How long should you keep your earrings in?

One of the most frequently asked questions after getting your ears pierced is: How long should you keep your earrings in? The answer depends on the type of piercing, your skin type, and not least, how you care for your ears during the healing process. In this guide, we share Viclara’s best recommendations and advice for a safe, stylish, and well-cared-for start—whether it’s your own first pair of earrings or baby earrings for your child.

First-time piercing: Don’t change them too soon

When you get your ears pierced for the first time, the skin needs time and calm to heal. For earlobes, it is recommended that the original earrings stay in for at least 6-8 weeks—and in some cases up to 12 weeks, depending on how your healing progresses.

During this period, new tissue forms around the hole. If you change them too early, it can cause irritation, infection, or even make the piercing close up again. It may be tempting to take your first earrings out and replace them with something new, but patience is an important part of good piercing care.

Titanium period: Choose materials your skin loves

The material of your first earrings is crucial to how and how quickly your ears heal. At Viclara, we recommend using titanium as the preferred material for new ear piercings. Titanium is a hypoallergenic, lightweight, and durable metal that is particularly suitable for delicate or sensitive skin.

The titanium period—that is, the time when you only wear titanium earrings—should correspond to the entire healing period of 6-12 weeks. Some even choose to continue with titanium permanently, especially if they have previously experienced skin reactions or allergies to nickel.

See our collection of elegant titanium earrings

Baby earrings: Extra attention and safety

Are you asking yourself: How long should earrings stay in when it comes to children? The answer is: at least as long—and preferably even longer. Babies’ skin is extra delicate, and it’s often more difficult for small children to leave their ears alone during the healing process. Therefore, many experts recommend that baby earrings stay in for at least 6 weeks—and preferably up to 3 months—before switching to new jewelry.

The first pair should be small and flat, with no sharp edges, and made from safe materials such as titanium or 14-carat gold. This minimizes the risk of discomfort, infection, and allergic reactions in the youngest.

See the full selection of baby and children’s earrings here

Infection and hygiene: Take good care of your new earrings

An important part of the healing process after a piercing is hygiene. During healing, the skin is extra sensitive, and the risk of infection is greatest in the first weeks. Knowing how to clean and protect your ears is crucial for a healthy result.

Good advice for care and prevention

• Clean your ears and earrings once or twice daily with a mild alcohol-free antiseptic solution.
• Avoid removing the earrings too early—it can close the hole or delay healing.
• Watch for signs of infection such as persistent tenderness, swelling, warmth, or pus. Seek professional help if needed.

When can I switch to new earrings?

When your ears feel normal—free from soreness, crusts, or redness—it is usually safe to change earrings. This typically happens after 6-12 weeks. However, it is important to choose high-quality jewelry even after the initial healing period.

Start with lightweight styles such as hoops, huggies, or sleepers—they put less strain on the hole and are easy to handle. Stick with genuine materials like 14-carat gold, sterling silver, or titanium, as they cause minimal skin reactions.

Explore Viclara’s timeless selection in gold, silver, and titanium here

Summary: Viclara’s recommendations

• Let the first earrings stay in for at least 6-8 weeks—preferably up to 12 weeks if healing requires it.
• Use hypoallergenic materials like titanium throughout the entire healing process.
• Avoid unnecessary touching of your ears or removing your earrings too early.
• Be extra attentive if it concerns baby earrings—and follow recommendations from healthcare professionals.
• Keep the area clean with gentle products—and use clean hands.
• At the first change: Choose quality earrings in pure materials and lightweight designs.

Your experience is our focus at Viclara

At Viclara, we understand that jewelry is more than just decoration—they are an extension of your style and your story. Whether you’ve just gotten your first earrings or simply wish to update your jewelry box with quality designs, you can rely on our expertise and selection.

We offer only earrings in materials chosen with care for both skin and aesthetics, so you can feel confident and comfortable—every day.

See the full current collection of safe, beautiful earrings