How To: Safe & Easy Jewelry Changing

One of the things I repeatedly hear at the studio:

“Help! I tried to change it myself, but couldn’t get the jewelry back in!”

This is not unusual. We have learned (unfortunately) to take piercings completely for granted as “simple” things. We tend to consider the piercing itself more as “jewelry”, and so on the OUTSIDE of us, rather than as the weird, sticky tunnels on the INSIDE us that they actually are. Super common thinking. But also 100% off-base. Of course! Lol!

You’ve waited for this day so patiently!! So, here are my tips for easy and safe jewelry changing:

WASH your hands:

Seems obvious, but how often would you actually think to do this simple thing?! Most people just dive on in… (Which is super gross for nostril piercings. Not to mention stinkin’ Covid!!!)

CLEAN the jewelry:

Again, seems obvious. But so few people realize that new jewelry is coated in polishing compounds and other particles that can raise havoc inside the piercing channel. (More gross stuff!) A simple wiping down of the post with rubbing alcohol is enough.

LUBE, lube, lube:

Think about it - a piercing is a little dry tunnel. Using a small amount of a safe lubricant is super helpful for easing the jewelry in and out of the healed channel without causing damage. I suggest coconut oil - safe for inside and outside of the body! But warm water is also an option. Steer clear of other products - petroleum jelly and antibiotic ointments may seem like a good option, but they can get super funky if trapped inside the piercing channel. Not worth the risk.

Be smart! Be clean! (And don’t settle for junk jewelry!) Easy enough!