Piercing Aftercare That Puts Healing First
At The Glory Hole, we believe what happens after the piercing is just as important as how it's done. That’s why we’ve built one of the most trusted, modern piercing aftercare resources available, created by licensed body piercers, healthcare professionals, and studio experts who care deeply about your safety, healing, and long-term comfort.
Our aftercare doesn’t end at the studio door. We guide you every step of the way, from your first clean to your final jewelry change.
Healing Starts Here—Let’s Do This Right.
Basics of
Piercing Aftercare
Before we dive into timelines and troubleshooting, let’s start with the basics. These four essentials are the foundation of safe, healthy healing for every piercing, every body.
1. Wash Your Hands
The most important step in piercing aftercare. Always wash your hands before touching your piercing—every single time. Healing starts with hygiene.
2. Spray with Saline
Keep it clean, keep it simple. We recommend NeilMed Piercing Aftercare Spray or a sterile saline wound wash. Spray 2–3 times daily to flush the area gently.
3. Dry Gently
No towels. No rubbing. No drama. Use disposable materials like sterile gauze or cotton swabs to gently pat dry. Remove any buildup or crust—don’t pick at it.
4. Don’t Touch It
Let it be. Avoid twisting, turning, or touching your jewelry unless you’re cleaning it. Your body knows how to heal—give it space to do its thing.
Essential Care Advice
Your healing isn’t just about time; it’s about care, awareness, and a little support along the way. Here’s what to expect at every stage.
📚 Want piercing-specific guidance? Check out the link below:
Early On
Mild swelling, tenderness, redness, and light bleeding are normal in the first few days. You may also see clear or pale yellow fluid, this is lymph, not pus.
Be calm. Be clean. Don’t overthink it.
As You Heal
The area may tighten or feel itchy. You might see crust forming around the jewelry—this is your body’s way of sealing the deal.Stick to your routine. Clean twice daily.
No picking, twisting, or touching.
Managing Discomfort
Ice packs and over-the-counter pain relief (like ibuprofen or acetaminophen) can help ease swelling or soreness in the first 48 hours.
When in doubt: cool compresses, clean hands, and quiet energy.
After It’s Healed
It may look fine before it’s fully healed. That’s normal. Even if the outside appears smooth, the inside is still doing its work.
Keep cleaning until the full healing timeline is complete. Trust the process.
⚠️ Over-cleaning: Once or twice a day is enough. More than that can cause irritation and slow progress.
⚠️ Twisting or rotating jewelry: It might feel helpful—it’s not. Leave it alone and let it settle.
⚠️ Touching or tugging: Hands off unless you’re cleaning with clean hands.
⚠️ Tight clothes & sleeping pressure: Avoid fabric friction and pressure while healing, especially at night.
⚠️ Baths: Showers are safer. If you must soak, disinfect the tub and rinse your piercing afterward.
⚠️Cosmetics near the piercing: Lotions, sprays, and makeup can clog or irritate healing skin.
⚠️ Charms & dangles: No accessories until your piercing is fully healed.
⚠️ Sharing anything: That includes towels, headphones, bedding, and anything that touches the site.
What to Avoid
Healing takes care. These are the moves that can delay, disrupt, or damage your piercing. This is your PLEASE DON'T list. Stick to it, and your healing journey will thank you.
📚 Want piercing-specific guidance? Check out the link below:
Need to Remove Your Piercing for Medical Reasons?
We’ve got you. Whether it's for surgery, imaging, or athletic safety, we offer safe, sterile, and affordable piercing retainers that protect your piercing without compromising healing. Our studio carries biocompatible options and can help you swap jewelry safely and professionally. Call now for a same-day consult or quick jewelry change. We're here when you need us most.
No myths. No fluff. Just real piercing advice.