Ears that have been pierced can be partially or completely closed for various reasons. You may have taken your earrings off too soon, didn't wear them too long, or had an infection with your previous piercing. You can get your ears re-pierced yourself, but it's best to use a professional. Improper piercing can lead to infections and other problems. When you decide to get your ear re-pierced, you should clean the ear, pierce it properly with a needle, and take proper care for a few months.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Using a Professional Piercer
Step 1. Find a trusted piercing clinic
There are many options for getting an ear re-pierced, but it's a good idea to get as much information as possible before making a decision. Mall clinics are usually the cheapest option, but not the best. This is because the piercers at the mall are sometimes inexperienced and use a piercing gun. However, come to a tattoo parlor that offers piercing services.
- Piercing guns don't give the best results because the pressure is sometimes too strong, and they can't be sterilized completely.
- Ask friends and family for recommendations. You can also search for trusted piercing clinics online.
Step 2. Visit a piercing clinic to talk to a professional
Ask about his experience and training. The piercer must have clear qualifications (such as APP in the United States). He or she should also be certified to provide first aid/CPR. Pay attention to the tools he uses and how to sterilize them. While still there, pay attention to how clean the piercing clinic is.
- You can also ask for the piercer's portfolio.
- If someone else is having their ears pierced there, pay close attention to the procedure.
Step 3. Make an appointment if needed
Some clinics allow you to come in person, but you may need to make an appointment if the schedule is tight. If this happens, find a time that is right for you. Mark the calendar so you don't forget.
Step 4. Select the earrings to re-open the piercing
Usually, you can buy earrings at the piercing. Look for stud earrings made of hypoallergenic metal -- 14 ct gold is an ideal choice. Make sure the selected earrings are still tightly packed and have not been exposed to air before placing them in the piercing.
- Medical-grade stainless steel and 24-carat gold plates are other metal earring options.
- Opt for medical-only titanium if you have an allergy to nickel.
Step 5. Ask the piercer for advice on piercing care
There are several grooming steps that need to be followed, but the piercer will usually provide individual instructions. Tell him if you have very sensitive ears or have had an infection before. The piercer can certainly give proper instructions and advice.
Method 2 of 3: Repiercing Your Own Ear
Step 1. Try to open the piercing without piercing it again
Check the piercing beforehand to see if you can open it again without using a needle. If the hole is partially open, try sticking the earring through it. First, coat the earrings with Vaseline. After that, stand in front of the mirror and gently insert the earring into the piercing hole. If that doesn't work, you may want to re-pierce the ear.
- Rubbing the ear before inserting the earring can help open the piercing hole. Do not rub too hard so as not to hurt.
- Make sure you wash your hands and sterilize your earrings before doing so.
Step 2. Wash your hands
Dirty hands can transfer infection-causing bacteria. Wash your hands with antibacterial soap in warm water. After that, dry your hands with a clean towel. Finish the process with hand sanitizer so that it is completely sterile.
Step 3. Clean the needle and earrings
Any kind of flat needle or pin can be used to re-pierce the ear. However, you need to sterilize it, whether it's new or used needles. Wet a cotton swab with rubbing alcohol and wash the entire needle with a cotton swab. After that, take a fresh cotton swab, moisten it with rubbing alcohol, and clean the entire surface of the earring.
- Ideally, use new needles that have never been used.
- Needles that have not been cleaned can cause infection.
Step 4. Apply the exfoliating gel on the ear
Oftentimes, ice is thought to numb the pain of piercing, but this is not true. Ice can cause texture and abrasion to the skin, making it more difficult to pierce. Therefore, use a skin exfoliating gel in the ear. Apply the product about 30 to 60 minutes before the ear is pierced.
- You can find exfoliating gels online or at pharmacies.
- If you don't have an exfoliating gel, use a toothache gel.
Step 5. Find the location of the previous piercing
You may have found it when you checked the condition of the initial piercing. If not, look in the mirror to confirm the location of the previous piercing. The piercing may be closed so that it cannot be found. If this happens, determine where to make a new piercing. Use a marker to mark the area to be pierced.
- You can also use a marker to mark the location of the new piercing, even if the previous hole is still visible.
- Use a mirror to make sure the earrings stay symmetrical.
Step 6. Place a piece of potato behind the ear
You need to use potatoes that have been washed clean. The potato will protect the neck and reduce needle pressure when inserted. When ready, hold the potato with one hand behind the ear you want to pierce.
If you don't have potatoes, you can use food or a similar object, such as a Nerf ball toy
Step 7. Insert the needle through the ear slowly
First, hold the needle in the area you want to pierce. After that, start sticking the needle through the first ear. Hold the needle at a slight angle and shake it slightly so that it penetrates quickly. Continue the process until the needle is completely through the ear.
Step 8. Hold the ice cube in the piercing hole
Remove the potatoes and replace them with ice cubes. Hold an ice cube behind your ear for five minutes. This will help reduce pain. The needle must remain in the ear during this process.
Step 9. Place the earring in the piercing hole
Once you've removed the ice from the ear, take the earring. Gently remove the needle from your ear. While doing so, attach the earring to the piercing hole. Press until the earring hook is all the way in. Secure the back of the earrings so they don't fall off.
It's best to wear stud earrings when getting your ears pierced. It's lighter, doesn't fall off easily, and won't get in the way even if you wear it non-stop for the first few months
Step 10. Repeat this process on the other ear
Check the first ear to make sure the re-piercing was successful. You may feel a bit uncomfortable, but not in a lot of pain or bleeding heavily. If you feel that the first piercing worked, repeat the process on the second ear.
Method 3 of 3: Taking Care of Your Ears
Step 1. Clean your ears twice a day
You will need to clean your ears at least twice a day after re-piercing. Ideally, you should use a salt water solution that is specially formulated to clean ear piercings. If you don't have one, use rubbing alcohol. Apply the liquid to a cotton swab or cotton ball, then rub it into the front and back of the piercing.
- Re-piercing may not work if you don't take care of your ear afterwards.
- A saline solution is usually given by a professional after you have your piercing. You can ask a professional to buy the fluid without getting your ears pierced at the clinic if possible.
- Rubbing alcohol will sting slightly when applied to the piercing.
Step 2. Leave the earrings in for 6 to 8 weeks
One of the most common reasons why a piercing closes is that the earring is removed too quickly. Leave the earrings for at least 6 to 8 weeks. After that, you can replace them with other earrings.
You can leave the earrings in for more than 6-8 weeks
Step 3. Don't take the earrings off for too long
Be sure to put the earrings back on after removing the other earrings. New piercings can close quickly if you don't have earrings. Wear earrings consistently for about a year after re-piercing.
Step 4. Cover the pierced ear while bathing or swimming
Protecting the ear from water, shampoo and conditioner help prevent infection. Wear a shower cap when showering in the first few months. When you need to use shampoo and conditioner, do your best to protect your ears, and rinse the product you're applying to your hair thoroughly. When swimming, wear a shower cap.
You should avoid using hair care products, such as gel and hairspray, for at least 6 to 8 weeks after re-piercing your ears
Tips
- Avoid using cheap earrings – especially when you are new to re-piercing your ears. Cheap earrings can cause infection. 14 karat yellow gold is the recommended material for piercing holes for the first year.
- If you have long hair, it's a good idea to put your hair in a ponytail or curl for at least a month after the re-piercing. This method can prevent bacteria from moving from the hair to the earrings, as well as keep the hair from getting caught in the earrings.
- Do not touch the earrings while wearing them. Touching earrings can transfer bacteria to the ear.
