If your ears turn red or itchy after a few hours, the culprit is often nickel. For sensitive ears, choose earrings in 925 silver: it is the gentlest material for the skin in our collection. 304 stainless steel suits most people, but it contains nickel: avoid it if you are allergic.
Why do some earrings irritate the skin?
The reaction almost always comes from the metal touching the earlobe, and above all from nickel. It is found in many cheap alloys, sometimes hidden under a thin coloured layer. When that layer wears off, the base metal touches the skin directly. The signs are easy to recognise: redness around the piercing, itching, a feeling of heat, sometimes small spots. They appear a few hours or a few days after putting the jewellery on. If this happens, take the earrings out, gently clean the area and let it breathe. If the reaction persists, ask a pharmacist or a dermatologist: only they can confirm a nickel allergy.
Which materials should you choose for sensitive ears?
At Maylie&Lou, the material of each piece is stated on its product page. Here is what to know before choosing.
925 silver: the gentlest for sensitive skin
925 silver (or sterling silver) contains 92.5% pure silver. It is our number one recommendation for reactive ears, especially for pieces worn all day such as mini hoops. In the gold-tone version, the silver is covered with a one-micron fine gold coating. Silver can darken over time in contact with air and sweat: a wipe with a soft cloth is enough to restore its shine.
304 stainless steel: durable and water-friendly
304 stainless steel does not tarnish and can be worn in the shower, at the pool or at the beach. It suits most people for everyday wear. However, it contains nickel: if you know you are allergic to nickel, choose 925 silver instead. Example: our thin gold-tone bangle, in stainless steel.
Gold-tone brass: for fashion pieces
Brass is used for some more fashion-oriented pieces. It is gold-toned for a beautiful shine, but it is the least suitable material for very reactive ears. For long wear on a sensitive earlobe, keep it for special occasions.
What if my ears are not pierced?
No-piercing ear cuffs sit on the cartilage with a simple squeeze. They do not go through the skin, which limits rubbing inside the lobe. They are a good option if you want to wear ear jewellery without a piercing, or if your piercing is still healing. Choose them in 925 silver if your skin is sensitive.
How should you care for your earrings to avoid irritation?
Clean jewellery irritates less. Wipe your earrings with a soft cloth after wearing them to remove sweat, make-up and cream residue. Put them on last, after perfume and hairspray, and store them away from moisture in their pouch. For silver, avoid chlorinated and salt water, which speed up tarnishing; stainless steel, on the other hand, handles water well. All our tips are on the Jewellery care page.
FAQ
What is the best metal for sensitive ears?
In our collection, 925 silver is the most suitable for sensitive ears. It is gentle on the skin and suits everyday wear, in both the silver and the fine-gold-coated versions.
Is stainless steel hypoallergenic?
304 stainless steel suits most people, but it contains nickel. If you are allergic to nickel, choose 925 silver instead.
Can I wear stainless steel earrings in the shower?
Yes. Stainless steel does not tarnish and is water-resistant: you can keep it on in the shower, at the pool or at the beach.
How do I know what a Maylie&Lou piece is made of?
The material is stated on each product page: 925 silver, 304 stainless steel or brass. If in doubt, write to us at contact@maylie-lou.com.
What should I do if my ears react to an earring?
Take the jewellery off, gently clean the area and let it rest. If the redness or itching persists, see a pharmacist or a dermatologist. Earrings that have not been engraved can be returned to us within 30 days.
