Herbie Murray
There are several factors to consider when deciding whether or not to sleep with earrings on. Firstly, earrings can get caught on bedding or hair during sleep, potentially tearing the earlobe or causing discomfort, especially if they are large or have openings like hoops and dangles. Repeated wear of certain metals, such as nickel, can also cause allergic reactions, leading to red, itchy rashes and even eczema. However, some people prefer to sleep with earrings to maintain the integrity of new piercings, as removing them too early can increase the risk of infection and the holes closing up. Additionally, for those with sensitive ears, hypoallergenic materials like titanium, surgical steel, or gold are recommended to minimise irritation. Ultimately, while sleeping with earrings on may offer convenience and psychological comfort, it is important to prioritise comfort and safety by choosing simple, lightweight, and hypoallergenic earring designs to reduce potential risks.
Characteristics and values of sleeping without earrings:
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ear health | It is recommended to keep earrings in for at least six weeks after getting a new piercing to prevent infection and allow the piercing to heal. |
| Personal preference | Some people prefer to sleep without earrings to avoid discomfort, distraction, or intrusion. |
| Sleep quality | Earrings may affect sleep quality, either positively by reducing noise and regulating body temperature or negatively by causing discomfort and disruption. |
| Hair care | Keeping hair away from the ears while sleeping can reduce the risk of infection and prevent hair from getting caught on earrings. |
| Cleaning and care | Proper cleaning and care of earrings and piercings are essential to prevent infection and ensure healing. |
| Piercing type and jewelry choice | The type of piercing and jewelry chosen can impact comfort and the risk of infection. |
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Piercings can close up
New piercings are particularly prone to closing up quickly. If you have a brand new piercing, your hole can close in a few hours. Generally speaking, the newer the piercing, the faster it will close. For example, a piercing that is less than a year old can close in a few days, whereas an older piercing may take several weeks or even months to close.
The location of the piercing also plays a role in how quickly it will close. Nose, helix, and cartilage piercings tend to close more quickly than earlobe piercings. Tongue piercings, for instance, will close up faster than a year-old earlobe piercing.
To prevent your piercing from closing, it is recommended to keep jewellery in for roughly a year before going for extended periods without it. You can also try to keep the piercing site lubricated with products like Aquaphor or Vaseline, and rotate the jewellery regularly.
If your piercing has already closed, there is a chance that it is only partially covered by a thin layer of skin. In this case, you may be able to manually reopen it. However, if the hole appears to be fully closed, do not try to force jewellery through it, as this can result in a bloody, open wound and a possible infection. Instead, consult a professional piercer, who has tools called insertion tapers that can help reopen seemingly closed piercings.
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Infection risk
Ear piercings can lead to an infection if good aftercare is not taken. A piercing is essentially an open wound that can take several weeks to fully heal. During this time, any bacteria that enter the wound can lead to infection.
To prevent infection, it is recommended to leave your earrings in for at least 6 weeks to 6 months or even a year before going for extended periods without them. This is because piercings tend to close up extremely fast. It is also important to clean your piercings twice daily with a mild soap or saline solution and to rotate the earrings daily. The earrings you choose to wear should be of good quality, with surgical stainless steel, 14k or 18k gold, or titanium being the best options. This is because nickel allergies affect approximately 15-20% of the population, making them the most common metal sensitivity in jewellery. White gold, for example, may be mixed with nickel, which could lead to an infection depending on your skin sensitivity.
Other ways to prevent infection include keeping your hair away from your ears, especially during the first month, and keeping your hands clean before touching your earrings or piercing sites. It is also recommended to avoid swimming or submerging your head in water until your piercing is fully healed.
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Earring type
Earrings are a versatile piece of jewellery that can elevate any outfit. There are many different types of earrings to choose from, each with its own unique style and appeal. Here is a guide to help you navigate the exciting world of earrings:
Stud Earrings:
Stud earrings are a classic and versatile choice, consisting of a small accent attached to a post that slips through the piercing. They sit snugly on top of the earlobe without dropping or climbing. Studs are typically simple in design and are comfortable to wear, making them a popular everyday option. Diamond, pearl, and cluster studs are timeless choices that add a touch of sparkle or colour to your attire.
Hoop Earrings:
Hoop earrings are timeless and trendy. They form a complete loop and come in various sizes and shapes, with larger hoops being more eye-catching. While traditional hoop earrings are circular, they can also be found in other shapes like triangles, squares, and ovals. Smaller hoops create a subtle look, while larger hoops provide a dramatic effect. Huggie earrings are a specific type of small hoop that closely hugs the earlobe, making them a versatile and comfortable choice for everyday wear.
Dangle Earrings:
Dangle earrings drop below the earlobe and swing with your movements, adding sophistication and charm to your look. They often feature intricate designs and come in various lengths and patterns. Chandelier earrings, a luxurious type of dangle earring, resemble ornate crystal chandeliers and are perfect for making a statement on special occasions.
Drop Earrings:
Drop earrings are similar to dangle earrings but are typically stationary and may have a more simple design. They hang below the earlobe, almost like an extended stud earring.
Jacket Earrings:
Jacket earrings are unique and flexible. They consist of a latch or stone in the front that holds the earring in place, while the main part of the earring sits behind the earlobe, creating a fun "peek-a-boo" effect. This design allows for endless customisation and personal expression.
Threader Earrings:
Threader earrings showcase a modern, minimalist style. They consist of a thin piece of metal that threads through the piercing and hangs on both sides of the earlobe.
Shepherd Hook Earrings:
Shepherd hook earrings have a hook-like design that loops through the piercing and hangs on the backside of the earlobe. They can be worn without an additional backing to secure them in place.
Lever Back Earrings:
Lever backs, also known as latch backs, are commonly used on dangle and drop earrings. The wire goes through the piercing and clasps with the earring backing to form a complete loop, providing a durable and secure option.
Clip-on Earrings:
Clip-on earrings are ideal for those without pierced ears. They gently clasp to the earlobe, securing the earring in place without the need for a piercing.
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Hair care
While sleeping with earrings is not recommended, there are some hair care tips to follow if you choose to do so. Firstly, it is important to keep your hair away from your ears and earrings. This will help prevent your hair from getting tangled in the earrings, which can cause discomfort and hair damage, such as split ends and frizz.
If you have long hair, consider tying it back or braiding it before bed to minimise the risk of tangles. You can also choose to sleep on your back, which can further reduce the chances of your hair coming into contact with your earrings.
The type of earrings you choose can also make a difference. Flat-back earrings or earrings with silicone stoppers are less likely to catch on your hair. It is best to avoid sleeping in dangling or hoop earrings, as these are more likely to get tangled. Instead, opt for small, flat studs, which are the recommended style for sleeping.
Additionally, proper ear and earring hygiene is crucial. Make sure to clean your earrings regularly to prevent bacterial build-up, which can lead to infections and other issues.
While sleeping with earrings may not seem like a big deal, it can increase the risk of hair tangles and cause discomfort and damage to your hair and scalp. Therefore, it is generally advisable to remove your earrings before bed and follow the hair care tips mentioned above to maintain healthy hair and ears.
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Cleaning routine
It is not advisable to sleep without earrings if you have had your ears pierced recently. The piercings tend to close up extremely fast, even after they have healed, which usually takes around nine weeks. It is recommended to keep the earrings in for at least six months to a year to prevent the piercings from closing up.
- Use a saline solution: Apply a saline solution, provided by your piercer, to the front and back of the piercing with a clean cotton ball twice a day. Twist the earring a couple of times while the piercing is wet.
- Try bactine or rubbing alcohol: If the saline solution does not seem effective, you can try using bactine or rubbing alcohol. However, be cautious as rubbing alcohol may sting. If it causes dryness, switch to a gentler alternative.
- Keep your hair away from your ears: For at least the first month, tie your hair up or back to prevent bacteria from transferring from your hair to the new piercings and to keep your hair from getting caught on your earrings while you sleep.
General Earring Cleaning Routine
- Inspect your earrings: Before and after cleaning, inspect your earrings to ensure that all stones are secure.
- Use mild soap and water: Clean durable jewellery items like gold and diamonds with mild dish soap and warm water. Soak your earrings for 10 to 20 minutes to loosen residue and dirt. Then, gently scrub them with a soft-bristled brush, rinse them with clean water, and pat them dry with a clean cloth.
- Customise care for gemstones: Gemstones have a wide range of physical properties, so their care should be customised. For example, pearls are sensitive to chemicals and cannot be exposed to abrasive cleaners.
- Wipe frequently-worn earrings: To keep earrings clean for longer, wipe them after each use if they are frequently worn.
- Store earrings properly: Store earrings in a clean, dry place, such as a jewellery box, to protect them from dust and air. Keep them separate from other jewellery items to prevent scratches.
- Remove earrings during certain activities: Take off your earrings before swimming, showering, or working out to prevent product buildup, grime, and tarnish. Chlorine can dull jewellery, and oils, lotions, and hair products can cause grime and tarnish.
- Put earrings on last: When getting ready, put your earrings on last, after applying makeup, lotions, body sprays, and hair products.
- Consider professional cleaning for fine jewellery: For fine jewellery and gemstones like diamonds, professional cleaning can enhance their appearance, brilliance, and lifespan.
- Clean new earrings before first use: It is a good idea to clean new earrings before wearing them for the first time.
- Determine the cleaning frequency: The cleaning frequency depends on how often you wear your earrings. Clean earrings you wear regularly at least once a month. Special occasion earrings can be cleaned less frequently, depending on their storage and wear.
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Frequently asked questions
You should wait at least six weeks before sleeping without earrings after getting your ears pierced. Even after the six-week healing period, your piercings could still close up if left without earrings for a while.
To prevent bacteria from transferring from your hair to your new piercings, try to keep your hair pulled back and away from your ears at night for at least the first month. Clean your piercings twice a day with a saline solution. If that doesn't work, you can try using bactine or rubbing alcohol.
Some people believe that jewellery can be a distraction when sleeping. Earrings can become part of your sleep routine and disrupt your quality of sleep.
If you feel uncomfortable sleeping with your earrings in, try sleeping without them to see if you notice any changes in your sleep quality. If you experience disruptions, slowly wean yourself off the habit of sleeping with earrings in.
