This point cannot be emphasized enough! If you believe you will be unable to keep your earrings in for this long, consider waiting to get your ears pierced until the circumstances of your life allow it. Clip-on earrings are one temporary possibility available to you which require no such time commitment, and magnetic earrings are even available to try on cartilage piercings. Cartilage piercings, however, often require a much longer time to properly heal, taking anywhere from three to twelve months. [3] X Research source

It is recommended that you enlist the help of a parent, and take extreme caution when using wire cutters near your ear.

Useful for playing sports or engaging in any athletic activity. Double-check that the leagues you’re a part of will actually allow this method before getting your ears pierced, though. Various combinations of sports tape and bandages can be used to achieve the same purpose.

Give yourself at least a few inches past the piercing height for consistent coverage as you move around. Generally effective for hiding cartilage piercings regardless of gender, as shorter hairstyles can still effectively cover that part of your ear. For occasions where you need to tie longer hair back, put it in a low ponytail and let the hair hang down over your ears while it’s pulled back.

Baseball caps can also help simply by pushing voluminous, springy hair downward, to better cover your ears.

Always wash your hands before cleaning your earrings and piercing site. Recommendations vary when it comes to the issue of whether or not to rotate your earrings; while some suggest rotating them slightly at night before bed, others suggest abstaining entirely. Adhere to the instructions of the professional who pierced your ears, but sources agree in their advisement against perpetually twisting and fidgeting with your earrings.

Most piercings will close without anything in them, taking anywhere from a few days to several weeks. [4] X Research source A thin membrane may grow over the hole, without the hole actually closing; jewelry can typically be pushed back through this with minimal pain. Try lubricating the area with antibiotic ointment if you encounter any difficulty. Reopening the closed piercing is also possible, if the earrings must remain out of your ears for extended periods of time. Cartilage piercings, as opposed to lobe piercings, can remain without jewelry for a much longer time without closing. As was mentioned in part one, though, the healing process for these is also much longer compared to lobe piercings.

Clear acrylic is less recommended for its quality issues, but it’s also a viable option. Clear jewelry is not recommended for your very first earrings; your first earring should be 14-carat gold or stainless steel, as these are less likely to cause infection or swelling. [6] X Research source Other metals can also induce allergic reactions.

These can be found in a variety of materials, including acrylic and various silicones.

At the same time, these are your ears you’re adorning. You should simply ensure that you’re aware of the situations in your life which may be less amenable to more adventurous ear choices.