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Ear Piercing FAQ

Ear Piercing FAQ Drawing of an ear with each piercing area labeled

How soon can I change my jewelry?

The initial jewelry should be left in for the duration of the healing period, but you can change your jewelry as soon as it is healed. For earlobes, this means six to eight weeks; for cartilage, six to twelve months, minimum.

How soon can I leave the piercing empty?

For most, earlobe piercings tend to stay open (even without jewelry) after a year or more (but this is no hard, fast rule), while cartilage piercings can take considerably longer. A good rule of thumb: if you want to keep your piercing, keep something in it.

I saw a picture online of an ear with multiple cartilage piercings. Can I get that?

Looking through images in our galleries or other places online is a great way to get ideas, but ears can vary greatly from person-to-person, so something that works well online (or on your friend) may not work for you.

If there is a piercing configuration that appeals to you, bring in the picture and talk to one of our piercers. Even if you’re not suited for what you’re asking about, they can recommend something that will work for your particular ear.

I want to get cartilage piercings on both ears. Can I do them at the same time?

Due to the difficulty with healing, you will need to wait until all piercings on one ear a fully healed before we will do any new cartilage piercings on the other ear. Healing can take six months to a year, and you need one ear to sleep on, use to talk on the phone, etc. We can do multiple cartilage piercings on the same ear in the same sitting, but we will not do cartilage piercings in both ears at the same time.

I want to get my child’s ears pierced by you. Can you do it?

Yes! While Philadelphia regulations previously prohibited us from piercing clients under 16 years old, a new interpretation of the rules means we can now offer earlobe piercing services for minors who are 8 years or older. For more information, head to our Appointment page and ID Info & Policies.

Can I go swimming?

It is best to avoid swimming for the full duration of the healing period, however, with ear piercings, an easy solution is simply to keep your head out of the water. The risk to your piercing depends on where you’re swimming: saltwater and chlorine may be okay for your piercing, however, other bacteria in the water may be problematic; the water on a beach in the tropics is not the same at the water at the Jersey Shore; and you can never be sure how balanced the chemical levels are in anyone else’s pool—or what else may be in the water. Definitely avoid hot tubs, quarries, or lakes, as here the water quality is even more questionable. At a minimum, plan to avoid swimming for at least three months, and if you do swim during the healing process, the most important thing to do is to make sure that you clean your piercing afterward.

Do I need to turn my earrings while they’re healing?

No. There is the opinion still held by some that if you do not rotate your jewelry occasionally during healing that your skin will adhere to or “grow into” the post. This is not true. With implant-grade titanium and steel jewelry (and even glass) the surface is non-porous and will not adhere to skin. This is not to say that you won’t have some scabbing and dried lymph that adheres to your jewelry during healing. Just keep with your regular cleaning regimen and this will wash away naturally. As for twisting the jewelry: just leave it alone. If you’re not cleaning your piercing, keep your hands off it.

Why don’t you use piercing guns?

We’ve all seen the storefronts and kiosks advertising free ear piercings with the purchase of jewelry. You may think, “What’s wrong with a deal like that?” The problem is not in the price but the procedure, as these types of establishments use piercing guns.

So what’s wrong with ear piercing guns? While we won’t go into all the reasons you shouldn’t get pierced with a gun—the Association of Professional Piercers already has—here are the main ones:

  • Piercing guns cannot be effectively sterilized, and there are documented cases of disease transmission from piercing guns. (Download this Journal of the American Medical Association article.) Additionally, operators working at piercing kiosks are not trained in bloodborne pathogens or disease transmission. Ignorance of aseptic technique and a lack of basic knowledge further increase the risk.
  • Gun studs do not accommodate for the different thicknesses of ears and earlobes, and the studs can easily become embedded. Additionally, piercing studs are not usually made from implant-grade materials, and as a result, reactions to the jewelry are not uncommon, especially for those with a sensitivity to nickel.
  • Getting your ear cartilage pierced with a gun can be especially dangerous and carries a risk of permanent damage.

Here’s why you may want to consider us instead of your local mall:

  • We use single-use, disposable piercing needles and aseptic technique—the same as your dentist. Jewelry is sterilized prior to insertion, and any other implements used (forceps, etc.) are sterilized as well.
  • We use jewelry at a length selected specifically for you, made of material proven to be safe for the body. The posts we use for initial ear piercings are either implant-certified titanium (Ti6Al4VELI) that is ASTM F-136 compliant or ISO 5832-3 compliant, or implant-grade steel that is ASTM F-138 compliant or ISO 5832-1 compliant, and are considered safe for initial piercings by the Association of Professional Piercers.
  • Everyone on our staff is certified with bloodborne pathogens training by the National Safety Council, and all of our piercers meet—and exceed—training required for business membership in the Association of Professional Piercers.

Getting pierced with a gun is considerably cheaper, but you get what you pay for.

How long until I can start stretching?

You will want to wait until your piercings are healed before you begin stretching. For earlobes this is after about eight weeks; for ear cartilage, this means waiting until they are fully healed, which can be anywhere from six months to a year. For more information about stretching, check out the Stretching FAQ on our site.

If you already know you want to go big, it’s easier to get your ears pierced larger to begin with. (This is especially true of ear cartilage piercings, as they can be difficult to stretch.) To find out about different options for large-gauge piercings, come in and talk to one of our piercers in person.

Double forward helix piercings by Kellan
Triple forward helix piercings by John
Tragus piercing by Andru
Industrial piercing by John
Antitragus piercing by Andru
Earlobe piercings by John
Double forward helix piercings by Robert
Double tragus piercings by Andru
Outer helix piercing by Andru
Double forward helix piercings by Kellan
Outer helix piercing by John
Outer helix piercings by Zach
Conch piercing by John
Outer helix and conch piercings by Andru
Earlobe piercing by John
Conch piercing by John
Zach Fitzgerald
Amelia Hancock
Ursula Thomson
Charlie Borelli
Hal Marie
Khyla Corbin
Cicada Silva
Jessica Rae
Maddie Akers
Ariana Flores
James Weber

Book a Piercing in Philadelphia

Book an Appointment to schedule a time to visit our studio. Check out Before Coming In for information on our new protocol for studio visits.

Open 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day. Retail space and piercing rooms are accessible.

Book Appointment

Jewelry for Earlobe Piercings

  • Dapped Oval Cable Chain in 14k Yellow Gold from Hialeah
    Dapped Oval Cable Chain in Gold from Hialeah in assorted lengths
    $60.00 - $110.00
    $60.00 - $110.00
    $60.00 - $110.00
    $60.00

    Dapped Oval Cable Chain in Gold from Hialeah

    Hialeah

    A twinkling chain with a checkered look that masterfully exhibits dimension and texture. Size refers to the thickest post these will fit. Each end ...

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    $60.00 - $110.00
    $60.00 - $110.00
    $60.00 - $110.00
    $60.00
  • Long and Short Chain in 14k Yellow Gold from Hialeah
    Long and Short Chain in Gold from Hialeah in assorted sizes
    $70.00 - $90.00
    $70.00 - $90.00
    $70.00 - $90.00
    $70.00

    Long and Short Chain in Gold from Hialeah

    Hialeah

    A series of long and short angular solid gold links form a truly unique chain reminiscent of malleable bamboo. Size refers to the thickest post the...

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    $70.00 - $90.00
    $70.00 - $90.00
    $70.00 - $90.00
    $70.00
  • Twinkle Twinkle Charm in 14k Yellow Gold from Hialeah
    Twinkle Twinkle Charm in Gold from Hialeah group photo
    $90.00 - $90.00
    $90.00
    $90.00 - $90.00
    $90.00

    Twinkle Twinkle Charm in Gold from Hialeah

    Hialeah

    Oh my stars! A pair of puffy star charms captivate as they dangle from wisps of starburst chain. Measures approximately 18mm including jump ring.  ...

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    $90.00 - $90.00
    $90.00
    $90.00 - $90.00
    $90.00
  • Future, Past and Present Charm in 14k Yellow Gold with Green Sapphire from Hialeah
    Future, Past and Present Charm in Gold from Hialeah with assorted stones
    $96.00 - $96.00
    $96.00
    $96.00 - $96.00
    $96.00

    Future, Past and Present Charm in Gold from Hialeah

    Hialeah

    A 2.5mm bezel-set genuine stone charm accented by a spirited cable chain charm form an endearing duo. Measures approximately 15mm including jump ri...

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    $96.00 - $96.00
    $96.00
    $96.00 - $96.00
    $96.00
  • Barracuda Chain in Gold from Hialeah sizing detail
    Barracuda Chain in Gold from Hialeah in assorted lengths
    $170.00 - $182.00
    $170.00 - $182.00
    $170.00 - $182.00
    $170.00

    Barracuda Chain in Gold from Hialeah

    Hialeah

    Interlocking heart silhouettes and a dainty cable chain come together in this playful, hybrid chain. Size refers to the thickest post these will fi...

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    $170.00 - $182.00
    $170.00 - $182.00
    $170.00 - $182.00
    $170.00
  • Falling For You Charm in 14k Yellow Gold from Hialeah
    $70.00 - $70.00
    $70.00
    $70.00 - $70.00
    $70.00

    Falling For You Charm in Gold from Hialeah

    Hialeah

    An outline of a solid gold heart dangles from a wispy length of cable chain so you can wear your heart on your sleeve. Measures approximately 22mm ...

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    $70.00 - $70.00
    $70.00
    $70.00 - $70.00
    $70.00
  • Circus Circus Charm in 14k Yellow Gold Small from Hialeah
    Circus Circus Charm in Gold from Hialeah in various lengths
    $35.00 - $90.00
    $35.00 - $90.00
    $35.00 - $90.00
    $35.00

    Circus Circus Charm in Gold from Hialeah

    Hialeah

    A solid gold flattened kite dangles from an elongated jump ring for a hint of geometric flair. Short version has 1 kite charm, Medium version has 2...

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    $35.00 - $90.00
    $35.00 - $90.00
    $35.00 - $90.00
    $35.00
  • Twilight Zone Press-fit End in 14k White Gold with Clear CZ from Ember Body Jewelry
    Twilight Zone Press-fit End in Gold from Ember Body Jewelry in assorted materials
    $165.00 - $165.00
    $165.00
    $165.00 - $165.00
    $165.00

    Twilight Zone Press-fit End in Gold from Ember Body Jewelry

    Ember Body Jewelry

    A bold arrangement of 2mm by 4mm baguette-cut gemstones form a lively duo. Measures 5mm by 5.5mm.Press-fit jewelry is sold as two separate pieces: ...

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    $165.00 - $165.00
    $165.00
    $165.00 - $165.00
    $165.00
  • Side Piece Press-fit End in 14k Yellow Gold with Tsavorite Garnet & White Sapphire from Ember Body Jewelry
    $180.00 - $180.00
    $180.00
    $180.00 - $180.00
    $180.00

    Side Piece Press-fit End in Gold from Ember Body Jewelry

    Ember Body Jewelry

    A genuine pear-cut and baguette-cut stone are attached at the hip in this endearing design. Measures approximately 3mm by 4mm. Press-fit jewelry is...

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    $180.00 - $180.00
    $180.00
    $180.00 - $180.00
    $180.00
  • Golden Hour Press-fit End in 14k Yellow Gold with Citrine from Ember Body Jewelry
    $215.00 - $215.00
    $215.00
    $215.00 - $215.00
    $215.00

    Golden Hour Press-fit End in Gold from Ember Body Jewelry

    Ember Body Jewelry

    A radiant 2mm by 4mm hexagon-cut genuine stone in a bead-prong setting enhanced by a princess-cut stone charm. Measures 2mm by 9.5mm.Press-fit jewe...

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    $215.00 - $215.00
    $215.00
    $215.00 - $215.00
    $215.00
  • Offset Press-fit End in 14k Yellow Gold with Moissanite from Ember Body Jewelry side detail
    Offset Press-fit End in 14k Yellow Gold with Moissanite from Ember Body Jewelry
    $280.00 - $280.00
    $280.00
    $280.00 - $280.00
    $280.00

    Offset Press-fit End in Gold from Ember Body Jewelry

    Ember Body Jewelry

    A mothership of genuine stones elevated by thoughtfully placed tri-bead accents. Measures approximately 7.5mm by 8mmPress-fit jewelry is sold as tw...

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    $280.00 - $280.00
    $280.00
    $280.00 - $280.00
    $280.00
  • Tinsel Press-fit End in 14k White Gold with Blue Moonstone and Moissanite from Ember Body Jewelry
    Tinsel Press-fit End in Gold from Ember Body Jewelry in assorted materials
    $190.00 - $190.00
    $190.00
    $190.00 - $190.00
    $190.00

    Tinsel Press-fit End in Gold from Ember Body Jewelry

    Ember Body Jewelry

    Three 1mm genuine stone charms flitter about below a 2mm by 3mm pear-cut genuine stone. Measures approximately 4mm by 7.5mm.Press-fit jewelry is so...

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    $190.00 - $190.00
    $190.00
    $190.00 - $190.00
    $190.00
  • Aurora Press-fit End in 14k White Gold with Blue Moonstone and Moissanite from Ember Body Jewelry
    Aurora Press-fit End in Gold from Ember Body Jewelry in assorted materials
    $206.00 - $206.00
    $206.00
    $206.00 - $206.00
    $206.00

    Aurora Press-fit End in Gold from Ember Body Jewelry

    Ember Body Jewelry

    A 2mm by 2.5mm pear-cut genuine stone cabochon holds a triple gem cluster with two chain tassels, each accented by a single prong-set stone at the ...

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    $206.00 - $206.00
    $206.00
    $206.00 - $206.00
    $206.00
  • Joy Press-fit End in 14k White Gold with Blue Moonstone & Moissanite from Ember Body Jewelry
    Joy Press-fit End in Gold from Ember Body Jewelry
    $210.00 - $210.00
    $210.00
    $210.00 - $210.00
    $210.00

    Joy Press-fit End in Gold from Ember Body Jewelry

    Ember Body Jewelry

    A 2.5mm genuine stone encircled by a halo of twelve 1mm stones elevating it to an ethereal realm. Measures approximately 4.5mm across.Press-fit jew...

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    $210.00 - $210.00
    $210.00
    $210.00 - $210.00
    $210.00
  • Amulet Press-fit End in 14k Yellow Gold with Green Agate from Ember Body Jewelry
    Amulet Press-fit End in Gold from Ember Body Jewelry with various stones
    $165.00 - $165.00
    $165.00
    $165.00 - $165.00
    $165.00

    Amulet Press-fit End in Gold from Ember Body Jewelry

    Ember Body Jewelry

    A delectable prong-set genuine stone cabochon rests atop a hexagon platform of solid gold. Measures approximately 4.5mm across.Press-fit jewelry is...

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    $165.00 - $165.00
    $165.00
    $165.00 - $165.00
    $165.00
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