The Ultimate Guide to Piercing Aftercare – Cherry Bomb Style
Welcome to Cherry Bomb Studio, where we believe in bold expression, thick lines, and keeping your piercings (and vibes) as fresh as your ink. Whether you’re rocking a new nose ring, a fresh helix, or finally got that navel piercing you’ve always wanted, we’re here to make sure your healing process is smooth, stress-free, and free of crusty surprises.
Ditch the DIY Salt Rinse – NeilMed Is Your Savior
Gone are the days of mixing your own sea salt solution like some kitchen chemist. The Association of Professional Piercers (APP) no longer recommends it—turns out, it’s way too easy to overdo it and dry out your piercing. Instead, reach for NeilMed Piercing Aftercare Spray, a sterile saline solution labeled for wound care. Look for .09% sodium chloride as the only ingredient (maybe purified water, too). Avoid anything with additives, fancy moisturizers, or antibacterial agents—no contact lens saline, nasal sprays, or eye drops, either.
How to Keep That Piercing Looking Fresh
Wash Your Hands – Always. No excuses. Before touching your piercing, cleanse those paws.
Spray with NeilMed Saline – Let it soak in, don’t twist or spin your jewelry (that’s old-school advice that actually irritates the area).
Pat Dry with Disposable Products – Use gauze or cotton swabs to gently remove buildup. Cloth towels? Nope. They harbor bacteria and snag on jewelry.
What’s Normal & What’s Not
Normal Stuff:
A little swelling, tenderness, or bruising in the first few days.
Some clear or whitish-yellow crusting (yeah, gross, but totally normal).
Itchy healing skin that tightens around the jewelry.
Not Normal:
Green or dark yellow pus, excessive swelling, or heat radiating from the area? Talk to a professional.
If your jewelry is sinking into your skin or pulling away? You may need a downsize.
Golden Rules for a Happy Healing Process
No alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, antibacterial soap, or ointments. They dry out and damage your piercing.
No spinning, twisting, or over-cleaning. More isn’t always better.
No beauty products near your piercing. Lotion, makeup, and sprays are off-limits.
No rough play, oral contact, or swapping bodily fluids. (Y’all know what we mean.)
No swimming in lakes, pools, or hot tubs. If you must, use waterproof transparent film dressing from your local pharmacy.
No sleeping directly on healing ear piercings. Try a travel pillow to keep pressure off.
Piercing-Specific Hacks
Navel: Protect it with a hard, vented eye patch during sports or tight clothing situations.
Ear & Cartilage: Change pillowcases frequently. Try the t-shirt trick (flip and rotate a clean shirt over your pillow for multiple clean surfaces).
Nipples: A sports bra or tight cotton shirt adds protection and comfort.
Genital Piercings: Sex? When you’re ready, be gentle and always use barriers (condoms, dental dams, etc.).
Surface Anchors: These need extra TLC forever. No makeup, regular rinses, and keep ‘em clean.
Jewelry Matters – Don’t Remove It Too Soon
Keep jewelry in at all times (even healed piercings can close in hours!).
Check for loose ends – Use clean hands or a paper towel to tighten threaded jewelry.
Downsize when needed – A professional piercer can swap your jewelry at the right time.
Need a temporary removal? Use non-metallic alternatives from a piercer.
Alternative Aftercare – Because Every Body is Different
Not everyone has access to saline or the same climate conditions. If you need alternatives:
Gentle, dye-free, and fragrance-free soap (but rinse well!).
If sterile saline isn’t available, good shower hygiene can work—just rinse the piercing well.
Consult a trusted piercer for personalized care.
Final Thoughts – Trust the Healing Process
Your body knows what it’s doing, but you’ve got to help it out. Stay consistent with aftercare, be patient, and don’t mess with your new adornment too much. And if you’re ever in doubt? Come see us at Cherry Bomb NYC for a check-up, a jewelry upgrade, or just to flex your fresh new look.
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✨ Website: www.cherrybomb.studio