Getting your child’s ears pierced? Consider a local tattoo studio.

When I was 12, I got my ears pierced. It did not go well. Shortly after the excitement of my newly placed ear sparkles wore off, I noticed that my ears weren’t as happy as I was. “Crusty” is not a word you want to hear in relation to your new piercing, and yet, there I was, a pre-teen with crusty ear holes.

Back then, the typical experience went like this: you went to the mall, you chose some mystery metal earrings that the teenage retail associate loaded into a plastic gun, and then you braced yourself for impact as she proceeded to use said gun to propel the earring into your lobe with great force.

The procedure hasn’t changed much since I was a kid, and unfortunately, neither have the problems that come with it. My ill-healing lobes were not a coincidence, but an unfortunate byproduct of a mall-style piercing experience due to a few contributing factors.

Tools of the Piercing Trade

The piercing gun is the only tool of choice at your mall-type piercing stop. These guns are made almost entirely out of plastic and are usually wiped down after each procedure, but cannot be properly sterilized, because, well, they will melt. Autoclaves, which are used to sterilize things like dental and medical tools, and in the case of a professional piercer, the jewelry and needles being used, get up to 275 degrees Fahrenheit. Piercing guns are, of course, used over and over again on different people, a thought that makes me, the owner of a body modification studio, die a little inside.

The words, “tissue damage”, is probably not what you want to hear in relation to piercings, but the problem is, that earrings aren’t really that sharp. Piercing guns use sheer force to create a hole with what is essentially the piercing equivalent of a blunt object. This added trauma doesn’t help the healing process, and to add insult to injury, makes the piercing procedure hurt more.

And lastly, the jewelry quality. A lot of jewelry (including stainless steel) contains nickel, a common allergen, which can affect healing. Experts consider titanium to be the safest metal to use in piercing as it contains no nickel, and is as strong as stainless steel, but as light as aluminum.

Be prepared to help keep your child’s piercings clean afterward.

The Difference a Professional Piercer Makes

The biggest difference with a professional piercer is that a gun is never used. Piercers use super sharp sterile needles to make the hole into which the jewelry is then inserted. The needles are only used one time, and in the case of many studios, everything the piercer uses is disposable, which makes the possibility of cross contamination even more unlikely. The jewelry is also sterilized, either at a prior time, or (as in the case in my studio) in front of the client, for even more of a sense of security.

Jewelry quality varies in piercing studios, but with a quick call, you can find out what kind of metal is being used. High-end studios tend to only offer titanium and good quality gold (a lot of cheaper gold also contains nickel) as an option. Of course, all of this fancy metal comes with a higher price tag, but lends itself to smoother healing, and durable, long lasting jewelry.

Some Parting Piercing Tips for Parents

While your child may be excited at the prospect of their ears being pierced, the process can seem intimidating once they step into the studio. Here are some tips to make everything go more smoothly.

Book ahead. Most shops will have their booking process outlined on their website or social media. By making an appointment, there will be little to no wait, and the process will be more relaxed. Some studios will even book a consult prior to the appointment so your child can choose their jewelry, speak with the piercer, and see the studio ahead of time.

Figure out your budget ahead of time. If you want to spend under a certain amount, knowing this prior to your appointment will help avoid the disappointment of your child getting their heart set on a pair of $300 gold and diamond earrings.

Be prepared for aftercare. Many studios will offer aftercare products for free or for a small charge. Make sure to talk to your child about the fact that they will have to clean their piercing on a regular basis to ensure it heals properly, or be prepared to help them keep up with it if needed.

Get consent. Make sure your child wants to get pierced and is capable of fully understanding the procedure. Your child will need to be able to speak to the piercer and actively consent to move forward.

Finding a good professional piercing studio also allows for an overall more comfortable experience. Your piercer can answer any questions you may have, give more in depth aftercare instructions if needed, and can also help put you (and your child) at ease, something that I know as a mom myself, is priceless.

My shop, Arcadia Tattoo Huntsville, now offers a safe, high-end piercing experience. We only use high grade titanium jewelry and will soon be offering gold as well. To book, visit our website.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Leah Farrow is the owner of Arcadia Tattoo Studio in Huntsville at Campus 805. In her spare time she paints, spends time with her family, travels, and reads. She loves Red Sox baseball, Auburn football, spending time with her teen and 5 year-old, and thinks you can never underestimate the power of a good bowl of mac and cheese.