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Earrings for Sensitive Ears: The Best Hypoallergenic Options

Anyone who has sensitive ears knows how it limits your options of wearing metal earrings. Here, you can find out about various types of hypoallergenic earrings that can save you from the itching, discomfort, and even infection the next time.

Why Can’t You Wear All Metal Earrings

When sensitive skin comes in contact with certain metals, it causes irritation, making it impossible to wear any jewelry of that material. Most common candidates that cause this problem include:

  • Nickel, pure, or alloys where nickel is a primary component
  • Brass, a blend of copper and zinc, unfortunately, the two most allergy-causing materials after nickel

What Kind of Nickel-Free Earrings Are Safe for Sensitive Ears

Earrings for Sensitive Ears

1. Sterling Silver Earrings

An alloy of 90% silver along with copper, it significantly reduces the chances of allergy, being a complete value for money. Moreover, the earrings are plated with silver or rhodium for further protection and a shiny look. You may also go for the Argentium sterling silver, a corrosion resistant alloy of silver, copper, and germanium.

Sterling Silver Earrings Sensitive Ears

2. Titanium Earrings

Another metal that will entice you with its sturdiness and glossy grayish shade. Often used in the medical ground, this is a reliable and safe option for sensitive skin.

Titanium Earrings for Sensitive Ears

3. Surgical or Stainless Steel Earrings

Although not completely nickel free, surgical steel rarely causes allergy, thus making it suitable for all. This material is used for ear piercing and looks good as a hoop or huggie earring.

Surgical Steel Earrings for Sensitive Ears

4. Plastic Earrings

These affordable lightweight earrings are ideal for women who are not fond of heavy jewelry. However, these should not be worn for more than 24 hours.

Plastic Earrings for Sensitive Ears

5. Gold Earrings

Earrings made of pure gold in combination with small amounts of silver or copper are good for you. The gold should ideally be of 14kt or above. White gold, an alloy with rhodium, palladium or manganese, is another safe option. Gold stud earrings often come with surgical steel posts to further eliminate any risks.

Best Earrings for Sensitive Ears

6. Platinum Earrings

Strain proof and resilient, platinum is worth your investment. The white colored metal goes well with diamonds or cubic zirconia.

Ear Hugger Earrings

7. Niobium Earrings

An anodized material available in vivid shades is safe for sensitive ears. So, mix and match with your outfits and flaunt your style. Try out the handcrafted designs which are sometimes embellished with glass.

Sensitive Ears Earrings

8. Nylon Earrings

Nylon is a fine material, absolutely free from metals, thus unlikely to cause any irritation to your skin.

Sensitive Earrings

9. Magnetic Clip-On Earrings

You may also try out the easy-to-wear magnetic clip-on earrings. Long lasting and durable, these are known for their edgy and fashionable look.

Earring for Sensitive Ears

10. Wooden Earrings

If nothing works, go for the fashionable wooden earrings for a vibrant look. There are various designs, from stud to danglers, and all you have to do is to pick your favorite.

Allergy Free Earrings

How to Allergy-Proof Your Existing Metal Earrings

  • Nylon or plastic earring covers are available for screw backs so the metal does not come in direct skin contact.
  • Treating your earring posts, backs, and hooks with some antibiotic ointment may help. You can also put on some Vaseline or a coat of clear nail polish.
  • Another option is commercially available hypoallergenic hooks to replace the allergy-causing hooks on your existing earrings.

You are advised to go for high-quality jewelry to avoid any risks. Also, it is important to seek professional help to get your ears pierced as poor piercing may make you prone to metal infections.

13 responses to “Earrings for Sensitive Ears: The Best Hypoallergenic Options”

  1. Tia says:

    Why you should not leave plastic earings for more than 24 hours???

    • staff says:

      Hi, Tia, wearing plastics for more than 24 hours might result in rashes and irritations, so it is better to wear them for a limited period. They are a nice alternative to metals, but not highly recommended. However, they are affordable and light in weight so you may go for them once in a while. Thanks

  2. Sana says:

    Very informative article…. thanks

  3. Merrillyn says:

    I wore 24k gold earrings for 25 years without removing. Had to take out for 6 months due to surgery. Since, I cannot wear ANY COMBO or SINGLE METAL without causing infection! ANY THOUGHTS! ☹️

    • staff says:

      Hi Merrillyn, your skin must have become sensitive over the period of time, so, don’t wear anything that causes irritations on your skin, and if possible consult a dermatologist.

    • Emily says:

      If you had to remove the earrings for surgery and found when you put them back in again that they got “Infected”, try cleaning them with some rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide for a few days until they become ‘Used to” the earrings again. Sometimes if you haven’t worn earrings for awhile and then reintroduce them, you’ll have a reaction that may last a couple of days, but it should clear up.

  4. juanre says:

    Hi i got new ear piercings and they put sergical ear rings in but is wel… dit sweer… please help

  5. Natasha says:

    what will happen if i want to take my earrings out after 5 days? and is it true that if i do that my ear will start bleeding and i can possibly lose my hearing?

    • staff says:

      Hi Natasha, you can take off your earrings anytime you wish. Just be careful while doing this, there is no risk of losing your hearing ability involved. However, you may take a look at our article on how to take out your earring safely to know more about this.

  6. Hi. I had been wearing my grandmother’s white gold earrings from age 12 to 52 almost every day without issue. Then I had to remove my earrings for a couple of weeks for surgery and I haven’t been able to wear them for more than 15 minutes since without them itching and irritating my ears which was over one year ago. I had allergy testing and am not allergic to any metals; have tried nail polish, vaseline, hydrogen peroxide, Neosporin, Nickel free earrings, etc. Any advice you have that might help me to be able to wear earrings again would be greatly appreciated.

    • staff says:

      Hi Linda, you should consult a dermatologist as a professional help can find out the exact reason why you can’t wear earrings anymore without skin irritations.

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