How to wash your hair with a new ear piercing.

Washing hair with a new ear piercing can be tricky but it’s possible with a few careful steps:

1. Lean Forward: Instead of showering as usual, lean forward to let your hair hang in front of you. This position helps prevent water and shampoo from reaching the piercing.
2. Use Gentle Shampoo: Opt for a mild, fragrance-free shampoo to minimize the risk of irritation.
3. Avoid Direct Spray: Keep your head away from direct water spray while rinsing to protect the piercing.
4. Dry Thoroughly: After washing, gently pat dry your hair and around the piercing area using a clean towel. Remember, it’s critical to avoid any hair products coming into contact with your fresh ear piercing to prevent irritation or infection.

Delighted by your new ear piercing? Remember though, now you need to be sure you are caring for it as best you can, especially when it comes to an everyday task like washing your hair. 

Not to worry, you’re in the right place to learn more about caring for your piercing when you wash your hair…

Getting an ear piercing is a unique experience, both physically and emotionally. For some, it’s a rite of passage, for others, it’s a form of self-expression, or simply a fashionable choice Regardless of the reason, the aftercare is of the utmost importance, especially in the first few weeks [1]. 

Have you ever wondered how to store all of your beautiful ear rings? Check out our best earring storage information here.

Aftercare

The first 48 hours post-piercing are crucial. Refrain from touching the piercing and keep the area clean and dry. After this, you’ll need to establish a safe routine for tasks such as washing your hair.

1. Preparation: Gather what you need – a mild shampoo, a clean towel, and a saline solution for the piercing.
2. Shampooing: Tilt your head so that the pierced ear faces upwards, minimizing contact with the shampoo.
3. Rinsing: Use a cup or shower head to carefully rinse the shampoo away from your piercing.
4. Drying: Pat your hair dry gently. Use a hairdryer on the lowest setting if necessary, being careful to avoid the piercing.

After washing, clean the piercing with a saline solution. Don’t rotate or move the earring as this can cause irritation.

Potential Problems

Despite careful aftercare, problems can arise. Infections are the most common, characterized by redness, swelling, and pus. Overcleaning can also cause issues, such as dryness and irritation. Should you encounter any problems, consult a professional immediately.

Important Considerations

Avoid changing the earring for at least six weeks to allow proper healing[^6^]. Hair products should be kept away from the piercing, and try not to sleep on the side of the new piercing. Remember, patience and diligent aftercare are key to a successful and healthy ear piercing.

Tips for Washing Your Hair with New Ear Piercings

Yes, you can wash your hair after getting your ears pierced, but it requires careful steps to prevent irritation or infection to the new piercing. These include:

1. 1. Opt for Mild Shampoo: Choose a mild, fragrance-free shampoo to reduce potential irritation.
   2. Limit Hair Washing: Don’t wash your hair too often, as it can increase the risk of water and shampoo contacting the piercing.
   3. Be Gentle While Lathering: Avoid letting shampoo or soap come in direct contact with the pierced areas.
   4. Thoroughly Rinse Your Hair: Rinse your hair with lukewarm water, tilting your head back to minimize water contact with your piercings.
   5. Dry Your Hair Carefully: Gently pat your hair dry with a clean towel, making sure not to rub the towel on your piercings. Remember, a new ear piercing is essentially an open wound that needs to be kept clean and away from potential irritants like hair care products during the healing process.

By following these tips, you can easily wash your hair while minimizing the risk of water contact and potential irritation to your new ear piercings.

FAQs

Is It Safe to Wash My Hair After Getting an Ear or Any Other Piercing, and What Precautions Should I Take?

Yes, you can safely wash your hair after getting an ear or any other piercing. However, it’s important to take certain precautions:

• Use a gentle, fragrance-free shampoo to minimize irritation.
• Avoid direct water pressure on the piercing site.
• Be careful not to let hair products come into contact with the piercing.
• After washing, carefully dry the area around the piercing with a clean towel to prevent moisture buildup.
• If the piercing is on the scalp or in an area where hair washing might directly impact it, consider waiting a few days and consult with your piercer for specific aftercare advice.

How soon can I wash my hair after getting an ear piercing?

When wondering ‘Can I wash my hair after getting my ears pierced?’, the best practice is to wait for a period of 24 to 48 hours post-piercing before engaging in your regular hair washing routine. This delay allows the initial wound from the piercing to start its healing process effectively. After this period, it becomes important to exercise care while washing your hair to prevent any potential irritation or infection. Protect your new ear piercing from exposure to hair products, such as shampoo and conditioner, as much as possible to promote smooth and trouble-free healing.

However, if you really do want to wash your hair, just remove your earrings before you do, and then put your earrings back in when you’re done drying. Also, it is a really good idea to also clean your earrings and put them back on after you have washed your hair!

What shampoo should I use to wash my hair after getting an ear piercing?

Opt for a mild, hypoallergenic, and fragrance-free shampoo after getting a new ear piercing. These types of shampoos are less likely to cause irritation to your new piercing and will still keep your hair clean and fresh.

Can I use hair conditioner after getting a new ear piercing?

You can use hair conditioner, but try to avoid getting it on your piercing. Much like shampoo, the conditioner should be rinsed thoroughly to prevent any residual product from lingering near your piercing, which could cause irritation or an allergic reaction.

What if shampoo or conditioner gets into my new ear piercing?

If this happens, immediately rinse the area with warm water and then clean with a saline solution. It’s essential to keep the piercing clean to avoid irritation or infection.

Can I use a hairdryer after washing my hair with a new ear piercing?

Yes, but it’s crucial to use it on a cool setting and avoid direct airflow on the piercing. Excessive heat can cause swelling and slow down the healing process of your new piercing.

Interesting Info

1. Did you know? Hair products like shampoos and conditioners can cause a reaction known as “piercing pustules.” These are small, blister-like bumps that form around the piercing, often mistaken for infection.
2. Surprising Fact: Overcleaning your new piercing can be just as harmful as not cleaning it enough. Too much cleaning can dry out the skin, leading to irritation and potentially delaying the healing process.
3. Interesting Tidbit: Some metals used in earrings, such as nickel, can react with certain ingredients in hair products. If you notice any adverse reactions, you might want to consider switching to hypoallergenic earrings made of titanium or surgical stainless steel.

References:

1. “Body Piercing.” American Academy of Dermatology.