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Take care of it

Your piercing aftercare guide

A new piercing is an open wound — treat it like one and it heals clean. Here's exactly what to do, what to skip, and when to check in with us.

The daily routine

Two cleanings a day. That's mostly it.

Over-cleaning irritates a piercing as much as neglect does. Keep it simple and consistent.

Step 01

Wash your hands first

Always. The most common cause of a cranky piercing is dirty fingers — not the piercing itself.

Step 02

Saline, twice a day

Spray or soak with sterile saline wound wash, morning and night. Let it soften any crust before you wipe.

Step 03

Pat dry, gently

Dab with a clean paper towel. Cloth towels snag jewelry and hold bacteria — skip them while healing.

Step 04

Leave it alone

Don't twist, spin, or play with the jewelry, and don't take it out early. Healing happens when it's left undisturbed.

Quick reference

Do this. Not that.

Do

  • Clean with sterile saline (wound wash) twice daily.
  • Wash your hands before touching it — every time.
  • Use fresh, clean bedding and change pillowcases often.
  • Eat well, hydrate, and sleep — your body heals the piercing.
  • Keep clothing around body piercings loose and breathable.
  • Let us downsize or change the jewelry once it's healed.

Don't

  • No alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, Bactine, or Neosporin — they damage healing skin.
  • Don't twist, rotate, or fidget with the jewelry.
  • Don't submerge it — skip pools, hot tubs, lakes, and the ocean while healing.
  • Don't sleep directly on a fresh ear or facial piercing.
  • Don't let makeup, lotion, sunscreen, or hair product near it.
  • Don't swap the jewelry yourself before it's ready.

Be patient

Typical healing times

Everyone heals differently — these are general ranges, not deadlines. A piercing can look healed on the outside well before it's done healing underneath, so don't rush the jewelry change.

PiercingTypical healing
Earlobe6–8 weeks
Ear cartilage (helix, conch, tragus)6–12 months
Eyebrow6–8 weeks
Nostril4–6 months
Septum6–8 weeks
Lip / labret6–8 weeks
Tongue4–6 weeks
Navel6–12 months

Living in Hawaiʻi

About the ocean and the pool

We get it — you live in Waikiki and the water's right there. But a healing piercing and open water don't mix. Pools, hot tubs, and the ocean all carry bacteria that can turn a clean piercing into an infected one. Give it the full healing window before you dive back in. If you can't wait, a fresh, waterproof patch over the spot helps for short exposure, but dry land is always better.

What's normal

In the first days and weeks, expect some redness, mild swelling, tenderness, and a clear or whitish fluid that dries into light crust. A little itching as it heals is normal too. All of this should ease steadily over time, not get worse.

Check in with us — or a doctor

Reach out if you see spreading redness or heat, increasing swelling or severe pain, thick yellow or green discharge, a bad smell, red streaks, or a fever. These can be signs of infection.

If you suspect an infection, leave the jewelry in — taking it out can trap the infection inside. Call the shop at 808-788-6111, and see a healthcare professional if symptoms are significant or you feel unwell.

Here to help

Questions about your piercing?

Call 808-788-6111 Book a piercing

This guide is general aftercare information from Banyan Tree Tattoo & Piercing, not medical advice. Everyone heals differently — if anything about your piercing worries you, contact us or a licensed healthcare professional.