Deciding to get your ears pierced is a big move. It allows you to express your personal style and showcase it to the world.
Once the piercing part is over, the real fun can begin! You get to choose all kinds of earrings to sport, from dangly and fancy ones to simple studs.
Deciding which kind to start with can be a little tricky, so we’re here to help you narrow your options. Today, we’re sharing a few of the best earrings for newly pierced ears so you know just where to look.
Why Does Material Matter?
It’s just a pair of earrings, right? You should be able to choose any type that you want and everything will be fine, right?
Not quite.
It’s important to realize that piercing your ears creates an open wound. Most body jewelry, like a ring or a necklace, is worn on the outside of your body.
Therefore, you’re relatively free to choose any type of metal or material that you want. However, an earring essentially goes through your body. It comes into contact with the internal tissues in your ear.
As such, you’ll need to pay closer attention to the substance that it’s made out of. While you obviously want to choose a pair that looks great, style and aesthetics shouldn’t take center stage.
At the same time, resist the urge to lead with dollar signs. While you don’t want to break the bank on your earrings, you also don’t want to settle for sub-par jewelry that could wreak havoc on your health.
Instead, pay attention to these three traits when shopping for your first pair of earrings:
- Size
- Material
- Overall quality
You will need to allow six to eight weeks for the piercing site to fully heal. As long as you clean it regularly and remember to turn your posts periodically, you should be able to safely remove the initial earrings after that period.
From then on, you can choose any type of earrings that you prefer! Until then, let’s take a look at the characteristics to consider.
Earring Size
The jewelry market is saturated with oversized, elegant earrings. They may catch your eye but think about the reality of living with them.
Remember that you can’t take your earrings out for six to eight weeks. If you opt for an elaborate pair, you’ll have to leave them in around the clock. That means sleeping, showering, and working in them.
For that reason, many first-time piercers choose small, simple studs. They may not be as glamorous as you’d prefer, but you can easily switch them out once the time is right.
Also, keep in mind the diameter of the posts. Look for standard-sized ones that allow plenty of blood and air to circulate around the piercing site, which helps your wound heal.
While chunky gauges are on-trend, it’s smart to steer clear of them in the beginning. If the earrings posts are too thick, they can cut off this natural flow and heighten your risk of infection. You may experience a slight amount of secretion from the piercing site (especially at the beginning), and this substance needs space to drain.
However, if the posts are too skinny, the skin around the piercing site could swell. It could also trigger a rejection response in your body, which could treat it like a foreign splinter.
If you have any concerns about the size of your earrings, speak to your piercing technician before getting started. They should be trained in helping customers select the ideal size for their bodies and needs.
Adult-Sized vs. Child-Sized Earrings
Naturally, an adult’s ear lobes can accommodate larger posts than a child could. As you’re shopping for your first pair, pay attention to the category you’re browsing.
If you err on the side of caution and choose a pair of child earrings for your adult ears, you could run into the issues listed above. As your skin heals, it could form around the post, amplifying your risk of swelling, infection, and other complications.
In the same vein, a technician should never pierce a child’s ears with a pair of adult-sized earrings.
You can find super cute earrings for both kids and adults in brick-and-mortar piercing shops, as well as online retailers. If you buy body pierce jewelry over the internet, remember to do your due diligence.
Make sure that the retailer is transparent about its sourcing and manufacturing policies. There should also be representatives on hand to answer your questions and help you choose the best pair.
Most experts recommend that children use post earrings. These earrings are less likely to get tangled in their hair, clothes, or bedding.
Earring Material
When choosing jewelry for a new ear piercing, the material is arguably the most important consideration.
This is because some people are allergic to certain metals, such as nickel. If someone, such as a small child, has never worn jewelry before, you might not know about this allergy until a reaction occurs.
Metals such as sterling silver and gold are less likely to cause an allergic reaction, though it’s still smart to monitor the site for any signs of a response. Those signs can include:
- Swelling
- Pus
- Tenderness
- Redness
- Itching
Let’s review a few of the most common materials used in earrings for newly pierced ears.
Platinum
While platinum earrings may cost more than any other type on this list, the extra expense is worth it.
This metal is very inert and is unlikely to catalyze any type of negative reaction. However, it’s also difficult to procure and manufacture, which attributes to the high price point.
Titanium
If you’re specifically concerned about nickel sensitivity, then titanium may prove to be a suitable substitute. Titanium is a lightweight metal that’s capable of being anodized into a variety of different colors and finishes. The only exception is black.
If you go this route, make sure to look for implant-certified titanium. This metal is largely used within the medical community as an option for replacement body parts, speaking to its biocompatibility.
Surgical Steel
Surgical steel is a type of metal that contains a few different alloys. While it’s a common material for body jewelry, not all types are created equal.
For maximum safety, use surgical steel that’s proven to be biocompatible. This way, it’s less likely to cause irritation or trigger an allergic reaction.
Gold
Some of the best earrings for newly pierced ears are made of gold. However, don’t choose the first pair that simply looks yellow and shiny.
The best type of gold is 14k or slightly higher, though don’t go above 18k. At that point, the metal becomes too soft to be safely used as body jewelry. The gold earrings you choose should also be nickel-free and contain biocompatible alloys.
This is what makes the shopping process so tricky. Many earrings might appear to be gold, but they’re really just inexpensive base metals that have been gold-plated or gold-filled.
While these pieces may look great on the shelf, it won’t take much for the gold finish to wear off. The external finish is extremely thin and can scratch or flake easily.
Niobium
In appearance, niobium is very similar to titanium. It’s widely used in body jewelry shops and is generally considered safe for most people. The biggest difference is that niobium isn’t implant-certified.
However, a benefit is that it can be anodized into a black finish if that’s what you prefer.
Medical-Grade Plastic
You might not think of plastic when you consider new earrings, but hear us out. As long as it’s designated as medical-grade, plastic can be an excellent material for this purpose.
Plastic posts are hypoallergenic, comfortable, and more flexible than metal posts. Plus, you can find pairs that are beautifully adorned with a variety of designs, from diamonds to pearls!
This makes it easy for you to match your earrings to your outfit. After the initial healing period, you may decide that you want to keep your plastic posts on even longer!
Earring Quality
Finally, take the time to assess the quality of any earrings you’re eyeing. Make sure the metal is the kind you need, and that it isn’t a cheap overlay.
Then, inspect the company to ensure they’re legitimate and professional. While you can still get your ears pierced at a mall kiosk, it’s usually safer and cleaner to go a different route.
Some pediatricians will pierce a patient’s ears if you ask. In addition, tattoo parlors are required to follow strict protocols around safety and sanitation and are also a wise alternative.
Successfully Care For Your Newly Pierced Ears
Deciding to pierce your ears or your child’s ears is a fun step. For the rest of your life, you’ll be able to showcase your style for all the world to see.
As your body is healing from the piercing, it’s critical to be selective with the type of jewelry you select. By following these tips above, you can be confident that you’re choosing the right pair for your newly pierced ears.
Looking for more ways to stand out from the crowd? Check out our Fashion section!
