Earring holes can close quickly or remain open for years, depending on how long you've worn earrings. New piercings can close within hours or days, while older ones may take months or never fully heal. If you’re wondering how long it takes for earring holes to close, this guide covers the factors affecting closure, how to keep your piercing open, and what to do if it starts closing.
How Long Does It Take for Earring Holes to Close?
Earring holes can close quickly or remain open for years, depending on how long you've worn earrings. New piercings can close within hours or days, while older ones may take months or never fully heal. If you’re wondering how long it takes for earring holes to close, this guide covers the factors affecting closure, how to keep your piercing open, and what to do if it starts closing.
How Long Do Earring Holes Take to Close?
The closure time varies based on how fresh your piercing is, your skin type, and how often you wear earrings. Here’s a general timeline:
-
Less Than 6 Months Old: Can close within hours or a few days.
-
6 Months to 1 Year Old: May take a few weeks.
-
1-5 Years Old: Could take months, though a faint hole may remain.
-
Over 5 Years Old: Might not fully close, but can shrink over time.
To keep your piercing open, wearing earrings regularly, especially in the first few months, is crucial.
Also Read: How to Take Off Earrings of Any Type Easily?
How Long Does an Earring Hole Take to Close After Removing Earrings?
As soon as earrings are removed, the body starts healing. Fresh piercings may close within 24 hours, while older ones can take weeks or months. The exact time depends on:
-
Piercing location (earlobe holes close faster than cartilage ones).
-
How long you've had the piercing (older piercings stay open longer)
-
Your body's healing ability (some people heal faster than others).
To prevent premature closure:
-
Wear earrings frequently, even if only for a few hours a day.
-
Choose high-quality jewelry like that from Rarete Jewelry to avoid irritation.
-
Keep the area clean to prevent infections that could lead to scarring.
How Long Does It Take for Earring Holes to Close Completely?
The closure process happens in stages:
-
First Few Days: The hole begins shrinking.
-
A Few Weeks: The skin starts sealing over.
-
Months later: The hole may fully close, leaving only a small mark.
Cartilage piercings take longer to close than earlobe piercings due to thicker tissue.
How Long Do You Have to Wear Earrings After Piercing?
To keep your piercing open, follow these general guidelines:
-
Earlobe piercings: Wear earrings for at least 6 months.
-
Cartilage piercings: Keep earrings in for up to 12 months.
Removing earrings too soon can cause the hole to close quickly, even if the piercing feels healed. Wearing small studs occasionally helps maintain the opening.
What to Do If Your Earring Hole Starts Closing
If you notice your hole getting smaller:
-
Try reinserting an earring gently. Don’t force it if it won’t go in.
-
Apply a lubricant, like coconut oil, to help the earring slide in smoothly.
-
Check with a professional piercer if the hole feels too tight.
If the hole has completely closed, re-piercing might be necessary.
Can You Reopen a Closed Earring Hole?
Yes, but only if the hole hasn't fully healed over with skin. If you can still see an indentation, you might be able to reinsert an earring.
Here’s how:
-
Clean the area and disinfect your earring.
-
Use a thin stud and gently push it through.
-
Apply light pressure and rotate slightly.
-
Stop if there’s pain—forcing it can lead to infection.
If the hole is completely sealed, visit a professional for safe re-piercing.
Read More: How to Wear Earrings with Different Hairstyles?
How to Prevent Earring Holes from Closing
Want to keep your piercing open? Follow these tips:
-
Wear earrings regularly, even if it’s just a few times a week.
-
Opt for quality metals like gold, silver, or surgical steel.
-
Avoid going too long without earrings, especially in the first year.
-
Reinsert earrings gently before the hole begins shrinking.
Even if you take a break from earrings, wearing them occasionally prevents complete closure.
When Should You Get a Piercing Redone?
Consider re-piercing if you experience:
-
Pain or infection when trying to reopen a hole.
-
A bumpy scar (keloid) that makes reinsertion difficult.
-
A hole that keeps closing despite reopening it multiple times.
A professional piercer can safely re-pierce the area if needed.
The time it takes for earring holes to close depends on how new or old the piercing is. Fresh piercings close the fastest, while older ones may take months or never fully heal. Wearing earrings regularly, especially during the first 6-12 months, helps maintain the hole.
Looking for stylish, high-quality earrings that keep your piercings comfortable? Check out Rarete Jewelry for unique designs that are perfect for everyday wear!
