Thorny Decisions, Beautiful Results

PRICKED Piercing Aftercare

Taking care of your new piercing is just as important as getting it! Proper aftercare helps prevent irritation, promotes healing, and keeps your jewelry looking great. Check out our tips below to keep your piercing happy and healthy!

​FREE Check-Ups & Downsizing

…Even if PRICKED Piercing Didn’t Pierce You!​

  • We pierce with slightly longer posts to allow for initial swelling and ensure a comfortable healing process. If swelling exceeds the post we use, visit us as soon as possible to have a longer post inserted.​
  • Once there’s no more redness, swelling, discharge, flaking, or irritation, your piercing is ready for a complimentary post-downsizing!
  • Have questions or concerns? Stop in for a free check-up with our experts, no appointment necessary—we’re here to help at every stage of your healing journey!

*We carry pushpin flatback posts only. If you were pierced elsewhere and are unsure, one of our piercers will be happy to check for you.

DO: Proper Aftercare for Happy Piercings

  • Clean with Sterile Saline: Use saline spray 2-3 times daily to keep your piercing clean and irritation-free. Our team at PRICKED Piercing recommends our fine mist, sterile saline as the gold standard for aftercare.
  • Protect while sleeping​: Side-sleepers – use a Pricked piercing pillow, travel pillow, or rolled up blanket to take pressure off your ear.​ Side-sleepers – use a Pricked piercing pillow, travel pillow, or rolled up blanket to take pressure off your ear.​

DON’T: What to Avoid with Your Piercings

  • No Sleeping on Piercings: Direct pressure can cause swelling, bleeding, and irritation. It can also alter the angle the piercing heals in the ear.
  • No Touching, Rotating, or Twisting Your Jewelry: Twisting/rotating jewelry is outdated information and doing so can damage the healing tissue and introduce bacteria.
  • Don’t Remove Jewelry if There’s an Issue: Concerned about a piercing? Schedule a complimentary checkup with one of our experts at PRICKED Piercing—we’re here to help, even if we didn’t pierce you!
  • No Submerging in Water: Avoid oceans, lakes, or pools for at least 2-3 weeks to prevent infection.