What To Know
- The time it takes for your piercings to heal enough to switch out earrings varies depending on the individual and the location of the piercing.
- Then, gently clean the piercing site with a cotton swab dipped in saline solution or wound cleanser.
- A warm compress can help to loosen the earring and make it easier to remove.
Congratulations! You’ve taken the plunge and gotten your ears pierced. Now, you’re probably eager to adorn your lobes with all sorts of stunning earrings. But before you can flaunt your new jewelry, you need to know how to safely remove those starter earrings. This guide will walk you through the process, ensuring a smooth transition from fresh piercings to your favorite earrings.
Why Starter Earrings Are Important
Starter earrings are specially designed for freshly pierced ears. They’re usually made of hypoallergenic materials like surgical steel or titanium, which minimize the risk of irritation and infection. These earrings are typically small and simple, allowing the piercing to heal properly without any unnecessary pressure or friction.
When Can You Take Out Starter Earrings?
The time it takes for your piercings to heal enough to switch out earrings varies depending on the individual and the location of the piercing. However, most ear piercings need at least six weeks to heal.
Here’s a general guideline:
- Lobe piercings: 6-8 weeks
- Cartilage piercings: 3-6 months
- Other piercings (helix, conch, etc.): 6-12 months
Important Note: Always consult with your piercer for specific healing timelines and advice on when it’s safe to switch your earrings.
Gather Your Supplies
Before you attempt to remove your starter earrings, make sure you have the following:
- Clean hands: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
- New earrings: Choose earrings made of hypoallergenic materials and appropriate for freshly healed piercings.
- Antiseptic solution: Prepare a solution of saline water (1/4 teaspoon salt per cup of warm water) or a commercially available wound cleanser.
- Cotton swabs: These will help you clean the piercing site.
- Soft, clean towel: This will be used to dry your hands and the piercing site.
How to Take Out Starter Earrings: A Step-by-Step Guide
Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of removing your starter earrings:
1. Clean your hands and the piercing site: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. Then, gently clean the piercing site with a cotton swab dipped in saline solution or wound cleanser.
2. Loosen the earring: If your starter earrings are posts with a screw-on back, gently unscrew the back. If they are studs with a push-back, gently push the back away from the post.
3. Remove the earring: Once the back is loosened, carefully pull the earring out of the piercing. Do not twist or force the earring.
4. Clean the piercing site again: After removing the earring, clean the piercing site once more with a clean cotton swab and saline solution or wound cleanser.
5. Insert new earrings: If you’re ready to switch to new earrings, gently insert the new earrings into the piercing.
6. Care for your piercings: Continue to clean your piercings twice a day with saline solution or wound cleanser. Avoid touching or twisting your piercings unnecessarily.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are some common mistakes that people make when taking out starter earrings:
- Forcing the earrings out: Never force the earring out of the piercing. This can damage the piercing and increase the risk of infection.
- Using dirty hands or tools: Always wash your hands thoroughly before handling your piercings.
- Switching to non-hypoallergenic earrings too early: Wait until your piercings are fully healed before switching to earrings made of materials that may irritate your skin.
- Ignoring signs of infection: If you notice any signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, pain, or discharge, see your piercer or doctor immediately.
What to Do if You Can’t Remove the Earrings
If you find yourself struggling to remove your starter earrings, don’t panic! Here are some tips:
- Try a different technique: If you’re using a screw-on back, try using a small pair of pliers to gently loosen the back.
- Apply a warm compress: A warm compress can help to loosen the earring and make it easier to remove.
- Seek professional help: If you can’t remove the earring yourself, see your piercer or a doctor.
Ready to Embrace Your New Jewelry!
Now that you know how to safely remove your starter earrings, you can start exploring the world of earrings. Remember to choose earrings that are appropriate for freshly healed piercings and to follow proper aftercare instructions. With a little patience and care, you’ll be rocking your new earrings in no time!
Quick Answers to Your FAQs
Q: Can I use rubbing alcohol to clean my piercings?
A: It’s best to avoid using rubbing alcohol on fresh piercings. Rubbing alcohol can be drying and irritating to the skin. Stick to saline solution or a wound cleanser.
Q: What if my piercings start to feel irritated after switching earrings?
A: If your piercings start to feel irritated after switching earrings, remove the new earrings and go back to your starter earrings. You may have a sensitivity to the new metal or material.
Q: How long should I keep my starter earrings in?
A: It’s best to keep your starter earrings in for at least six weeks, or longer if your piercings are in a cartilage area. Always consult your piercer for specific advice.
Q: Can I wear sleep earrings?
A: Sleep earrings are not recommended for fresh piercings. They can put pressure on the piercing and increase the risk of infection.
Q: What are some good first earrings to wear after starter earrings?
A: Look for hypoallergenic earrings made of surgical steel, titanium, or gold. Choose earrings that are simple and won’t irritate your piercings.
