Sleeper Earrings at SkinKandy
SkinKandy's Sleeper Earrings collection features small, secure hoops for lobe piercings, designed to be comfortable enough to wear continuously, including through the healing phase. Available in Surgical Steel, Titanium and 14K Gold, sleepers sit close to the ear with a small hinged or fixed hoop shape. They're a popular choice for a first lobe piercing, as well as for anyone who prefers a simple hoop over a stud day to day. This collection covers both fresh piercings and healed wear.
What makes an earring a sleeper?
Sleepers are small hoops designed to sit securely against the ear, with a hinged or fixed closure that's less likely to catch or come loose than a standard stud back. The low-profile shape makes them comfortable enough to wear all day and night, which is where the name comes from. They're most commonly worn in the lobe, though the same style can suit some healed cartilage placements. Your piercing specialist can confirm whether a sleeper suits your specific piercing.
What size are sleeper earrings?
Lobe sleepers are fitted at 18G or 20G, matching standard lobe piercing sizing, with hoop diameters typically ranging from around 6mm up to 10mm depending on style. Sizing is based on your piercing and personal preference rather than a single standard fit. Your piercing specialist can help you choose a diameter that sits comfortably against your ear. Cartilage sleepers, where suitable, follow the same 16G sizing used for other cartilage hoops.
Can I wear sleepers in a fresh lobe piercing?
Yes, small sleeper hoops in Surgical Steel or Titanium can be worn in a fresh lobe piercing, since the secure, low-profile shape sits comfortably during healing. Lobe piercings take 6-12 weeks to heal, and sleepers are designed to be worn continuously through this period without needing to be removed. Do not remove your jewellery during the healing phase, as this can cause the piercing to close and make reinsertion difficult. Your piercing specialist can confirm whether a sleeper is the right starter style for your piercing.
How do I care for sleeper earrings?
Clean the piercing as advised by your piercing specialist, using a saline solution rather than any product applied directly to the jewellery. Surgical Steel and Titanium both resist corrosion, so sleepers hold up well to being worn continuously. Gently rotate the hoop during cleaning if your piercing specialist advises it, without forcing movement if the piercing still feels tender. Our aftercare guide covers the full lobe piercing routine.
How do sleepers compare to studs for a fresh lobe piercing?
A stud sits as a fixed post with a butterfly or flatback closure, while a sleeper is a small hoop that wraps through the piercing with a hinged or fixed join. Both are suitable for fresh lobe piercings and are fitted at the same 18G or 20G gauge. Studs tend to sit slightly lower profile, while sleepers give a subtle hoop shape from day one. Your piercing specialist can help you decide which style suits your first lobe piercing.
Book a piercing at SkinKandy
Ready for a new lobe piercing or a sleeper upgrade? Our piercing specialists can guide you on style and size. View our piercing menu to book.
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