Thinking about getting a cartilage piercing? Whether you're considering a helix, conch, or flat piercing, there are a few things you should know before getting pierced. Cartilage piercings look great, but they also require patience and some changes to your daily routine.
Here are six things you'll want to know before getting a cartilage piercing!
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One of the biggest challenges with a fresh cartilage piercing is sleeping. Putting pressure on your piercing can cause pain, irritation, and even affect how it heals.
If you're a side sleeper, you may need to change your sleeping habits for a while. Try sleeping on your opposite side or using a travel pillow with an opening for your ear.
Tip: Avoid sleeping directly on your healing piercing, even if it doesn't hurt anymore.
Unlike earlobe piercings, cartilage piercings can take quite a while to fully heal. Many take around 9 to 12 months or longer, depending on the placement and how your body heals.
Even if your piercing looks and feels fine after a few months, that doesn't mean it's completely healed.
Be patient, stick to your aftercare routine, and avoid changing your jewelry too soon.
Something people don't always think about before getting a cartilage piercing is how it might affect wearing headphones, earbuds, or helmets.
Depending on your piercing placement, these items can put pressure on your jewelry and cause irritation.
If you wear headphones daily, talk to your piercer about which placement might work best for your lifestyle.
You might be surprised by how many things touch your ears throughout the day!
Hairbrushes, combs, towels, and even hoodies can accidentally catch your jewelry. Getting your hair washed, cut, or styled can also become tricky while your piercing heals.
Tip: Be extra careful when brushing your hair, drying off after a shower, or pulling clothes over your head. If you're visiting a hairstylist, let them know about your healing piercing beforehand.
When you first get a cartilage piercing, your piercer will usually use a longer post to leave room for swelling.
Once that initial swelling goes down, you'll likely need to return to your piercer to have your jewelry downsized.
Downsizing means switching to a shorter post that fits your piercing better. Leaving jewelry that's too long in place can lead to:
Your piercer can help determine when it's time to downsize. Don't try to change the jewelry yourself while your piercing is still healing.
One of the biggest mistakes people make with cartilage piercings is changing their jewelry too early.
Your piercing might stop hurting, and you may no longer notice any swelling or redness. However, cartilage piercings can look healed on the outside while they're still healing on the inside.
Changing jewelry too soon can irritate the piercing and slow down healing.
Before switching to a new jewelry style, have your piercer check that your piercing is fully healed. A professional downsize during healing is different from changing jewelry just for looks.
Cartilage piercings are a fun way to change up your ear jewelry, but they do take time and care to heal properly.
Before getting pierced, think about your sleeping habits, headphones, hair routine, and whether you're ready for a longer healing period.
With proper aftercare, well-fitting jewelry, and a little patience, you can give your new piercing the best chance to heal comfortably.
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