Always wait at least 24 hours after getting an ear piercing before you go swimming. Do not remove your earring while cleaning. New piercings should not be removed at all until the area is fully healed. Never use harsh soaps or antibacterial products to clean an ear piercing.
Do not put the bandage on too tight. You don’t want to squeeze your piercing, which can cause pain and bleeding.
If you need two bandages to completely cover the piercing, feel free to do so. Just make sure you press firmly to seal the piercing.
If your piercing got wet during your test, double check that the tape around the bandage is secure. It may be tricky to create a seal on your earlobe or cartilage, so do your best to push down the tape so that it covers everything.
Try not to touch the bandage too much if you don’t have to. If you’re close to a mirror, you can look at your ear it to see if the bandage is starting to come off.
Make sure you wash your hands with soap and water after you get out of the pool and before you touch the bandage. This will prevent any harmful germs or bacteria from transferring from your hands to your ear piercing.
When shopping for a swimming cap, make sure to check the material it is made from. Always avoid swimming caps that are made of spandex. Spandex is a fabric, which means water will easily seep through, and your piercing will most likely get wet. Look for materials with maximum water protection, such as silicone, latex, and rubber.
If you have a significant amount of hair, long braids, or dreadlocks, consider purchasing a swimming cap that accommodates your hair. It will be tight on the sides but loose on the top to keep the water out and fit your hair at the same time.
Adjust the cap accordingly until it feels comfortable. Make sure all of your hair is tucked into the cap as much as possible.
If you’re worried about the band slipping while you’re swimming, you can place a swimming cap over it; although this is not necessary.
If you’re covering ear lobe piercings, you may need to slide your ear band down a little bit so that it covers your lobes completely.
