Gina Johnson
If you don't wear earrings regularly, your piercings may start to close up. While it is possible to reopen a partially closed piercing at home, a fully closed piercing will likely need to be re-pierced by a professional. To reopen a partially closed piercing, you can use sleeper earrings. Sleeper hoop earrings are available in sterling silver and gold and can be worn comfortably at night. To open and close them, gently pull the post up, slide the post into your piercing, and then line up the post with the end of the sleeper until it closes into place.
How to use sleeper earrings to reopen closed piercing
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| When to use | If the hole hasn't closed fully |
| Preparation | Sterilize your ear and earring with rubbing alcohol. Soften the skin around your earlobe with warm water |
| Sleeper earrings | Hold the base of the sleeper and pull the post up gently to open. Slide the post into your piercing. Line up the post with the end of the sleeper until it closes into place |
| Aftercare | Wash earlobe with warm water and antibacterial soap to prevent irritation or infection. Keep your hands away from the earlobe as the lobe heals to avoid introducing bacteria into the area. Clean the area with rubbing alcohol twice a day to prevent scabbing |
| Notes | If you experience pain or are unsuccessful in trying to reopen the piercing, do not continue. Talk to a doctor or a professional piercer |
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What You'll Learn
Prepare by sterilising your ear and sleeper earring
First, wash your hands thoroughly with antibacterial soap and water. This will prevent you from transferring bacteria onto your piercing and jewellery. If you have long hair, tie it back to prevent it from getting caught in your earring.
Next, clean the sleeper earrings. Check the materials your earrings are made of to decide on a safe cleaning method. Sleeper earrings are usually made of hypoallergenic materials, so you can use rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide. Put some on a clean cotton pad or microfibre cloth and wipe the earrings down thoroughly, focusing on the parts that pass through your ear. Alternatively, place the earrings in a glass of rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide and leave them to soak for about ten minutes. Then, rinse them carefully and let them dry on a cloth.
If your sleeper earrings have gems or semi-precious stones, avoid using hot water, rubbing alcohol, or hydrogen peroxide, as these could damage them. Instead, soak them in a solution of mild dish soap and warm water for 10-20 minutes. Then, gently brush them with a soft-bristled toothbrush, rinse them with clean water, and dry them with a lint-free microfibre cloth.
Once your sleeper earrings are sterilised, you can focus on your ears. Wash your piercing with warm water and a mild, fragrance-free cleanser. You can also use a cotton swab soaked in a salt solution to gently dab the area. Avoid using perfumed soaps, as these can irritate the piercing. Dry the area with a clean towel or tissue, being careful not to damage the tissue.
If you have just removed other earrings, make sure to thoroughly rinse the piercing site to remove any traces of soap, shampoo, conditioner, or hair products.
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Soften your skin with warm water
Reopening a closed piercing at home can be tricky, and it is always recommended to seek professional help. However, if you want to give it a try, you must ensure careful preparation and patience to safely reopen the piercing hole. One of the first steps is to soften the skin around your earlobe with warm water.
The warmth will help to relax the skin and make it more pliable, reducing the risk of pain, tearing, or other damage when you attempt to reinsert the earring. There are a few ways to do this:
- Hold a warm, damp washcloth to your earlobe for several minutes. Ensure the washcloth is clean and use a gentle, soft fabric to avoid irritating the skin.
- Take a warm shower, allowing the warm water to soften your earlobe. Be careful not to use water that is too hot, as this could cause discomfort or irritation.
- Use a warm compress. A hot dry compress can be effective, but it is challenging to make one at home without potentially contaminating the gauze or paper. A better option is a hot saline compress, which is considered one of the best methods for cleaning and softening the piercing area. Be careful not to boil off any water from your sterile saline solution, as it may become too salty.
After softening your skin with warm water, you can attempt to reinsert your sleeper earrings. Sleeper earrings are simple to use—gently twist the hoop sideways to open it, slide it onto your lobe, and close it by gently pressing the ends together.
Remember, it is crucial to sterilize your earrings and hands before attempting to reopen the piercing. Always work slowly and carefully to prevent pain, infection, and other complications. If you experience any pain or difficulty, stop and seek professional assistance.
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Gently stretch your earlobe and slide the sleeper in
Before attempting to reopen your closed piercing, it is important to prepare your earlobe and the sleeper earring. Start by sterilizing your earlobe and the sleeper with rubbing alcohol. Next, soften the skin around your earlobe by holding a warm washcloth to your earlobe or by taking a warm shower. You can also soak your earlobes in warm, clean water with a small amount of salt to further soften the skin.
Once your earlobe is prepared, it's time to gently stretch your earlobe and slide the sleeper earring in. Begin by gently massaging your earlobe to get the skin warmed up and stretched out. You can also try taking a hot bath or shower to increase blood flow to the ear, making it easier to stretch. Apply a safe lubricant to your earlobe and the sleeper earring to help it slide through the piercing more easily. Plant-based lubricants such as coconut oil or jojoba oil are recommended.
Now you're ready to insert the sleeper earring. Gently stretch your earlobe with one hand and use your other hand to carefully slide the sleeper earring into the piercing hole. Enter one end of the sleeper into the hole and slowly slide the earring through. Be careful not to force the earring through, as this can cause pain, infection, or scarring. Instead, work slowly and gently twist and maneuver the sleeper earring through the piercing.
After successfully sliding the sleeper earring through the piercing, close the hoop by gently putting one end inside the other and pressing gently. Ensure the sleeper earring is secure and comfortable. Remember to leave your sleeper earring in place for several weeks to prevent the piercing from closing again.
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Keep the sleeper in for several weeks
After successfully reopening your piercing, it is important to keep the sleeper in for at least six weeks, even at night. This timeframe is crucial because piercings can take around six weeks to heal fully. Removing the sleeper earlier may cause the hole to begin closing again.
During these six weeks, it is essential to keep the piercing clean to prevent infection and promote healing. Establish a daily cleaning routine, using antibacterial soap and warm water to wash your earlobes once a day. Clean your hands with antibacterial soap before touching the piercing. Additionally, use rubbing alcohol to clean the area twice a day to prevent scabbing. Avoid hair products and powdered makeup for the first few days to ensure the piercing remains clean.
Keep your hands away from the earlobes as much as possible to prevent introducing bacteria into the piercing. Remember to turn the sleeper post daily to ensure the hole becomes sturdy.
If you encounter any issues or difficulties during the process, it is advisable to seek professional help. Visit a reputable piercing shop or consult a doctor for guidance. They can assess the piercing and provide advice or interventions to ensure safe and effective healing.
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Clean your ears with soap and water
It is important to keep your ears clean, especially if you have piercings, to prevent infection. The inside of your ears is usually self-cleaning, so you only need to focus on cleaning the outer parts. You can do this with a damp washcloth or a cotton swab when you bathe.
If you are trying to reopen a closed piercing, it is important to keep the area clean and sterilized. Wash your earlobes with warm water and antibacterial soap once a day. This will help keep the area clean and prevent infection. You can also use rubbing alcohol to clean the area twice a day to prevent scabbing.
Make sure to wash your hands with antibacterial soap before touching your earlobes to avoid introducing bacteria into the piercing. It is also recommended to stay away from hair products and powdered makeup for several days to keep the area clean.
If you experience symptoms of earwax buildup, such as muffled hearing or dizziness, you can try using over-the-counter ear drops or a wax removal kit. However, it is always best to consult a doctor before using any of these products, as they can irritate your skin if not used correctly. Your doctor may also recommend putting mineral oil in your ears once a week to help prevent wax buildup.
Remember, it is generally advised against removing earwax yourself. If you are experiencing symptoms of earwax buildup or are unsure about how to clean your ears properly, it is best to consult a doctor or a licensed professional.
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Frequently asked questions
If your piercing hole has not completely closed, you can reopen it by following these steps:
- Sterilise your ear and the sleeper earring with rubbing alcohol.
- Soften the skin around your earlobe with a warm washcloth, a warm shower, or by taking a warm bath.
- Gently stretch your earlobe down and to the side to open the hole.
- Pull the post of the sleeper earring up gently to open it.
- Slide the post into your piercing.
- Line up the post with the end of the sleeper and close it into place.
If your piercing hole has completely closed, it is likely not possible to reopen it by yourself without causing injury. You should get it professionally re-pierced.
To prevent your piercing hole from closing, you should leave your jewellery in place for at least six weeks, even at night. Newer piercings tend to close faster, sometimes within hours.
If your piercing hole is only partially closed, you can try to reopen it by gently stretching your earlobe and pushing a small stud through the hole. If it doesn't go through, do not force it, as this can cause pain, infection, and scarring. Instead, seek the help of a professional body piercer.
To care for your reopened piercing, establish a cleaning routine with antibacterial soap and warm water. You can also use rubbing alcohol to prevent scabbing and turn the posts daily to make the holes sturdier. Keep your hands away from the earlobe as it heals to avoid introducing bacteria into the opening, and stay away from hair products and powdered makeup for several days.
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