Piercing: Why wait before putting in a ring?

Rédigé par : Naald Piercing | Dernière mise à jour : 14 Dec 24

Why not use a piercing ring when getting a piercing?

Choosing the right piercing jewelry is a crucial decision when getting a piercing. Many people, attracted by the aesthetics of a ring, often want to have it from day one. However, using a ring as a piercing jewelry is generally not recommended, except in very specific cases, such as for septum , smiley or daith piercings. In this article, we explain why it is important to choose the right piercing jewelry and why the ring is generally excluded from your choice, at the start.

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What is a setting jewel?

A piercing jewel is the first jewel inserted after the piercing. Its role is essential because it must:

Piercing jewelry is typically designed to be stable, skin-friendly, and easy to clean. It is often made of ASTM F-136 titanium, a hypoallergenic material widely recognized for its safety and compatibility with new piercings.

Why is the ring not used as a setting jewel?

  1. Instability and movements:
    • Unlike a labret stud, a ring tends to move more. This movement can cause irritation or even micro-tears around the piercing, which slows down healing.
    • This friction can also cause inflammation and promote the growth of bacteria that can lead to infection.
  2. Uneven tension on the skin:
    • A ring places uneven pressure on the pierced area. The pressure is not evenly distributed, which can lead to poor canal placement during healing.
    • For example, a piercing made with a ring can migrate or become deformed because of this tension.
Jewelry installation: why not a ring?
Simplified diagram showing the difference between a labret and a ring in jewelry fitting
  1. Difficulty of cleaning:
    • Rings, especially models with ornaments, are more difficult to clean properly. In the case of a fresh piercing, where hygiene is paramount, this increases the risk of bacteria and infections.
  2. Increased risk of complications:
    • The circular shape of the ring can promote the accumulation of crusts or secretions, making daily cleaning more laborious.
    • Piercings with rings are also more likely to snag on clothing, hair, or accessories, causing pain or tearing.

When can you put a ring after a piercing?

The ring can be put in place once the piercing is completely healed. The healing time depends on the location of the piercing:

  • Earlobe: 4 to 6 weeks,
  • Helix and cartilage: 6 months to 1 year,
  • Navel: 6 months to 1 year,
  • Nostrils: 3 to 6 months.

Waiting until healing is complete allows the skin to strengthen around the canal, reducing the risk of migration, infection or complications.

Specific cases: when can a laying ring be used?

Although the ring is not recommended for most piercings, there are a few exceptions:

  1. Septum piercing:
    • The septum can accommodate a placement ring because it passes through a thin piece of cartilage or skin (depending on location). Tension is minimal and the area is relatively stable.
  2. Daith piercing:
    • A ring can also be used for the daith , as its curved position allows for secure and stable placement.
  3. Smiley Piercing :
    • The brake being extremely thin, it is possible to put a ring on it from the start without risk provided you do not play with it constantly... (yes yes we see you, we know everything...)

Even in these cases, it is important to choose a ring made of high quality titanium or surgical steel, with a suitable diameter to minimize friction.

How to choose a suitable ring once healing is complete?

Once healing is complete, the choice of ring is essential to ensure comfort and safety:

  • Recommended materials: Titanium ASTM F-136 or stainless steel (ASTM F-138) to avoid allergic reactions.
  • Proper diameter: A ring that is too small puts pressure on the skin, while a ring that is too large can move excessively.
  • Simplicity of design: Opt for simple hoops to start with. Ornate designs can be placed once the piercing has healed.

Why it is important to follow these recommendations

The impatience to wear a ring can sometimes push some people to put one on too early, but this can lead to serious consequences:

  • Delayed healing,
  • Increased risk of problems,
  • Migration or rejection of the piercing,
  • Appearance of hypertrophic scars or keloids in the worst case.

Following your piercer's recommendations ensures a positive experience and reduces the risk of long-term complications.

Conclusion: Patience and precaution for a successful piercing

Putting a ring on as soon as the piercing is done is rarely a good idea. Even if the aesthetics of a ring are attractive, priority should always be given to healthy and complication-free healing. By waiting for the healing to be complete and by opting for a suitable fitting jewel, like those we offer in our collection of helix piercing jewelry , you put all the chances on your side for a lasting and elegant result.

Take the time to choose your piercer carefully, follow their advice, and don't hesitate to ask any questions you may have about the steps to follow. With a little patience, you can fully enjoy an elegant and well-healed piercing, with the ring of your dreams.

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