there are still traces of bacteria.

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Question

Can I numb my ear with ice to help the pain?

Community Answer

Yes, but the ice will also tighten your ear and make piercing it more difficult. It's better to use a numbing gel or go to professional to pierce your ears.

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Question

What will happen if I take the piercing out of my ear before the six weeks have passed?

Community Answer

Your piercing will eventually close up. Also, if you fail to keep the hole clean, the piercing may start bleeding again or get infected.

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Question

How long do I wait to stretch my ears?

Community Answer

Wait until your ear has fully healed. It will take around 6 weeks or until there is no swelling, blood or crust.

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Question

What does it mean if your ear starts to itch?

WillowWeasley

Community Answer

It's healing, depending on how long you've had them. That or it could just be itchy.

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Question

Could I pierce my ear with an earring?

Community Answer

No! Earrings are very dull. They will not pierce your skin, and you'll only end up hurting yourself badly if you try to do this.

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Question

Can I pierce my ears with a sterile safety pin?

Community Answer

Yes. Clean it in boiling water, then with alcohol, then with saltwater. Clean your ears with alcohol, as well. This would still be better done by a professional, though.

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Question

What does stretching your ear do and why do people stretch it?

Ashe Devoss

Community Answer

Some people stretch their ear to put in plugs and other acessories. It simply makes the hole in your ear bigger and gives you a bigger gauge size.

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Question

Why is it dangerous to pierce my ears with an old piercing earring?

Community Answer

It's dangerous because the old piercing earring could contain bacteria and/or germs. Even if you clean that earring, there might still be some traces of bacteria and/or germs. This could cause an infection.

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Question

What happens if it gets infected?

Community Answer

In some cases, it might be able to be fixed, but usually you have to take the piercing out and let it close up. See your doctor if it's hurting or not healing.

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Question

Do you damage anything in the ear if you pierce youself?

Bringmethepilots

Community Answer

If you do it correctly, no. However, piercing at home is dangerous and not recommended. There is a much higher risk of infection, and the danger of cross-contamination through blood-borne pathogens and the risk of piercing in the wrong place. Unless you want to risk injury, go to a professional tattoo parlor or piercing studio.

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Question

What would hurt more, getting my cartilage pierced or the bottom part of my ear?

Community Answer

Cartilage piercings always hurt more, as you are breaking the cartilage to obtain the piercing.

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Question

As a guy, will people think I'm gay if I get my ears pierced?

Community Answer

No, having ear piercings has nothing to do with sexuality.

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Question

Can I get a second piercing in my ear at the age of 13?

Community Answer

If your parents allow you to do so, then yes, you can get a second piercing in your ear at 13.

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Question

Can you go to the jewelry store instead?

Community Answer

Sure, if the store offers piercing services. It's always better to get your ears pierced by a professional than to try doing it yourself.

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Question

Is it alright to get my ears pierced at age 10?

Community Answer

Sure, you can get your ears pierced whenever your parents say it's okay.

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Question

Can I use the same method for a second piercing?

Community Answer

Sure, just make sure that the second piercing is not too close or too far from the first or third.

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Question

Is getting an ear pierced good for you?

Community Answer

It's not "good" or "bad" for you. If you do get a piercing, you just have to make sure to keep it clean so it doesn't get infected.

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