Thinking about getting a new piercing? Whether it’s your first lobe or your fifth cartilage, proper preparation makes all the difference to how smoothly your appointment (and healing) goes. We sat down with Aurum.Ldn’s in-house piercer to uncover her top tips for getting a piercing safely, comfortably, and stylishly - straight from a professional who’s seen it all.
1. Eat at least four hours before your appointment
When your blood sugar is low, you’re far more likely to feel lightheaded or faint during the piercing. A good meal - ideally something balanced with protein and carbs - keeps your energy stable and helps your body handle the brief stress of being pierced.
💡 Pro tip: if you’re nervous, bring a sugary snack like a cereal bar or smoothie to have right before your appointment.
2. Avoid caffeine before your piercing
Coffee lovers, this one’s important. Caffeine can increase your heart rate and make you feel jittery, which can heighten anxiety and make you more sensitive to pain. It can also slightly thin your blood, meaning you might bleed a little more during the piercing.
Our piercer’s rule of thumb: skip caffeine for at least four hours before your appointment.
3. No drugs or alcohol 24 hours before (and after)
It might sound obvious, but it’s worth repeating: avoid alcohol or recreational drugs for at least 24 hours before and after getting pierced.
4. Always choose implant-grade materials: titanium or 14k gold (and above)
Not all jewellery is created equal - and what your piercer uses matters more than you think.
“You should only be pierced with implant-standard materials, either ASTM-F136 titanium or solid 14k gold and above,” our piercer stresses.
Why? Because these materials are biocompatible, meaning they won’t irritate your skin or cause allergic reactions. Lower-grade metals, like surgical steel or silver, can cause complications such as redness, bumps, or prolonged healing times.
That’s why at Smoothie London, our Implantium™ range is made from implant-grade titanium - designed to be safe for every piercing, even for sensitive skin.
✨ Think of it this way: The right material isn’t just about looks, it’s about long-term comfort, safety, and keeping your piercings healthy for years.
5. Bonus: Go in with realistic expectations
A professional piercer will always take time to discuss anatomy and placement with you. Everyone’s ears are different, and what works on someone else might not be ideal for you - especially when it comes to cartilage piercings.
Trust your piercer’s advice; they’re trained to balance aesthetic goals with safe healing. Healing times vary (cartilage can take 6–12 months), so patience and aftercare are key.
Final Thoughts
A great piercing starts with great preparation - and choosing a trusted professional who uses the right materials. Eat well, rest, hydrate, and let your piercer do what they do best.
Looking for a piercing in London? Book via this link for no piercing fees at Aurum.Ldn.
And if you’re ready to curate your dream ear stack, explore our Implantium™ Collection, crafted from pure titanium so you can sleep, shower, and live in your jewellery without irritation.