Ear piercings are popular. Many people enjoy wearing earrings. But what happens when you stop wearing them? How long do the holes take to close? In this article, we will explore the time it takes for ear piercings to close. We will also discuss other important facts.
What Happens When You Get an Ear Piercing?
When you get an ear piercing, a needle makes a small hole in your ear. This hole goes through the skin. The body tries to heal this hole. It forms a small tunnel. This tunnel holds the earring in place. It takes time for the body to heal. Healing is different for everyone.
How Long Does It Take for a New Piercing to Heal?
New ear piercings need time to heal. Usually, this takes about 6 to 8 weeks. However, healing can take longer for some people. It depends on many factors. These include:
- Your age
- Your health
- The location of the piercing
- The aftercare you follow
During the healing time, it is important to take care of your piercing. This helps prevent infections and other problems.
When Can You Change Your Earrings?
After the healing period, you can change your earrings. It is best to wait at least 6 weeks. This allows the hole to become stable. Changing earrings too soon can cause problems. Your piercing might close or get infected.

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How Long Does It Take for Piercings to Close?
If you stop wearing earrings, the hole can start to close. The time it takes for a piercing to close depends on many things:
- How long you wore earrings
- Your body type
- The location of the piercing
Here is a general idea of how long it takes for different types of ear piercings to close:
Type of Piercing | Time to Close |
---|---|
Standard Lobe Piercing | 1 to 3 months |
Upper Lobe Piercing | 2 to 6 months |
Cartilage Piercing | 6 months to 2 years |
Standard lobe piercings close faster. They might close in 1 to 3 months. Upper lobe piercings take longer. They can take 2 to 6 months to close. Cartilage piercings are the slowest to close. They might take 6 months to 2 years. Some may never fully close.
Factors That Affect Closing Time
Several factors can change how fast a piercing closes. Here are some:
1. Age
Younger people often heal faster. Their bodies are more active. This can help piercings close quicker. Older people may take longer.
2. Health
Good health helps healing. If you eat well and stay active, you may heal faster. Illness or poor nutrition can slow down the process.
3. Time Worn
The longer you wear earrings, the longer the hole stays open. If you wore earrings for years, the hole might take longer to close. But if you just got your piercing, it may close quickly.
4. Type Of Jewelry
Some earrings are heavier. They can stretch the hole. This may cause the hole to take longer to close. Lighter earrings do not have this effect.
5. Aftercare
Good aftercare helps keep piercings healthy. Clean your earrings and ears. This can help speed up healing and closing times.
What If You Want to Keep the Hole Open?
If you want to keep your piercing open, keep wearing earrings. Change them often to avoid irritation. Using small, light earrings can help. This reduces the chance of the hole closing.
What If Your Piercing Closes?
If your piercing closes, you can reopen it. But be careful. Here are some steps you can follow:
- Use a sterilized needle or earring.
- Gently push through the closed hole.
- Make sure to clean everything.
- Watch for signs of infection.
If you feel pain or see redness, stop. Visit a doctor if needed. They can help with infections or reopening the hole.
Can You Prevent Piercings from Closing?
Yes, there are ways to help prevent ear piercings from closing. Here are some tips:
- Keep wearing earrings regularly.
- Use lightweight earrings.
- Change earrings every few days.
- Use a special solution to keep the hole clean.
These steps can help keep your piercings open. They also help keep your ears healthy.

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Frequently Asked Questions
How Quickly Do Ear Piercings Start To Close?
Ear piercings can start to close within a few hours after removal.
What Factors Affect How Fast Ear Piercings Close?
Age, piercing location, and how long you wore the earring affect closure speed.
Can I Reopen My Closed Ear Piercings?
Yes, you can often reopen closed ear piercings with care.
Do All Ear Piercings Close At The Same Rate?
No, different types of ear piercings close at different rates.
Conclusion
In summary, ear piercings are a fun way to express yourself. When you stop wearing earrings, the holes may close. How long this takes depends on many factors. Standard lobe piercings can close in 1 to 3 months. Cartilage piercings may take longer, even years.
Taking care of your piercings is important. Good aftercare helps speed up healing. If you want to keep your holes open, wear earrings regularly. If a hole closes, you can try to reopen it. Always watch for signs of infection. This keeps your ears safe and healthy.
Now you know how long it takes for ear piercings to close. You are also aware of what affects the closing time. Enjoy your piercings, and take care of your ears!