How to change your piercing?

Rédigé par : Naald Piercing | Dernière mise à jour : 28 Mar 25

Changing your piercing jewelry: instructions

Changing your piercing for the first time can seem daunting—especially if you've never done it without the help of your piercer. While we highly recommend going to a professional, here's how to do it yourself.

Summary

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Why change your jewelry?

Several reasons might lead you to replace your jewelry:

  • Want to change your style or design?
  • Improve healing with titanium jewelry
  • Replacing a damaged or lost piece of jewelry
  • Change size or shape
  • Reacting to an irritation or allergy
  • Saying goodbye to your posing jewelry after several months

But first and foremost, make sure the area is fully healed. Changing jewelry too soon can ruin everything.

When is the right time?

Allow at least 2 to 3 months for simple piercings, and up to 6 months for cartilage piercings (helix, tragus, etc.). The duration depends on your body, the location, and the aftercare. If you have any doubts, ask your piercer.

How to change a piercing: the steps

1. Preparation

Gather everything you need:

  • A new, clean piece of jewelry (titanium recommended)
  • Mild antibacterial soap
  • Sterile compresses
  • Physiological saline or a saline solution

Wash your hands thoroughly and clean the area before any handling.

2. Remove the old jewelry

Unscrew gently. Nothing should be forced. Identify the locking system before starting (screw thread, hinge, etc.).

3. Clean the area and the new jewelry

Using a compress, gently clean — without rubbing — around the piercing. Do the same for the jewelry.

4. Insert the new jewelry

Carefully align your jewelry with the center of the piercing hole. If it doesn't slide in easily, don't force it. Try again gently. Improperly inserted jewelry can cause the piercing to relapse, or worse.

What if things don't go as planned?

Signs to watch for:

  • Persistent redness, swelling, pain
  • Unusual bleeding
  • Pus discharge
  • Fever or chills

In all cases: consult a professional if you have the slightest doubt.

Our tips to avoid problems

  • Never change jewelry on a piercing that is still sensitive.
  • Clean your hands before handling
  • Use an implantable titanium jewel, especially during the healing phase.
  • Avoid sudden movements, friction or pressure (helmets, pillows, etc.)
  • If in doubt, go back to your piercer.

Conclusion

Changing your jewelry isn't something to take lightly, especially the first time. But with a little patience, the right tools, and clean techniques, you can do it without any problems. And if you're not comfortable doing it yourself, call a professional. Your body (and your piercing) will thank you.

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