Beginner’s Guide: How to Use an Ear Piercing Gun (Ear Piercing Device) and Aftercare Tips

For first-timers getting their ears pierced, common concerns are: “Will it fail?” “How do I take care of it?” Don’t worry! This article covers the basics, piercing methods, and aftercare tips to make your first piercing safe and easy.

Piercing Methods

In Italy, the three most common methods are:

1. Ear Piercing Gun

  • Price: €10–€25

  • Where to buy: Pharmacies, jewelry stores, supermarkets, Amazon.it

  • Features: Usually comes with a built-in first earring, easy for beginners

  • Note: Single-use only, not suitable for cartilage

2. Piercing Needle (Sterile needle with CE mark)

  • Description: Single-use sterile tools, must have CE certification

  • Where to buy:

    • Online (Amazon.it, Etsy) → sizes 14G, 16G, 18G

    • Professional suppliers → EU-certified shops for piercing studios

  • Advice: Not recommended for beginners. Safer to go to a professional Piercing Studio

3. Professional Piercing Studio

  • Method: Uses sterile needles, can pierce lobes, cartilage, lips, nose, navel, etc.

  • Benefits: More precise than a gun, smaller wound, faster healing

  • Cost:

    • Lobes: €20–€40

    • Cartilage/Helix or other areas: €40–€80
      (initial earring is usually sold separately)

How to Choose a Piercing Gun

  1. Piercing area: different models for lobes, cartilage, nose, etc.

  2. Gauge (thickness):

    • Lobes: 16G (1.2 mm)

    • Cartilage: 14G (1.6 mm)

    • Beginners: 18G (thinner)

  3. Length: 8–10 mm to allow for swelling

  4. Material: Surgical steel, titanium → hypoallergenic, easy to clean

? Tip: Avoid nickel or silver-plated jewelry if allergic

Aftercare

  • Clean daily with warm water or saline solution

  • Avoid touching or twisting the earring unnecessarily

  • Keep earrings in place for several weeks/months until fully healed

  • If severe swelling or pus → see a doctor

FAQ

Q1: When can I change earrings?
A: Lobes: 6–8 weeks; cartilage: 3–4 months.

Q2: What if my ear gets infected?
A: Clean with saline. If it worsens, consult a doctor or pharmacist.

Q3: Will it leave scars?
A: Usually no, but poor aftercare or infections can cause keloids.

Q4: What if I’m allergic to metals?
A: Use surgical steel, titanium, or Bioplast. Avoid nickel.

Q5: Can I swim after piercing?
A: Not recommended until fully healed to avoid infection.