Piercing and season: summer or winter, when to start?

It's a question we rarely ask ourselves, and yet: the time of year you get pierced can radically change your healing experience. Each season brings its own set of advantages, but also specific constraints for your new jewelry.

So, should you buy your swimsuit before going to the beach or wait for the first snowflakes? We weigh the pros and cons to help you choose the perfect timing .

1. Getting pierced in the summer: the pros and cons

Summer is the season when we most want to show off new jewelry. The body is on display, and a navel piercing or a new helix perfectly completes a summer look.

The advantages:

• Natural healing: (Moderate) heat promotes the dilation of blood vessels, which can boost circulation and aid in tissue regeneration.

• Immediate style: You immediately enjoy the aesthetic appeal of your jewelry.

The drawbacks (and they are significant):

• The swimming ban: This is the major drawback. A fresh piercing should not be immersed in water (sea, pool, lake) for at least 4 to 8 weeks . Salt, sand, and especially bacteria in stagnant water are the number one enemies.

• Sweat and sun: Excessive perspiration can irritate the wound. Furthermore, direct sun exposure on an inflamed area can slow healing.

2. Getting pierced in winter: the season of wisdom

For many professionals, autumn and winter are the best seasons for a new project.

The advantages:

• No swimming: Since there is no temptation to go to the pool, you naturally respect the healing timeframe.

• Fewer bacteria: We sweat less, which limits the risks of salt and bacterial irritation.

• Ready for summer: By getting pierced in November, your piercing will be perfectly stabilized (or even healed for lobes) by the time you get out your swimsuit!

The disadvantages:

• Heavy clothing: Scarves, hats, and thick wool sweaters are piercing traps. A helix piercing getting caught in a sweater knit is a very painful experience.

• Cold: Intense cold can make cartilage more sensitive and slightly slow down the healing metabolism.

Comparative table: Which season for which piercing?

3. The special case of facial piercings

If you are prone to seasonal allergies (hay fever in the spring) or winter colds, avoid getting your nose (nostril) or septum pierced during these periods. Blowing your nose 20 times a day with a fresh piercing is the best way to cause irritation and infection.

4. Our tips for success, no matter the season

• In summer: Protect your piercing with a wide-brimmed hat and rinse it systematically with saline solution after sweating.

• In winter: Opt for headbands rather than tight-fitting hats and be careful when removing your sweaters. Choose smooth fabrics (cotton) rather than wool near the punctured area.

Conclusion

If you're looking for safety and tranquility, autumn and winter are ideal times to get your piercing done. You'll give your body the peace and quiet it needs to heal, away from the heat and germs of the water. But if you're determined and willing to forgo swimming, summer is still a viable option!