Our Philosophy: Less is More

Caring for your new piercing starts with simplicity. Let your body handle the healing naturally—don’t overdo it with excessive cleaning or unnecessary products. Your role is to maintain good hygiene, avoid trauma, and support your body’s healing process. Follow these essential principles:

• Hands Off: Avoid touching or twisting your jewelry. Unnecessary movement delays healing and introduces bacteria.
• Skip the Chemicals: Don’t use chemicals—they will only irritate or harm the piercing. Products like soaps, alcohol, antibacterial sprays, and ointments can irritate the area and delay healing. Years of medical studies confirm that chemicals do not speed up healing; in fact, they often hinder it.
• Clean with Care: The only things that should touch your piercing are clean, warm running water or sterile saline wound wash. Stick to these proven methods to ensure a smooth healing process.

By following these simple steps, you can create the ideal environment for your piercing to heal naturally and beautifully. Keep it clean, gentle, and trauma-free, and your body will do the rest.

Cleaning Your Piercing: Keep It Simple

Proper cleaning ensures your piercing heals smoothly without complications. Follow these steps:

1. Rinse Daily: Use warm running water or a sterile saline wound wash.
2. Remove Build-Up: If crusties form, gently wipe them away with saline-soaked sterile gauze.
3. Avoid Cotton Products: Cotton balls and Q-tips leave fibers behind, potentially causing irritation.

Caring for Oral Piercings

Oral piercings require special attention during the healing process due to their increased susceptibility to swelling. Proper care is essential to ensure a smooth recovery and avoid irritation or complications. Here's how to care for your oral piercing effectively:

• Manage Swelling: Cold foods and drinks, such as ice water, can help reduce swelling in the initial stages of healing.
• Maintain Good Oral Hygiene: Gently clean the inside of your mouth with a soft toothbrush, avoiding direct contact with the jewelry.
• Choose Products Carefully: Avoid any oral hygiene products that contain whitening chemicals or alcohol, as they can irritate the piercing.
• Rinse Regularly: Rinse your mouth with bottled water after eating or drinking to keep the area clean.
• Avoid Irritants: Stay away from spicy foods, drinks, and any activities that may expose your piercing to someone else's bodily fluids.
• Avoid Smoking: Smoking, in any form, can be extremely harmful to the healing process and should be avoided.

By following these steps, you can support your oral piercing's healing process and reduce the risk of complications. For any concerns, reach out to your piercer for guidance.

What to Avoid

To ensure your piercing heals properly and remains free from complications, it’s crucial to avoid certain habits and substances that can irritate or harm the area. Here’s what to steer clear of during the healing process:

• Avoid Touching and Trauma: Keep your hands off your piercing and minimize friction from clothing or excessive movement in the area.
• Don’t Overclean: Cleaning too frequently can irritate your piercing and delay healing. Stick to the recommended cleaning routine.
• No Oral Contact or Rough Play: Avoid contact with others’ bodily fluids and activities that may strain or bump your piercing.
• Skip Beauty Products: Do not use cosmetics, lotions, sprays, or other personal care products near the piercing.
• Limit Water Exposure: Only allow your piercing to get wet in the shower. Avoid swimming pools, hot tubs, and other bodies of water.
• Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Stay away from alcohol, peroxide, iodine, "ear care solutions," antibacterial soaps, ointments, or lotions. These can irritate the piercing and impede healing.
• Say No to Home Remedies: Products like tea tree oil or aspirin paste, even in small amounts, can cause allergic reactions, chemical burns, or harm the piercing.
• Ignore Unverified Advice: Just because something worked for someone else doesn’t mean it will work for you. Follow your piercer’s recommendations and consult them with any concerns.

By avoiding these common pitfalls, you’ll help your piercing heal smoothly and minimize the risk of irritation or complications. If you’re ever in doubt, consult a professional piercer for guidance.

What is Normal?

It’s important to know what to expect as your piercing heals. Understanding what’s normal can help you recognize the difference between typical healing symptoms and potential problems. Here’s what you might notice:

• Swelling, Redness, and Tenderness: These are expected after a fresh piercing and will subside with time. Some piercings or individuals may take longer to heal than others.
• Bruising and Bleeding: Minor bruising and bleeding are common for a few days after getting a new piercing.

• Itching: This is a normal sign of healing. Resist the urge to scratch, as it can cause irritation.

• Crusties: It’s normal for piercings to secrete a white or yellowish fluid that dries into scab-like buildup. Some piercings may develop crusties throughout the entire healing time or longer.

• Piercing Shrinkage or Closure: Piercings can shrink or fully close if jewelry is removed during the healing period. Some piercings may close quickly even after they’ve fully healed. Unless there’s an issue with your jewelry’s size, style, or material, leave it in place until your scheduled downsizing or jewelry change.

Tips & Tricks for a Smooth Healing Process

• Avoid Physical Irritation: Do not play with your new or healing piercing, as physical irritation is a common cause of problems.
• Stay Healthy: Maintain a nutritious diet, stay hydrated, and get plenty of sleep. A healthy body heals more effectively.
• Reduce Pressure: Use a travel neck pillow or “donut” pillow to keep pressure off ear piercings while sleeping.
• Clean Your Bedding Regularly: Keeping your sleeping environment clean is essential. If you have pets, keep them out of the bed during the healing process to avoid contamination.
• Protect Piercings: Use strategically placed bandages, gauze, or even a hard eye patch to shield navel, nipple, or other piercings that might rub against clothing.

By keeping these guidelines in mind, you’ll support your piercing’s natural healing process and minimize potential irritations. If you notice anything unusual or have concerns, consult your piercer for advice.

Warm Compress for Piercing Irritations

Warm compresses are an effective and gentle way to address common piercing irritations, such as bumps (hypertrophic scarring) and minor swelling. Most irritations can be resolved by removing the cause of irritation and using this simple method—no harsh chemicals like tea tree oil or homemade remedies needed.

How to Use a Warm Compress

1. Prepare the Gauze: Saturate a sterile gauze pad with sterile saline wound wash.

2. Heat It: Place the gauze on a clean plate and microwave it for 5–10 seconds. Ensure it’s warm but not too hot to avoid burns.

3. Apply the Compress: Gently hold the warm compress against your piercing. When it cools, reheat and repeat the process for 10–15 minutes.

4. Rinse and Dry: Rinse the piercing with clean, cool water and pat it dry gently using sterile gauze.

5. Repeat Twice Daily: Perform this process twice a day until the irritation improves.

Important Notes

• Consult Your Piercer: If you’re unsure or dealing with a larger issue, always consult your piercer for advice.
• Not for Infections: A warm compress will not treat infections. If you suspect an infection, seek medical advice from a healthcare professional.

Warm compresses are a soothing and effective way to help your piercing heal and resolve minor issues. Stick to this method, and avoid using harsh or untested remedies.

The Importance of Downsizing

Most fresh piercings are done with jewelry that has a small amount of extra length to accommodate swelling and facilitate cleaning during the initial healing period. While this is essential at first, once the swelling subsides, that extra length can become problematic.

Why Downsizing Matters

• Prevents Irritation: Excess jewelry length can feel long and annoying, especially if snagged, bumped, or slept on, leading to irritation bumps or migration.
• Avoids Migration: Jewelry that moves excessively can shift out of place, causing long-term issues or uneven healing.
• Improves Comfort: Downsizing ensures your jewelry fits snugly and comfortably, reducing the chance of it catching on clothing or other objects.

When to Downsize

• Schedule a checkup around 4–6 weeks after your initial piercing. This timing allows your piercer to assess healing and determine if downsizing is appropriate. Check your piercing guide or consult your piercer for specific recommendations.

Dealing with Issues

• Irritation vs. Infection: Many irritations are mistaken for infections. Irritations are often caused by trauma, like sleeping on the piercing or snagging it, while infections result from bacterial contamination.
• Adjustments: Changing your care routine or switching jewelry can help resolve most irritations.
• Medical Attention: If you suspect an infection, only a doctor can diagnose it. Infections may require antibiotics or other medical interventions.

Stay in Touch with Your Piercer

If you experience any issues, don’t hesitate to contact your piercer or visit for a checkup. Many studios offer free consultations and are happy to assist during your healing process. Regular communication ensures your piercing heals safely and beautifully.

Downsizing is a critical step in the healing journey. By taking the time to schedule this follow-up, you’ll protect your piercing and enjoy a more comfortable fit for your jewelry.

Jewelry Use & Maintenance

Congratulations on your new piercing! Whether you were pierced with or purchased your jewelry, rest assured it is of the highest quality. At ILA, we take pride in offering jewelry that is not only beautiful but also safe for long-term wear.

Why Your Jewelry is Special

• Premium Materials: Crafted from the safest materials designed for wear in the human body.
• Mirror Finish: Each piece is hand-polished to a stunning mirror-like finish.
• Genuine Stones: Jewelry featuring genuine stones has been meticulously selected by our trained professionals to ensure exceptional quality.
• Safety & Security: Designed to be secure, safe, and long-lasting.

Maintaining Your Jewelry

Like any fine item, your body jewelry requires regular care to keep it secure and looking its best. Proper maintenance not only preserves its shine and beauty but also ensures it remains safe to wear in your piercing.

Key Maintenance Tips:

1. Learn Your Jewelry Style: Understanding how your specific jewelry style works—threaded, threadless, or otherwise—helps you keep it securely in place.
2. Regular Cleaning: Clean your jewelry gently in healed piercings using a soft baby toothbrush and mild soap, or a low-pressure water pick for hard-to-reach areas.
3. Check for Security: Regularly ensure your jewelry is tight and properly secured to prevent accidental loss.
4. Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Never expose your jewelry to harsh chemicals that could damage the finish or stones.

With the right care, your jewelry will remain as beautiful and secure as the day you received it. Treat it like the fine, high-quality piece it is, and it will reward you with a lifetime of elegance and enjoyment. For any assistance, ILA is always here to help!

Jewelry Cleaning: Keeping Your Piercing Jewelry Shiny and Beautiful

Over time, buildup from skincare products, dirt, and natural body oils can dull the shine of your piercing jewelry. Regular cleaning helps maintain the brilliance and hygiene of your jewelry, ensuring it remains safe and comfortable to wear.

How to Clean Your Piercing Jewelry

1. Use a Water Pick:

   • For healed piercings only, a water pick on a low-pressure setting can effectively remove buildup around your jewelry without the need to remove it from the piercing.
   • Avoid high-pressure settings, which can damage your jewelry or cause trauma to the piercing site.

2. Soft Toothbrush and Soap:

   • Use a soft baby toothbrush and mild, fragrance-free soap to gently clean the jewelry, especially intricate designs or areas prone to buildup.
   • This method is ideal for cleaning the jewelry while still in the piercing.

3. Avoid Harsh Chemicals:

   • Do not use alcohol, peroxide, or other abrasive cleaners on your jewelry, as these can corrode the metal, damage gemstones, or irritate your piercing.

Why Regular Cleaning Matters

• Hygiene: Keeping jewelry clean reduces the risk of irritation or infection, particularly for piercings in high-contact areas.
• Appearance: Regular cleaning restores the jewelry's shine, making it look as beautiful as the day you got it.
• Longevity: Proper care helps preserve the quality and integrity of your piercing jewelry.

For professional advice on cleaning or maintaining your piercing jewelry, visit ILA. Our team can guide you in keeping your jewelry and piercings healthy, secure, and stunning!

Threadless Jewelry: How It Works and How to Handle It

Threadless jewelry is a modern, secure option for piercings that relies on a friction-fit system to keep the decorative top in place. Its sleek design and ease of use make it a favorite for many.

How Threadless Jewelry Works

• Friction Fit: The decorative top stays in place due to a slight bend in the small pin that creates friction against the post.
• Simple Operation: To assemble, press the decorative top firmly but evenly into the post. You may hear a faint sound as the pieces fit together securely.

Adjusting Threadless Jewelry

1. Check the Fit: If the top isn’t pre-adjusted, put a slight bend in the small pin to ensure it fits snugly.
2. Install with Care: Press the pieces together evenly to avoid damage.
3. Removing the Top: Pinch the post and decorative top securely, then pull them apart in opposite directions.

All threadless jewelry from ILA is pre-bent for ease of use, ensuring a secure fit right out of the box. However, slight adjustments may be needed over time for optimal performance.

Threadless jewelry offers a clean, reliable, and stylish solution for your piercings. If you need help with installation or adjustments, don’t hesitate to reach out to ILA for professional assistance!

Threaded Jewelry: Secure and Reliable

Threaded jewelry is a classic and dependable option for piercings, featuring a screw-and-post mechanism to keep the decorative top securely in place. Proper handling and regular checks will ensure it remains tight and safe to wear.

• Screw Mechanism: The decorative top screws into the post, creating a secure hold.
• Tighten: Rotate the top clockwise to tighten it.
• Loosen: Rotate the top counterclockwise to remove it.

1. Grip Firmly: Always hold the back and decorative top securely while adjusting the jewelry.
2. Use Gloves: Wearing gloves can improve your grip, especially when threads are tight or hard to turn.
3. Regular Maintenance: Check the jewelry regularly to ensure it hasn’t loosened with wear.

Why Avoid Externally Threaded Jewelry?

Externally threaded jewelry, where the threads are on the outside of the post, should be avoided:

• It can damage the piercing during insertion.
• It’s often made from low-quality materials.

Choose high-quality internally threaded jewelry for a safer and more comfortable experience.

By understanding how to handle threaded jewelry and avoiding inferior alternatives, you can enjoy both style and security in your piercings. For assistance with adjustments or replacements, ILA is here to help!

Fixed bead rings and seam rings are elegant jewelry options that require proper handling to avoid damage. These styles open by twisting rather than pulling, ensuring the ring maintains its shape.

• Twist Open: Hold the ring firmly and twist the ends apart like an "S." Do not pull the ends directly away from each other, as this will warp the ring.
• Twist Close: After insertion, twist the ends back together to align seamlessly.

• These styles can be tricky to install or remove, especially in hard-to-reach areas.
• Seek Professional Help: If you're unsure or struggling, visiting a piercer for assistance ensures proper installation without damaging the ring or your piercing.

Proper care and handling of fixed bead rings and seam rings will keep them looking great and fitting securely. For any adjustments or professional assistance, ILA is always here to help!

Captive bead rings are a timeless jewelry style that uses tension to hold the bead securely in place. This design is sleek and versatile, but it requires careful handling to install or adjust properly.

• Tension Fit: The bead does not screw or twist into place; instead, it is held by tension.
• Dimples for Stability: Small dimples on either side of the bead align with the ring to keep it securely in place.

1. Align the First Dimple: Position one side of the bead into the ring so that a dimple fits snugly.
2. Snap Into Place: Pull the ring gently to guide the opposite dimple into alignment. The bead should snap securely into place.

• Be patient; aligning the bead can be tricky.
• If you're having difficulty, consider using jewelry pliers designed for captive bead rings.
• For the best results, visit a piercer for assistance with installation or removal.

Captive bead rings combine beauty and functionality, and with proper care, they will stay secure and stylish. If you need help, ILA’s professional team is here to assist!

Insertion tapers are specialized tools designed to make installing and removing jewelry easier and more comfortable. They feature a threaded or threadless end on one side and taper down to a smaller tip, simplifying the process of guiding jewelry into a piercing.

1. Prepare for Hygiene:

   • Wash your hands thoroughly. If you have gloves, wear them for added cleanliness and grip.
   • Clean the taper with soap and water or isopropyl alcohol to ensure it’s sterile.

2. Clean the Piercing Site:

   • Use mild soap and water to gently clean the piercing area before proceeding.

3. Insert the Taper:

   • Carefully guide the thin, tapered end into the piercing. This process should be gentle and painless. If you experience pain, stop and consult a professional piercer.

4. Attach the Jewelry:

   • Connect your jewelry to the wide end of the taper. This may involve pressing or threading, depending on your jewelry style.
   • For concave tapers, hold the taper and jewelry firmly but gently, ensuring a smooth transition as the jewelry follows the taper into the piercing.

If the process feels difficult or uncomfortable, stop and seek assistance from a professional piercer. They have the expertise and tools to ensure safe and painless jewelry changes.

Insertion tapers are an excellent tool for managing your jewelry, but proper use is essential. For tricky installations or removals, ILA is always available to help with your piercing needs!

Using Tools for Jewelry Handling

Tools can be invaluable when inserting or removing jewelry, especially for harder-to-reach or tight-fitting pieces. However, using them correctly is crucial to avoid damaging your jewelry or piercing.

Tips for Safe Tool Use

1. Prevent Scratches:

   • Metal-on-metal contact can scratch or damage your jewelry.
   • Wrap tools like pliers with gauze or bandages to minimize direct contact with the jewelry.

2. Maintain Cleanliness:

   • Ensure all tools are clean and free of debris or germs to prevent infection.
   • Wash tools with soap and water or disinfect them with isopropyl alcohol before use.

3. Use the Right Tools:

   • Brass pliers or other specialized jewelry tools are ideal for minimizing damage and ensuring precision.

When to Seek Professional Help

If you find it difficult to insert or remove your jewelry safely, or if you’re worried about causing damage, visit a professional piercer. At ILA, we are always happy to assist with your jewelry needs and ensure your piercing stays safe and secure.

Using tools effectively can make jewelry maintenance much easier, but don’t hesitate to seek professional support when needed!

Your Journey to a Beautiful Piercing

With patience, care, and high-quality jewelry, your piercing will heal beautifully and last a lifetime. Remember, your piercer is your best resource for advice and assistance. Don’t hesitate to reach out with questions or concerns—your success is their priority.

Happy healing! 💎