Whether you’re getting your first ear piercing or adding to an existing collection of bedazzlements, a fresh piercing can be an empowering experience. In doing so, you’re fulfilling a vision of yourself—one in which your new earrings are the perfect detail to complement your appearance.
As the current or soon-to-be owner of newly adorned ears, there are several elements to consider when choosing your earrings. After all, you’ll need to keep your first earrings in for at least six weeks while the piercings heal and wear them as much as possible in the months afterward to prevent them from closing up.
Thus, finding the best types of earrings for newly pierced ears involves choosing an earring type that not only suits your style but is also gentle on your newly pierced ear and comfortable to wear 24/7. Are diamond earrings your first earring of choice? Below, we’ll walk you through what materials to look for in your new earrings and detail the 5 best earrings for newly pierced ears, all of which include affordable diamond alternatives.
#1 Ball Stud Earrings
If you’ve had a piercing before, you may already be familiar with a pair of little round gold or silver studs. Ball stud earrings are a popular option for new piercings, and there’s a reason for that: the ball-and-post style is easy to keep clean when it comes to piercing aftercare.
Ball studs are also frequently offered by professional piercing salons as a “starter earring,” as they tend to be fairly inexpensive compared to other options. Other advantages of ball studs include:
- They’re available in multiple metals and materials
- They’re lightweight, and won’t easily get caught on hair or clothing
- They go with just about any style of clothing
Ball studs also come in a variety of sizes, so whether you’re looking for something small and dainty or want a slightly more sizable shine, you’re sure to find a good fit. Although these may be the first option to pop up when you search “earrings for a new piercing,” they’re certainly not the only ones. Let’s look at some of the alternatives.
#2 Pearl Stud Earrings
For many of the same reasons as ball stud earrings, pearl studs are a superb choice. After all, they’re nearly identical in shape, their size and weight will be kind to your ear lobe and their smooth surface makes them easy to sleep in. With pearl stud earrings, however, you also get the advantage of a slightly more sophisticated style.
Heading into the office for a meeting? Match your pearl studs with your favorite dressy blazer. On your way to the newest casual bistro that’s getting all the foodies talking? Pearl studs will certainly elevate your usual brunch outfit. As versatile as your little black dress, these are an option you’re unlikely to tire of while waiting for your new ear piercing to heal.
#3 Bezel Set Stud Earrings
If you’re looking for a bit more glitter and glam but are worried about avoiding snags and catches on your earrings, a pair of bezel-set studs could be the perfect solution. If you’re not familiar with the style, allow us to help: a bezel setting refers to a gemstone or diamond encircled by a ring of metal, such as gold or sterling silver, thus eliminating any edges or prongs that might get caught on clothing or hair.
Aside from helping you care for your ears, bezel set studs are available in a variety of eye-pleasing options, including:
- Rubies
- Sapphires
- Emeralds
- Diamonds
- Diamond alternatives
This sleek, modern style is a versatile balance of chic and sporty—meaning that even after your piercings are all healed up, you’ll probably still find yourself reaching for them as your everyday pair.
#4 Round Cut Stud Earrings
These days, there are tons of stunning cuts to choose from when shopping for gemstone, diamond, or diamond alternative earrings. So, what’s the best cut for those with newly pierced ears? In this case, you’ll want to opt for a classic pair of round-cut studs.
Just like the other options on this list, round-cut stud earrings will feel (and look) like heaven in your ears, whether you’re going on a Sunday hike with the crew or dressing up for a black-tie charity gala. For optimal comfort in either case, select earrings that won’t be too large or heavy—and remember, there will be time to try out the edgier cuts later on.
#5 Small Hoop Earrings
While studs are the most recommended option for newly pierced ears, hoop earrings are another style with plenty of their benefits. If you go for a hoop earring, you’ll want to ensure the hoops are fairly small in size and have a closing that won’t poke or rub against the back of your ear.
If you’re the type to engage in weekend games of recreational volleyball or ultimate frisbee, however, you may want to stick with studs during the initial healing period. Due to their shape, hoops tend to snag on fabrics and move around in your ears more than studs, which could be potentially painful on a newly pierced ear.
Still, a small pair of hoop earrings can be a good option for those without competitive sports on their agenda and are especially ideal as a follow-up to your starter earrings. Their smooth, circular shape means you won’t suffer any poking or prodding when sleeping, and as an extra relief, you won’t have to worry about losing the backings.
Consider Your Earrings’ Metal
As you’re deciding what shape and style of earrings you want, it’s important to consider what materials they will be made of and how these can help or hinder the healing of your new piercings.
Primarily, you want to choose materials that won’t irritate your skin. Even if you don’t have any sensitive skin or any known metal allergies, sustained contact with certain metals, (such as nickel), can cause you to develop an allergy over time. Don’t forget, you’ll be wearing these earrings for a while!
According to the Mayo Clinic, it’s best to look for earrings made from hypoallergenic metals, such as:
- Sterling silver
- 14- or 18-karat gold
- Surgical stainless steel
- Titanium
- Niobium
If this recommendation sounds restrictive, however, take heart—most jewelers now offer plenty of nickel-free and hypoallergenic earring options to keep even the most sensitive ears feeling serene.
Choosing the Right Earring Back
While the choice of metal for earrings is crucial, equally important is the selection of the right earring back, especially when it comes to new piercings. Here’s why paying attention to the earring back is essential for both comfort and security.
Screw backs: Screw backs are the most secure type of earring back because they screw onto the post of the earring and cannot be easily pulled off. This makes them ideal for newly pierced ears, which are still healing and can be easily irritated by movement. Gold screw back earrings are also a good choice for people with sensitive ears, as they are less likely to cause irritation than other types of earring backs.
Lever backs: Lever backs are a good choice for dangle earrings, as they are secure and comfortable. They feature a spring-loaded mechanism that opens and closes easily, allowing the wearer to put on and take off the earrings quickly. Lever backs are also a good choice for people with sensitive ears, as they are made of a hypoallergenic material.
Omega backs: Omega backs, which are also known as “fishhook backs,” are another good choice for people with sensitive ears. They are made of a hypoallergenic metal and feature a secure clasp that prevents the earrings from falling out. Omega backs are also comfortable to wear, as they do not press into the earlobe.
Push backs: Push backs are the most common type of earring back and are easy to use and secure. They are simply pushed onto the post of the earring and then snapped into place. Push backs are a good choice for everyday wear, but they may not be as secure as screw backs for heavily weighted earrings or for people who play sports or engage in other activities that could cause the earrings to bump or snag.
Best Practices for Earring Care
Whether you’re bracing yourself for your first piercing or your jewelry box is full to the brim with studs, hoops, and everything in between, there’s one thing to keep in mind—earring care.
Here are some essentials to keeping your new sparkle at maximum shine:
- Clean earrings are beautiful earrings – Cleaning your earrings regularly keeps them shining and keeps your lobes protected from potential infections. If you wear earrings regularly, clean them once a week with a Q-tip, some mild soap, and warm water. Be sure to dry off any excess moisture with a clean paper towel. If you’ve invested in a high-quality set of earrings, you can also get them professionally cleaned biannually at your local jewelry shop.
- Keep them safe – Though you’ll have to keep your earrings in your ears for a few weeks after you’ve gotten your ears pierced, they won’t be there forever. Keep your earrings in a safe, dry environment where they won’t be jostled or scratched by other items. A jewelry box, bowl, or earring post all work. The bottom of your purse? Not so much.
Caring for Your Newly Pierced Ears
Picture it now: You pick out your new earrings, walk into the piercing studio, sit in the chair, take a deep breath, and count to three—and voila, a new you emerge with even more sparkle than before. So, what happens next?
In truth, taking good care of your ears after piercing them is crucial to avoid any complications.
According to the Mayo Clinic, the following steps can help you keep your ears healthy and healing:
- Keep your piercings clean. You should wash new piercings twice a day with soap and water. It’s also best to avoid touching your piercing as much as possible, and if you must, wash your hands before doing so.
- Avoid touching new piercings. You may have the urge to play with your new adornments, but doing so can interrupt the healing process and irritate your skin. Likewise, try to avoid any activity or clothing that might bump, rub, or otherwise cause friction to your healing ears.
- Don’t take your earrings out early. In most cases, earlobe piercings take at least six weeks to heal, but piercings on another part of your ear, such as the cartilage or helix, may take longer. Follow the timeline your piercing professional recommends, and only change your earrings after the piercing has fully healed.
Of course, if you’ve done the work of choosing earrings with hypoallergenic materials and finding an earring style that won’t catch, snag, or cause irritation, you’ll be on your way to a smooth and easy healing process and ready to take your new showpieces out for a spin.
Find the Right Earrings with Diamond Nexus
Between finding the right piercing professional, summoning the bravery (plus a good friend to hold your hand), and caring for your piercings afterward, getting your ears pierced is much more than an impulse decision—it’s an investment of time, effort, and care. But it will lead to happy, healthy ears and the long-term reward of wearing all the delightful new earrings you desire.
When it comes to finding the best earrings for men or women with newly pierced ears, however, choosing the pair that makes your heart flutter no longer means having to invest or sacrifice all your savings. Enter Diamond Nexus, with many styles of stud earrings ideal for new piercings.
If you’re looking to captivate with a pair of diamond earrings, the Nexus Diamond™ alternative simulates the perfect appearance of a diamond, in a more affordable and ethical option.
When you’re ready to add new ear piercings—and step into the most dazzling you’ve ever been—take good care of your ears. Diamond Nexus will take care of the rest.
Sources:
Mayo Clinic. Piercings: How to prevent complications. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/piercings/art-20047317
Mayo Clinic. Nickel allergy. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/nickel-allergy/symptoms-causes/syc-20351529