If you’re looking to upgrade your cartilage piercing hoop or just want to change it up a bit, this guide is for you! Changing your cartilage piercing hoop is a simple process that can be done at home with the right tools and techniques. In this article, we’ll show you step-by-step how to change your hoop, what types of hoops are available, and how to care for your piercing after the change.
Tools You’ll Need
Before you get started, there are a few tools that you’ll need to have on hand:
- Clean hands and nails
- Clean paper towels or cotton swabs
- A new cartilage piercing hoop
- Tweezers (optional)
Types of Cartilage Piercing Hoops
There are a few different types of cartilage piercing hoops that you can choose from:
Captive Bead Ring (CBR)
This is the most common type of cartilage piercing hoop. It consists of a ring with a small ball that is held in place by the tension of the ring. To remove the ball, you’ll need to use a pair of pliers to open the ring.
Seamless Hoop
A seamless hoop is a circular bar that doesn’t have a ball or closure. It can be twisted and pulled apart to insert into the piercing. This type of hoop is great for those who want a more minimalist look.
Hinged Hoop
A hinged hoop has a small hinge that allows you to easily open and close the hoop. This type of hoop is great for those who want to change their jewelry frequently.
Step-by-Step Guide to Changing Your Hoop
Step 1: Clean Your Hands and Piercing
Before you even think about changing your hoop, make sure that your hands and piercing are clean. Wash your hands with soap and water and use a cotton swab or paper towel to clean the piercing with saline solution.
Step 2: Remove the Old Hoop
If you have a captive bead ring, use a pair of pliers to open the hoop and remove the ball. If you have a seamless or hinged hoop, twist and pull the hoop apart to remove it from your piercing.
Step 3: Insert the New Hoop
Insert the new hoop into the piercing, making sure that it is properly aligned. If you’re having trouble inserting the hoop, you can use tweezers to help guide it into place.
Step 4: Secure the Hoop
If you have a captive bead ring, use the pliers to close the hoop and secure the ball in place. If you have a seamless hoop, twist and shape the hoop until it is closed and secure. If you have a hinged hoop, simply close the hoop to secure it in place.
Caring for Your Piercing After the Change
Once you’ve changed your cartilage piercing hoop, it’s important to care for your piercing properly:
- Clean your piercing twice a day with saline solution
- Avoid touching the piercing with dirty hands
- Avoid sleeping on the side of your piercing
- Avoid swimming or soaking in water for the first few weeks after the change
- Avoid changing your piercing too frequently
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long do I need to wait before changing my cartilage piercing hoop?
A: It’s recommended that you wait at least six weeks after getting your cartilage piercing before changing your hoop to allow the piercing to fully heal.
Q: Is it normal for my piercing to bleed or be sore after changing the hoop?
A: It’s normal for your piercing to be a little sore or tender after changing the hoop, but it shouldn’t bleed excessively. If you experience a lot of bleeding or pain, seek medical attention.
Q: Do I need to sterilize my new hoop before changing it?
A: It’s always a good idea to sterilize any new jewelry before inserting it into a piercing. You can do this by boiling the jewelry in water for a few minutes or using a sterilizing solution.
Q: Can I change my cartilage piercing hoop on my own?
A: Yes, you can change your cartilage piercing hoop on your own if you have the right tools and techniques. However, if you’re unsure or uncomfortable with the process, it’s always a good idea to seek help from a professional piercer.
Q: What should I do if my piercing becomes infected after changing the hoop?
A: If your piercing becomes infected, seek medical attention. It may be necessary to remove the jewelry and treat the infection with antibiotics.
In Conclusion
Changing your cartilage piercing hoop is a simple process that can be done at home with the right tools and techniques. Make sure that you have clean hands, choose the right type of hoop, and care for your piercing properly after the change. And if you’re ever unsure or uncomfortable, seek help from a professional piercer.
References:
Mayo Clinic. (2017). Piercings: how to prevent complications. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/piercings/art-20047317
Allure. (2021). How to change a cartilage piercing. Allure. https://www.allure.com/story/how-to-change-a-cartilage-piercing
Piercing HQ. (2021). How to change cartilage piercing jewelry. Piercing HQ. https://www.piercinghq.com.au/how-to-change-cartilage-piercing-jewellery/