Whether it’s your very first piercing or your fifth curated stack, questions always come up. At Hone, we love making the process approachable, educational, and fun—that’s why we’re launching Ask a Piercer, a series where our professional piercers answer your most common (and sometimes surprising) questions.
Q: How long should I wait before changing my jewelry?
A: It depends on the piercing! Lobes usually take 6–8 weeks, while cartilage can take 3–6 months (or longer) to fully heal. Changing jewelry too soon can delay healing, so always check with your piercer first.
Q: Can I work out after getting pierced?
A: Light movement is fine, but keep sweat, straps, and pressure away from the piercing. After workouts, rinse gently with sterile saline to keep things clean. If you’re really active, consider low-profile jewelry to avoid snags.
Q: Do piercings hurt?
A: Everyone’s pain tolerance is different, but most clients describe the sensation as a quick pinch. The excitement usually outweighs the discomfort—and our piercers are pros at keeping you comfortable.
Q: What jewelry is best for sensitive skin?
A: Stick to implant-grade titanium or solid gold. These metals are hypoallergenic, safe for long-term wear, and won’t irritate healing tissue.
Q: How often should I clean my new piercing?
A: Once or twice a day with sterile saline solution is all you need. Over-cleaning can actually irritate the piercing, so keep it simple and consistent.
Q: Should I twist or rotate my jewelry while it’s healing?
A: Nope! That’s an old myth. Rotating jewelry can disrupt healing tissue and introduce bacteria. The best thing you can do is leave it alone.
Q: What should I avoid while my piercing heals?
A: Steer clear of pools, hot tubs, and bodies of water for at least the first few weeks. Also avoid sleeping directly on the piercing and keep hair products, makeup, and skincare away from the area.
Q: How do I know if my piercing is irritated or infected?
A: Mild redness, swelling, or crusting is normal irritation. Signs of infection include persistent pain, spreading redness, heat, and yellow or green discharge. When in doubt, check in with your piercer or a healthcare professional.
Got a question for our piercers?
Drop us a message or ask during your next appointment!