Skip to content
Buy 1, get 2nd 50% off* shop now
Free piercing service. Book now
FREE UK DELIVERY ON ORDERS £50+

how to prepare for your piercing

1. Eat a light meal: this helps to stabilise your blood sugar and prevents any dizzy spells

2. Stay hydrated: drinking plenty of water before your appointment helps you feel your best (and promotes faster healing)

3. Get a good night's sleep: the ultimate way to prepare mentally, as well as improving your pain tolerance

Healing times

EAR LOBE PIERCINGS
Initial healing: 6–8 weeks
Fully healed: 4–6 months


  • MID EAR, HELIX, & CARTILAGE PIERCINGS
    Initial healing: 10–12 weeks
    Fully healed: 6–12 months

For the first six months, it’s important not to leave your piercing without jewellery for longer than 24 hours, as the hole can begin to close. Once the recommended healing time has passed, you can safely change your original jewellery for a new style — and we know exactly where to find one you’ll love.

Your need-to-know

Piercing Healing FAQs

How long does it take for an ear piercing to heal?

Healing times depend on the placement. Ear lobe piercings typically heal within 4–6 months, while cartilage piercings can take 6–12 months to fully heal.

Can I change my earrings after the initial healing phase?

Even if your piercing feels comfortable, it’s best to wait until the full healing period has passed before changing your jewellery. Removing jewellery too early can cause irritation or lead to the piercing closing.

Why do cartilage piercings take longer to heal?

Cartilage has less blood flow than soft tissue, which means it heals more slowly and is more prone to irritation if disturbed too early.

What happens if I leave my piercing empty for too long?

New piercings can begin to close within hours. For the first six months, removing jewellery for more than 24 hours can cause the hole to shrink or close entirely.

What jewellery is best for healing piercings?

High-quality materials such as Titanium and solid gold are ideal for healing, as they are hypoallergenic, durable, and designed to minimise irritation.

Can I get help choosing new jewellery once my piercing heals?

Yes — our Piercing Stylists can help you downsize, refresh your ear stack, or choose new styles that suit healed piercings and your personal style.

After the healing period

time to downsize

You've waited for your piercing to heal and now it's time for a style switch-up. Replace your Jewells with a shorter style, suitable for fully healed ears, guided by our Piercing Stylists.


Downsizing service is free, with the cost of the downsize post at £10 each for titanium or £15 each for 14k solid gold. These are redeemable against products purchased at the same appointment.