Piercings and Sport

A lot of people in the Obsidian community are big into sports! And we get it, so are we. That's why we wanted to walk you through the precautions to take with your piercings if you're an active athlete. When your piercing is brand new, there are always rules to follow for smooth healing without complications. When you visit your piercer, they'll walk you through the daily aftercare needed for good healing.

Can I keep a piercing in during my workout?

Some sports call for more protection than others. If you do dance, weight training, or running, facial piercings (ear, tongue, nose...) generally have little to worry about. The one piercing that carries some risk is the navel. Always avoid high-waisted sports leggings, or a sports bra that's too tight, for a nipple piercing, since it can rub against your jewelry. A flowy top that doesn't cling to your skin is a good alternative, for example. Also, if you like listening to music while you train, choose headphones that don't touch your piercings: earbuds could bump into a new tragus or daith piercing, and if you've just gotten a helix piercing, pick headphones that won't put pressure on it.
Combat sports or contact sports like rugby carry more risk for a new piercing, since you're already exposed to friction, plus the chance of introducing bacteria. Once your piercing has healed, you'll be able to do any sport you like. Good news, right? And yes, once healing is complete, you can take your jewelry out for a few hours for that kind of higher-risk sport. There's little risk of the hole closing up in just a few hours as long as it's fully healed.

Caring for your piercing after sport

During your workout, you'll sweat. Your gear can also carry some dirt and bacteria. Don't hesitate to clean your piercing after your workout with physiological saline or a suitable saline solution. Remember to take good care of your new piercing. Note that this also applies once it's healed: it's always worth cleaning your jewelry from time to time. If you still have questions about caring for your piercing, you'll find everything you need here.

Piercings and competition

Some athletes with newer piercings use adhesive tape to cover their jewelry during sporting events. The tape keeps piercings from catching on clothing or sports gear. That said, this should stay the exception. If you really have no other option, this technique can work. Keep in mind, though, that it can irritate the area and lead to infection or a bump. It's best used only as a last resort. Ultimately, the best practice for athletes is to always remove body jewelry before a competition. Talk to your piercer and figure out together the best time for you to remove or get your piercing. Generally, your piercer will fit you with a slightly longer bar at first so it doesn't interfere with the early healing phase, since your piercing may swell a little. After 1 to 2 months, at your follow-up visit, they'll swap your first bar for a shorter one, which helps prevent snagging, though it's still worth staying careful!

To sum up, a few tips for staying active with a fresh piercing:

• Wait at least 1 to 2 months before swimming in a pool or the sea

• After a shower post-workout, don't let your jewelry stay damp, dry it right away with a clean towel

• Stick closely to the aftercare routine your piercer gave you

• Sweat itself isn't a danger to your piercing

We hope this helped clear things up when it comes to sport and piercing jewelry. Keep in mind that a well-cleaned piercing is far less likely to get infected. Choosing Obsidian jewelry means great quality for your skin, with plenty of style. Take a look at our Titanium and Gold jewelry collection. Whether it's for your ears or your navel, you'll find something you love.