Post-Piercing Care

Aftercare Guide

Your piercing journey doesn't end when you leave the studio. Proper care ensures a beautiful, healthy heal.

Our Recommended Aftercare Guide for Optimal Healing

For the best results and a faster healing journey, we recommend this comprehensive routine featuring professional-grade products and natural remedies.

1. The BPA Aftercare Solution

We officially recommend BPA Piercing Aftercare® by The Aftercare Company. This 100% natural, vegan-friendly solution is specifically formulated to lubricate the piercing and nourish the skin.

  • How to Use: After cleansing, apply one single drop directly to the piercing using the hygienic internal dropper.
  • Massage: Gently massage any excess oil into the surrounding skin to encourage absorption.
  • Frequency: Apply 2-4 times daily during the primary healing phase.
  • Pro Tip: Leave a 1-2 hour gap after applying the BPA solution before using a hot compress to allow the natural oils to fully absorb.

2. The Chamomile Hot Compress

To significantly reduce redness, swelling, and tenderness, we suggest a daily chamomile hot compress. Chamomile is a powerful natural anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial agent. Learn more about the benefits here.

  • Method: Steep a pure chamomile tea bag in hot water. Once warm (not scalding), press it gently against the piercing for 5-10 minutes.
  • Frequency: Use once daily for active irritation or bumps.
  • Important: Always dry the piercing thoroughly with a hair dryer (cool setting) or a bamboo cotton bud after the compress to prevent moisture irritation.

3. Precision Cleaning with Bamboo Cotton Buds

When cleaning around intricate jewellery, we recommend using bamboo cotton buds. The cotton on bamboo sticks is typically wound much tighter, preventing loose fibres from becoming trapped in your piercing or wrapping around the jewellery.

For Sensitive Skin: Saline Solution Care

If you have particularly sensitive skin or are prone to allergies, we recommend a gentle saline-based approach for the initial healing phase.

  • Prepare: Use a sterile saline spray (0.9% sodium chloride) or mix 1/4 teaspoon of non-iodized sea salt into one cup (8oz) of warm distilled water.
  • Cleanse: Spray the solution directly onto the piercing or soak a clean piece of gauze and apply it gently for 5 minutes.
  • Dry: Pat the area dry with a clean paper towel or a bamboo cotton bud. Avoid cloth towels as they can harbor bacteria.
  • Frequency: Repeat this process 2 times per day. Over-cleaning can irritate the skin.

Top Tips for Extra Healing

  • Banish Bumps with No-Pull Discs: If you notice a small bump (hypertrophic scarring), we recommend No-Pull Piercing Discs. These medical-grade silicone discs apply gentle pressure to smooth out the bump.
  • The Travel Pillow Trick: For ear piercings, use a U-shaped travel pillow and place your ear in the central hole. This removes all pressure while you sleep, preventing migration and irritation.
  • Hands Off: Never touch, twist, or rotate your jewellery. Your hands carry bacteria, and movement breaks the delicate healing tissue.
  • Downsize on Time: Return to the Atelier for your downsize appointment at the recommended time to prevent the jewellery from leaning or snagging.

What to Avoid

  • Swimming pools, hot tubs, and open water for the first 4–6 weeks
  • Makeup, perfume, or hair products near the piercing site
  • Sleeping directly on a new ear piercing — use the travel pillow trick mentioned above
  • Removing your jewellery until fully healed — even briefly can cause the channel to close
  • Antiseptic products such as TCP, Dettol, or hydrogen peroxide — these are too harsh
  • Over-cleaning — twice daily is sufficient; more can irritate the piercing

Healing Times by Piercing

Piercing Estimated Healing Time
Ear Lobe2–3 months
Helix / Cartilage6–12 months
Tragus6–12 months
Daith6–12 months
Conch6–12 months
Rook6–12 months
Industrial9–12 months
Nostril4–6 months
Septum2–3 months
Eyebrow3–4 months
Labret / Lip2–3 months
Navel6–12 months
Nipple6–12 months
Dermal Piercing3–6 months

When to Seek Advice

  • Excessive swelling, heat, or throbbing pain after the first week
  • Green or yellow discharge with a foul odour
  • Jewellery sinking into or embedding in the skin
  • Rash or allergic reaction around the piercing site
  • Fever or flu-like symptoms following a piercing

If you have any concerns, contact us before removing the jewellery — removing it can trap infection inside the tissue. Email: l.fabian@bradfordpiercingatelier.co.uk