01 CLEAN & CARE

Clean new piercings twice a day for approximately 4-8 weeks using NeilMed Piercing Aftercare. Dab off any excess from the surrounding area with a clean makeup remover pad or cotton tip. Whilst in the shower, rinse your ear gently with water to avoid any buildup of dirt or beauty products. Gently pat the area dry and avoid sleeping with wet hair to ensure minimal moisture build-up.

02 HOLISTIC AFTERCARE PROTOCOL

After a piercing appointment, your Ear Alchemy experience continues with our Holistic Aftercare Protocol. Aligned with professional piercing and healthcare standards, our protocol led by Kirsten Shanks, Naturopath and Founder of Orchard St, takes a comprehensive approach to ensure optimal healing.

NATUROPATHIC DESIGN

The naturopathic philosophy combines diet, lifestyle & trusted wisdom to offer complete health guidance. These considerations support whole-body healing – reducing inflammation, promoting cartilage renewal and ensuring your piercing heals as efficiently as possible. 

We recommend a diet low in processed sugar and refined carbohydrates – two common drivers for systemic inflammation. Instead, opt for a rainbow of whole foods, ancient grains and healthy fats which boost vitality, immunity and cellular well-being. Try adding citrus fruits, broccoli, dark leafy greens, nuts or pumpkin seeds to your nourishing meals – all are high in healing nutrients such as Vitamin C, Zinc, Iron and Silica. Research has also shown a link between polyphenols, a naturally occurring compound in many fruits and vegetables, and accelerated healing. Organic berries, pomegranate, flaxseed, spinach and dark chocolate have some of the highest polyphenol saturation, improving immunity and cartilage health.

RESTYLE, REST

Each new piercing brings an opportunity for reset & renewal. We encourage a holistic approach to your healing – rest when you need, prioritise sleep and moments of pause. 

The simple practice of extending your exhale supports a gentle return to self. Breathe in through the nose for four seconds, pause briefly, then breathe out for six seconds, pausing again at the end of your breath. Explore extending the exhale for as long as you feel comfortable – five minutes is a nice start. You may notice your heartbeat steadying, a less sensitised nervous system or natural sense of calm.

03 BEST PRACTICES

1. Reduce any initial swelling of your piercing with a cold pack. Hold it close to the piercing site but avoid touching the jewellery.
   
2. Avoid over-cleaning as this can cause disruption to the wound healing and lead to irritation. 
   
3. Do not use harsh products like Dettol, Betadine, peroxide or alcohol wipes to clean your piercing, as these will cause irritation and disruption to the healing process.
   
4. Piercings that have been bumped, slept on, or continually touched or twisted can result in a prolonged healing time. Though rare, infections can occur from continual irritation. 
   
5. Avoid swimming in any body of water for the first two weeks following a new piercing. Pools, lakes and seawater contain harsh chemicals or bacteria that can be detrimental to the healing process.

04 DOWNSIZING

An initial piercing is often installed with a longer jewellery backing to allow room for swelling. As the piercing heals and the swelling subsides, downsizing the length of your jewellery post to a shorter backing is essential to ensure optimal healing and reduce any risk of your jewellery bumping, catching.

During an aftercare appointment, we will assess whether a downsize is required. Your first downsize is complimentary, additional downsizes are $30 each. We recommend downsizing within 4-8 weeks following your initial piercing.