Piercing your own tragus might seem like a daunting task, but with the proper preparation and care, you can successfully do it at home. Here are 14 steps to help you safely and effectively pierce your own tragus.
Just remember, education is the doorway to happiness. To receive a good education, you will need good teachers.
- Research: Start by learning as much as possible about the tragus piercing process, potential risks, and aftercare. This will make you feel more confident in your decision.
- Gather Supplies: You’ll need a sanitized needle (preferably a hollow one designed for piercings), surgical gloves, rubbing alcohol, a marking pen, a sterilized earring or stud, and some cotton swabs.
- Choose Jewelry: Select a high-quality metal earring or stud that is hypoallergenic and sterilized to minimize infection risk.
- Sanitize Your Workspace: Ensure that the area where you’ll be working is clean and clutter-free to reduce contamination risk.
- Wash Hands Thoroughly: Make sure to use soap and warm water, then put on your surgical gloves.
- Clean the Tragus Area: Use rubbing alcohol and a cotton swab to clean the area where you’ll be piercing. Allow the alcohol to dry fully before proceeding.
- Mark Piercing Location: Use a marking pen to make a small dot on your tragus exactly where you want your piercing to be placed. Double-check this spot in the mirror to ensure precision.
- Steady Yourself: Sit down for stability or ask someone you trust to help hold your head steady while performing the piercing.
- Breathe Deeply: Take some deep breaths and relax as much as possible before proceeding with the piercing itself.
- Insert Needle: Hold the top of your tragus between your thumb and forefinger with one hand while carefully pushing the needle through from front-to-back in one quick motion. Ensure the needle remains straight throughout the process.
- Insert Jewelry: Remove the needle* and immediately insert your sterilized earring or stud into the fresh piercing hole, securing it with its backing.
*If using a hollow needle, insert jewelry through the needle to reduce touching and contamination.
- Clean Piercing Site: Use a clean cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to gently clean around the piercing site. This will help eliminate any bacteria that may have been transferred during the process.
- Follow Aftercare Instructions: Keep your new tragus piercing clean and protected to ensure proper healing. This should include regular cleaning with a saline solution, avoiding swimming for several weeks, and avoiding unnecessary contact or pressure on the pierced area.
- Monitor Healing: While most tragus piercings will heal in about 2-3 months, individual experiences will vary. Keep an eye on your healing progress and reach out to a professional if you notice any signs of infection or complications.
Remember that while these steps can help you pierce your own tragus, nothing can guarantee a successful outcome like seeking help from a professional piercer. Always consider the risks associated with DIY piercings and don’t hesitate to look for expert support when needed.
