Your piercing is finally in, healing is going well, and now you finally want that beautiful piece of jewelry in it that you’ve been staring at for weeks. Understandable. But changing too soon is really one of the biggest mistakes you can make. In this guide, we explain to you when it is, in fact, safe, how to do it without hassle, and what jewelry is worth it.
Really wait until your piercing is healed
We know: patience is not everyone’s strong point. But a piercing heals from the outside in. That means it can look fine on the outside while the tissue deeper is still in the process of recovering. Changing too soon = irritation, a lump, or worse. Then you’re really further from home.
The healing times you should keep:
| Piercing type | Minimum |
|---|---|
| Earlobe | 6-8 weeks |
| Helix / Conch / Tragus | 6-12 months |
| Daith | 6-12 months |
| Navel | 6-12 months |
| Eyebrow | 6-9 months |
| Nose wing | 4-6 months |
| Septum | 6-8 weeks |
| Nipple | 9-12 months |
Unsure if your piercing is far enough along? Stop by INKORPORATED. Our piercers will look at it in no time; you don’t need an appointment.
Here’s how to change your jewelry (without ruining it)
Wash your hands first. Always. Then spray your piercing and your new piece of jewelry with sterile spray, which you can find in our webshop. Then take out the old jewelry, gently and without forcing, and put in the new one. Sounds simple, and it is, as long as you don’t hurry and use the right jewelry.
Not going smoothly? Then stop. Never force it. Just come by and we’ll do it for you.
Material makes the difference
This is where things often go wrong. A cheap piece of jewelry from a fashion chain looks cute, but your body often does not react well to it. The only materials that are really safe for piercings: implant grade titanium and solid gold(14k or 18k). No surgical steel, no gold-plated things, no acrylics.
At INKORPORATED, we only pierce with implant grade titanium as starter jewelry, and our webshop only sells jewelry that can actually be used afterwards. Titanium if you want practicality, gold if you want to upgrade to something that really makes you happy. By the way, at INKORPORATED we have a huge selection of jewelry, so you’re sure to find something you’ll be happy with throughout the healing process. So no rush for that change!
Threadless, threaded or click ring?
This is the part where people often get stuck. Three systems you encounter:
Threadless (push-fit) is by far the most popular. The tip sounds solid in the post with no threads – easy to change, and you can combine endlessly with other tops. Ideal for labrets in your ear or nose. Check out the collection here.
Threaded works with an internal thread. A little more work to change, but sits super tight. Great for people who don’t want to change often. Found in our threaded collection.
Click rings are seamless rings with an invisible hinge point. Perfect choice for helix, daith, septum and other ring piercings – quick in and out, no fuss. Check out the titanium click rings.
Not sure what you have or need yet? Our labret guide explains it step by step.
The brands that are worth it
In our webshop, we only sell brands that we ourselves stand behind. Highlights:
Junipurr Makes sophisticated 14k gold pieces that just always look good. Buddha Jewelry goes for something a little more statement. Sébastienne is handmade 18k gold from Paris, for when you really want something special. And BVLA is one of the most iconic names in the world of fine piercing jewelry.
Not a fan of gold? Then check out our Titanium SALE – premium quality, more competitive price.
Anything ordered today is on its way tomorrow.
Just stop by!
Do you find changing still exciting, or have you been stuck with a piercing that doesn’t feel right for a while? Stop by one of our three locations in Amsterdam:
Centrum (Grimburgwal 11)
De Pijp (Gerard Douplein 4)
Reguliersdwarsstraat (no. 91)
Our piercers will help you, check your piercing and advise you without making a big story out of it. Prefer a set appointment? You can easily schedule one using the button below. We look forward to seeing you!
