When Can You Change Earrings? A Complete Guide for New Piercings

October 4, 2025

The Big Question: When Can You Change Earrings?

If you’ve just gotten your ears pierced, chances are you’re excited to switch into your favorite pair of hoops, studs, or sparkly gems. But here’s the question every new piercing brings: when can you change earrings without risking infection or irritation?

The answer depends on the type of piercing, how quickly you heal, and how well you care for your ears. Rushing the process can cause pain, swelling, or even infection, while waiting the right amount of time ensures your piercing stays healthy and beautiful.

Let’s walk through the safe timelines and best practices so you can enjoy your new earrings with confidence.

How Long Does It Take for Piercings to Heal?

Before you know when you can change earrings, you need to understand how piercings heal.

Standard earlobe piercing: 6–8 weeks on average.
Cartilage piercing (upper ear, tragus, etc.): 3–6 months, sometimes longer.

Healing times vary depending on your body, your aftercare routine, and whether you experience irritation along the way.

Rule of thumb: never change earrings until the piercing is fully healed.

Signs Your Piercing Is Ready for an Earring Change

So how do you know when you can change earrings safely? Look for these signs:

No redness, swelling, or tenderness.
No discharge or crust forming around the hole.
Skin feels smooth and fully closed around the earring.

If you still see irritation, wait longer. It’s better to be cautious than to risk infection.

What Happens If You Change Earrings Too Soon?

Changing your earrings too early can cause:

Pain and swelling – The hole isn’t fully formed yet.
Infection – Bacteria can enter the wound.
Piercing closure – The hole may close if jewelry is removed too soon.
Scarring – Rushing can lead to bumps or keloids.

Pro tip: Even if your piercing looks healed on the outside, it may still be healing inside. That’s why waiting the full recommended time is essential.

When Can You Change Earrings for Different Piercings?

Earlobe Piercings

Safe to change after 6–8 weeks if healed.
Stick with hypoallergenic earrings like surgical steel, sterling silver, or 14K gold.

Cartilage Piercings

Wait 3–6 months or more.
Healing takes longer due to less blood flow in cartilage.

Multiple Ear Piercings

Each piercing heals at its own pace. Don’t assume they’re ready just because one looks fine.

Best Earrings to Wear After Healing

When you finally change your earrings, choose wisely:

Hypoallergenic metals: 14K gold, platinum, or surgical steel reduce risk of irritation.
Small studs first: Lightweight earrings help the hole stay open without added pressure.
Avoid heavy hoops or dangling styles: Wait until your piercing is fully stable.

How to Change Earrings Safely

Follow these steps the first time you switch earrings:

Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
Clean the new earrings with rubbing alcohol or a saline solution.
Gently remove the starter earring without forcing it.
Insert the new earring slowly, twisting gently if needed.
Clean the area again after insertion.

If you feel resistance or sharp pain, stop and give your piercing more time to heal.

Aftercare Tips for Healthy Piercings

To make sure you don’t set back your healing:

Clean piercings twice daily with saline solution.
Avoid touching earrings with unwashed hands.
Don’t sleep on new piercings until fully healed.
Avoid swimming pools, hot tubs, and lakes in the early weeks.

FAQs: When Can You Change Earrings?

Can I change my earrings after 4 weeks?

Not recommended. Most earlobe piercings need at least 6–8 weeks to heal.

Can I take earrings out overnight after piercing?

No. Removing earrings too soon may cause the hole to close. Keep studs in continuously until healing is complete.

What earrings are best for sensitive ears?

Hypoallergenic materials like titanium, surgical steel, 14K gold, or platinum are safest.

Can I wear hoops as my first change?

It’s best to start with small studs. Hoops can tug and irritate a healing piercing.

Final Thoughts: When Can You Change Earrings Safely?

So, when can you change earrings? For earlobe piercings, wait at least 6–8 weeks. For cartilage, 3–6 months or longer. The key is patience—rushing can cause pain, infection, or even a closed piercing.

When it’s time, choose hypoallergenic, lightweight earrings to keep your ears comfortable and healthy. And remember, a little extra care goes a long way in making your jewelry journey smooth.