So your daughter just got her ears pierced. Exciting! And then comes the question nobody fully prepares you for: what do you do next?
Most piercing studios send you home with a set of instructions and a pair of starter earrings. You’re told to leave them in, clean twice a day, and wait. And that part is pretty straightforward. It’s the after that trips most parents up — specifically, what earrings to switch to once the piercing is healed.
We’ve talked to hundreds of parents who’ve been through this, and the same problems come up every time. So here’s what we wish someone had told us from the start.
Wait until your piercing is fully healed
This sounds obvious but it’s worth saying: don’t rush it. Earlobes typically take 6 to 8 weeks to heal on the surface, but can take up to 6 months to fully heal underneath. Switching too early is one of the most common causes of irritation, infection, and sensitivity issues down the road.
When in doubt, check with your piercer before swapping out starter earrings. One helpful way to think about it: the starter pair your piercer puts in has one job — healing safely — and they’ll usually include that with your piercing. The earrings they provide or recommend have a longer post to allow for swelling. Pip Pop earrings are built for the next job: the everyday pair she’ll actually want to live in once her ears are fully healed. Different stage, different earring.
Material matters more than you think
Once you’re cleared to switch, the first thing to pay attention to is what the earring is made of. Many affordable kids’ earrings contain nickel — the most common cause of metal allergies in children. Reactions can show up as redness, itching, or a rash around the earlobe, and they often get mistaken for infection.
Look for earrings that are explicitly nickel-free, lead-free, and copper-free — and ideally independently tested, not just labeled “hypoallergenic.” A quick note on terminology: “surgical steel” on its own isn’t a regulated term, so what matters is whether the finished earring has actually been tested for nickel release. At Pip Pop, every pair is made from nickel-, lead-, and copper-free hypoallergenic materials and is independently lab-tested, so you don’t have to guess.
The back matters just as much as the front
Here’s the thing most parents don’t realize: the earring back is usually what causes discomfort, not the earring itself. Traditional butterfly backs have a pointed post that presses into the back of the earlobe — especially noticeable when sleeping or leaning back in a car seat.
For newly pierced ears, we always recommend a flat screw-back design. The back sits flush against the earlobe, the post is secure, and there’s nothing poking into tender skin while the piercing continues to settle. It’s also harder to lose than a standard push-back, which is a bonus when you’re dealing with a wiggly kid.
Keep it simple at first
Dangly earrings, hoops, and charms are all fun — but for the first few months after healing, simple studs are your best friend. They’re lightweight, low-profile, and less likely to get caught on hair, clothing, or pillow cases.
Once her ears are fully comfortable with a simple stud, you can start experimenting with hoops and charms. At Pip Pop we have a mix-and-match charm system that attaches to our hoop earrings — a great next step once she’s ready to play.
Our top picks for newly pierced ears
If you’re looking for a starting point, our most popular styles for freshly healed piercings are:
∙ The Diamond — simple, classic, and goes with everything
∙ The Heart — a forever favorite for girls of all ages
∙ The Daisy — cheerful and lightweight, perfect for everyday wear
∙ Classic Set — a bundle of versatile styles so she can switch it up
All are hypoallergenic, flat screw-back, and comfortable enough to sleep in from day one.
Getting her ears pierced is a milestone. The earrings that come after should make her feel excited to wear them — not dreading how they’ll feel by the end of the day.
update June 2026