The first earrings: guidance and advice

Earrings have been one of the most beloved and worn jewels by women and men everywhere for millennia. However, it is important to pierce the earlobes correctly in order to be able to show off the styles we like best. Let’s look together at some guidelines and tips for the first earrings.

When to get them?

First of all, there is no perfect age to pierce ears; generally, it is recommended to wait until very young children have received the most important vaccinations. In case of doubts or a family history of allergic reactions and dermatitis, it will be important to consult the paediatrician. If dealing with older children, it is important to respect the child’s own wishes, as they can often express whether or not they want earrings. In short: it is best to have the little one’s full consent! The ideal time is around puberty, when the child’s immune defences are strong enough to avoid the risk of infections.

Where to get them?

Ear piercings can be done at jewellers and pharmacies equipped with professional authorisation and a suitable pneumatic gun. The important thing is, of course, to avoid do-it-yourself.

Which earrings to choose?

The earrings used to pierce the ear are called starter earrings. These are a pair of sterile earrings that protect against the risk of infections caused by the piercing. They can be made of different materials, including gold and titanium. They are easily found in models and colours to suit every taste. In short: you can choose one of the proposed starter earring models, but you cannot reuse starter earrings that have already been used, nor other types of earrings.

How to care for newly pierced holes?

Obviously, even before applying the starter earrings, the lobe area will be carefully cleaned and disinfected. After piercing, you will be advised to apply an antibiotic cream, such as gentamicin, for at least a week. It will then be important to clean the area without removing the earrings. Some small precautions include never touching the newly applied earrings with dirty hands. So: clean hands and remember to rotate the earring a couple of times by 180° at least twice a day.

When to switch to real earrings?

For earlobe piercings, it is important to keep the starter earrings in for at least 6 weeks. After this period, the starter earrings can be removed to wear a pair of post-piercing earrings made of hypoallergenic and safe material. Among the most used and appreciated materials are gold, surgical steel, and titanium. It is advisable to wear earrings that do not press too tightly on the lobe and to keep them on for at least 5-6 months before switching to other models and materials. In short: piercing ears requires awareness, attention, and great care in choosing materials and cleaning. But once the first few months are over, we can really have fun choosing the jewel to wear or to give to the little ones.