Where you get your new piercing matters ⏤ not only for the ear parties that you'll be able to create, but also for what to expect. If there's a look that you are going for, bring pictures in to your piercer so you can discuss what will work best for your personal ear anatomy. 

Depending on where you are getting pierced, you'll be choosing different types of jewelry for proper healing. Your piercer can help you select a piece of jewelry that will be suitable for what location of your ear you are getting pierced. 

If you have a specific piece of jewelry you'd like to wear, be sure to double check with your piercer to make sure your piercing location supports that shape. 

Research, research, research. 

Do your research to find a local piercer who is reputable. Check out reviews online, social media platforms, Yelp, etc. Ask around to see if any of your friends have a good recommendation, and take a look at the piercer's portfolio. 

What to look for as you choose your piercer:
• Cleanliness + hygiene of shop
• Certification + licenses
• Aftercare guidelines should be explained + provided to you in writing
• Use of piercing needles NOT piercing guns

When you get a new piercing, make sure you think about healing time and proper aftercare. Taking good care of your new piercing is a top priority to avoid infections, discomfort, and hole closure. 

For lobe piercings, the initial healing period can be as short as 6-10 weeks, but you want to constantly wear earrings at least for your the first 6 months to prevent hole closure.

The initial healing period for cartilage piercings is considerably longer. The minimum healing time for cartilage piercings is about 3 months but can take up to 18 months depending on location.

For all piercings, the initial jewelry should be left alone for about 12 weeks. That said, the longer you can keep it in without changing it, the better for the healing process.