Cape Town
Sea Point
Our flagship, in the Laughtons Building
295 Main Road, corner of Mount Nelson RoadSea Point, Cape Town
- Mon – Fri
- 9am – 6pm
- Sat
- 9am – 5pm
- Sun
- 9am – 3pm
Piercing aftercare
Care for your new piercing
Because every piercing deserves the same care as the jewel it carries. Our piercers guide you through every stage of healing, long after you leave the studio.
- Free Check-in at 2–8 weeks
- Twice a day Saline for the first 4 weeks
- 2 wks – 3 mths Until you downsize
Your free check-in
We will see you again in 2 to 8 weeks
After your appointment, book a complimentary aftercare check-in. We make sure you are healing well and your jewellery sits comfortably, advise whether it is time to downsize, and share our lifestyle and nutrition guidance to help your body heal.
General piercings
The daily routine
Your piercing is both a wound and a jewel. Treat it with gentleness.
- 01
Clean hands first
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and rinse before touching your piercing.
- 02
Saline, twice a day
Clean with the saline we give you twice a day for the first 4 weeks, then once a day until healed.
- 03
Dab, don't pick
Gently remove loose crusting with a clean, absorbent tissue and dab dry.
- 04
After every workout
Always clean your piercing after exercise.
Avoid touching, twisting or sleeping on a new piercing, and don't change your jewellery early: it irritates the piercing and slows healing.
Beyond the ear
Care by placement
Follow the daily routine, plus the extra care for your placement.
Oral
Tongue, lip & oral
- Rinse with an alcohol-free antibacterial mouthwash three times a day and after dairy.
- Stay hydrated to keep the piercing irrigated.
- Avoid activities that involve exchanging bodily fluids.
- Swelling is normal; an over-the-counter oral anti-inflammatory helps.
Pseudo-oral
Smiley & frenulum
Follow the daily routine on the outside and the oral routine on the inside: saline twice a day for 4 weeks, mouthwash three times a day and after dairy, and plenty of water.
18+ only
Nipple
- Follow the daily routine.
- A clean cotton sports bra or loose shirt minimises friction.
15+, with a parent or guardian
Navel
- Follow the daily routine.
- A hard eye patch over the piercing protects it from high-waisted clothing.
18+ only
Genital
- Wash once a day with a gynaecological soap.
- Stay hydrated and urinate often to keep the area flushed and clean.
Healing times
Patience is part of it
Healing depends on the placement, your body's natural response and how well you follow aftercare. Some piercings feel comfortable within days, but full healing often takes months, and changing jewellery too early will irritate the piercing and delay recovery.
Consistent cleaning, not touching and the right jewellery materials all help. Healing times are a guide; your piercer can assess your own progress.
Downsizing
The step most people skip
Every piercing begins with extra length in the post to allow for swelling. Downsizing to a shorter post is the most important step for long-term comfort and health.
- Freshly piercedThe post is longer, to leave room for swelling.
- If it isn't downsizedSleeping on a long post can change the angle of your piercing.
- Once downsizedThe jewellery sits snug against your skin: secure, sleek and healthier as it heals.
Usually 2 weeks to 3 months after piercing, depending on the placement.
Ear piercing types
Know your placements
-
Lobe
Studs, hoops, stacksThe classic piercing at the lower ear, versatile for studs, hoops and stacking.
-
Upper lobe
Dainty studsSlightly higher on the lobe, ideal for layered looks and several small studs.
-
Helix
Hoops, small ringsAlong the upper rim, beautiful with hoops or small rings for a minimalist edge.
-
Forward helix
A stud or a trioAt the front curve of the ear, striking with a single stud or a delicate trio.
-
Tragus
Flat stud, tiny hoopThe small flap by the ear canal: subtle but eye-catching.
-
Daith
Statement hoopNestled in the inner fold of cartilage, bold with a statement hoop or charm ring.
-
Rook
Curved bar, snug hoopThe ridge above the daith, styled with curved barbells or snug hoops for dimension.
-
Conch
Hoop or centre studThe flat inner space of the ear, dramatic with an encircling hoop or a central stud.
-
Industrial
One straight barA straight bar connecting two piercings across the upper ear: edgy and architectural.
-
Snug
Curved barbellHorizontal through the inner ridge of cartilage.
-
Orbital
One hoop, two piercingsTwo piercings linked with a single hoop: playful and modern.
Lifestyle & nutrition
Heal from within
Healing a piercing is not only about what you do on the outside, but how you treat your body from within. Think of it as a small act of self-care.
- Eat for repairWhole foods, fresh fruit and vegetables, and lean protein support tissue repair.
- Stay hydratedWater keeps your skin supple and resilient.
- Go easy early onLess alcohol, sugar and smoking in the first weeks: they stress the immune system and slow healing.
- RestYour body repairs most effectively when it is well rested and calm.
Nourish yourself, rest, and let your body do its work.
Questions while you heal?
Your studio is here for you
Call your studio to book your free check-in, or pop in with any questions about healing or downsizing.
Sea Point, Cape Town
Cape Town
Hout Street
Our original studio, in the city centre
77 Hout StreetCity Centre, Cape Town
- Mon – Fri
- 9am – 5pm
- Sat
- 10am – 4pm
Johannesburg
Parkhurst
Our Johannesburg studio
35 4th AvenueParkhurst, Johannesburg 2193
- Mon – Fri
- 9am – 5pm
- Sat
- 10am – 4pm
- Sun
- 10am – 2pm
Cape Town
The Watershed
17 Dock RdVictoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town 8002
- Mon – Fri
- 10am – 7pm
- Sat
- 10am – 7pm
- Sun
- 10am – 7pm