It's generally not recommended to swim in any water, including saltwater, with a fresh piercing because it's an open wound exposed to bacteria, potentially causing infection, but if you must swim, wait a few weeks, keep it clean, and use a waterproof bandage for better protection, though healing first is best. While ocean salt isn't sterile and still contains germs, clean, well-maintained pools (chlorine) or natural saltwater might pose slightly different risks than lakes/rivers, but thorough cleaning afterward is crucial for all water types.
We recommend to avoid swimming for the first two weeks after a piercing. If you must swim, we recommend covering your piercing with a waterproof Band-Aid.
Care should be taken with fresh piercings and swimming for the first month or so. The general rule of thumb regarding swimming with fresh piercings is – “If you'd be worried for your health if you got a mouthful of the water you're considering swimming in, then DON'T put your fresh piercing in it.”
The "3-2 piercing rule" is a popular guideline for creating a balanced ear piercing arrangement, suggesting three piercings on the lobe and two on the upper cartilage for a harmonious, curated look, or applying a 2:3 ratio of piercings to space for overall balance, often pairing small studs with statement pieces for a chic, "undone" style that avoids overcrowding and emphasizes personal anatomy.
While saltwater might sound healing, oceans contain bacteria and sand that can irritate your piercing. For new piercings, it's safer to avoid swimming in oceans, lakes, or rivers until you're fully healed to prevent complications like an irritated piercing or infection.
Here are a few suggestions:
A nose piercing typically ranks around a 4-7 out of 10 on the pain scale, varying by person and location; nostril piercings are often a quick, sharp pinch (around 4-6/10), while septum piercings can feel intense but brief (around 6-7/10), especially if the cartilage is thick, though it's generally considered manageable and quick to heal.
Gently wash your piercings with a mild, fragrance-free cleanser and water at least once a day. Thoroughly rinse your piercings after washing them. Avoid cleaning your piercing with hydrogen peroxide or antibacterial soaps, which can damage your healing skin.
The top five most painful piercings often cited include the Industrial, Rook, Snug, Industrial, and sometimes genital piercings or dermal piercings, with ear cartilage piercings (especially those through thick cartilage like the Snug or Rook) frequently ranking high due to nerve endings and thickness, while genital piercings are considered extremely painful by many. Pain is subjective, but cartilage piercings like the Rook, Industrial, and Snug are consistently ranked high, sometimes reaching a 9/10 on pain scales.
Swimming in pools, oceans, or lakes too soon, especially without protection, can introduce bacteria, delay healing, and lead to painful complications. With careful planning, waterproof protection, and proper hygiene, you don't have to choose between beautiful ear piercings and a love of the water.
Medical studies show that tap water can be used perfectly well for short-term wound cleaning, it does not irritate the wound excessively and helps to rinse the wound and the wound area. If you choose to rinse your piercings in the shower and leave them alone, you are already well on your way.
Swimming in lakes is strongly discouraged for at least two weeks. Pools have less risk because they are chlorinated but the piercing should be cleaned when you get out of the pool. Swimming in the ocean has the least risk due to high salt content of water.
The 3/2 piercing rule is a guideline that helps determine a safe number of piercings for your ear's upper cartilage, specifically the helix and flat areas. The rule suggests that for every three units of unpierced cartilage, you can safely have two units of pierced cartilage. Think of it like a ratio.
What piercings reject the most? Surface piercings have the highest rejection rate. Surface piercings such as microdermals as well as eyebrow piercings and navel piercings reject the most because they are closest to the surface of the skin.
The Golden Rules of Piercing Aftercare
Nostril Piercings
These piercings are slightly more painful than earlobe, lip, and navel piercings. The reason for this is because the needle has to go through cartilage, which is tougher than just flesh. These piercings are often described as a brief sting and many people experience watery eyes or the need to sneeze.
Aftercare Information
During the healing process, you should clean your nostril piercing two times a day: morning and night. First, you're going to want to buy some Neilmed Piercing Aftercare Spray. Essentially, it's a sterile saline solution in a can.
WHAT IS The APP? The Association of Professional Piercers (APP) is an international health and safety organization. It is a nonprofit voluntary alliance dedicated to the dissemination of information about body piercing.
Signs of an infection
Your piercing might be infected if: the area around it is swollen, painful, hot, very red or dark (depending on your skin colour) there's blood or pus coming out of it – pus can be white, green or yellow.
Remember: Avoid touching your piercing, sleeping on it, or over-cleaning. Keep your bedding clean, dry your hair before bed, and use the right aftercare products. Don't change your jewelry too soon, and stay away from harmful environments like pools and hot tubs.
Nexcare Tape 3M Absolute Waterproof Foam - 1 Ea.
As a general rule of thumb, it's best to wait until your piercing has fully healed before swimming. For most earlobe piercings, this typically takes around six to eight weeks. However, cartilage piercings may require a longer healing time, often up to several months.