How Long Can Earrings Be Left In?: Bonus 8 Piercing Mistakes

How Long Can Earrings Be Left In?: Bonus 8 Piercing Mistakes

When you get your ears pierced or start building your earring collection, one of the biggest questions you’ll ask yourself is: How long can I leave my earrings in? The answer depends on the type of earrings, your skin, and the healing status of your piercing.

In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know—from how long to leave earrings in to when to take them out, and we’ll finish with eight common mistakes that could be sabotaging your piercing without you even realising it.

Are Earrings Always Meant to Be Left In?

Not necessarily. While some people wear earrings 24/7 without problems, others find that constant wear leads to irritation, infection, or even damage to their piercings. The key is understanding your skin and your jewellery.

For newly pierced ears, leaving earrings in is essential. Removing them too early can cause the hole to close up, especially in the first few weeks. Once your piercing has healed, you can decide how long to wear your earrings based on your personal comfort and the material of the jewellery.

What Earrings Can Be Left In?

The best earrings to leave in for long periods are made from hypoallergenic materials like:

  • Surgical stainless steel

  • Titanium

  • Niobium

  • 14K or 18K gold

  • Platinum

These metals are less likely to cause irritation or allergic reactions. If your skin is especially sensitive, avoid nickel-based alloys and costume jewellery for long-term wear.

Stud earrings are typically more secure and less prone to snagging than hoops or dangling styles, making them a safer option for sleeping or prolonged wear.

How Long Can Earrings Be Left In?

For New Piercings

  • Lobe piercings: Leave your starter earrings in for at least 6–8 weeks continuously.

  • Cartilage piercings: These take longer—12 weeks or more.

Even if it feels healed, taking your earrings out too early can cause the hole to shrink or close. Always consult your piercer before removing starter jewellery.

For Healed Piercings

Once your ears are healed, you can leave earrings in for days or weeks, depending on the metal and your skin. But it's a good idea to give your ears a break occasionally. Remove earrings at night if they cause pressure, or switch them out regularly to clean both the jewellery and the piercing.

When Should You Take Your Earrings Out?

Take your earrings out when:

  • Your ears feel sore, itchy, or inflamed

  • You notice discolouration on the skin or jewellery

  • You’re cleaning your ears or the jewellery

  • You’re going through an MRI or X-ray (unless wearing medical-safe jewellery)

  • You’re playing contact sports or activities where earrings can snag

Sleeping in earrings is not harmful if they are small, flat-backed, and made of safe metals—but monitor your skin regularly.

Bonus: 8 Common Piercing Mistakes to Avoid

Even experienced jewellery lovers fall into bad habits. Here are 8 piercing mistakes that could be affecting your ear health or the lifespan of your earrings:

1. Changing Earrings Too Early

Removing starter earrings before the healing time is complete can result in infection or a closed piercing.

2. Using Unclean Hands

Always wash your hands before touching your ears or changing jewellery. Bacteria transfer easily.

3. Skipping Jewellery Cleaning

Regularly clean your earrings with mild soap or jewellery cleaner. Build-up can lead to irritation or infection.

4. Wearing Poor-Quality Materials

Nickel and mystery metals can cause allergic reactions, even after years of tolerance.

5. Ignoring Signs of Infection

Redness, swelling, and pus are not normal. Take action early and remove jewellery if needed.

6. Sleeping in Bulky Earrings

Large hoops or sharp posts can press against your skin and cause pain while sleeping.

7. Not Giving Your Ears a Break

Even healthy piercings benefit from occasional rest. Let your lobes breathe once in a while.

8. Using Alcohol or Peroxide for Cleaning

These dry out the skin and delay healing. Stick to saline or piercing-safe solutions.

Conclusion

So, how long can you leave earrings in? It depends. If you're healing a fresh piercing, follow the professional timeline closely—6 to 12 weeks minimum. For healed piercings, you can leave earrings in longer, but keep your jewellery clean, use high-quality materials, and listen to your body.

Avoiding simple piercing mistakes will not only protect your ears but also keep your favourite earrings looking beautiful for years to come.

FAQs

How long before I can sleep without earrings after a new piercing?
You should wear your earrings continuously for at least 6–8 weeks after a lobe piercing and 12 weeks or more for cartilage.

Can I leave earrings in permanently?
Only if they are made from safe materials and regularly cleaned. Even then, monitor your skin for signs of irritation.

What happens if I take earrings out too early?
The hole may shrink or close completely, especially if the piercing is not fully healed.

Can I wear cheap earrings all day?
It’s not recommended. Low-quality metals often contain nickel, which can cause irritation or allergic reactions over time.

Are there earrings made for long-term wear?
Yes. Look for earrings labelled as “hypoallergenic” or made from surgical steel, titanium, or solid gold.

Back to blog