When it comes to piercing your child’s ears, you might think of the local mall as the go-to destination. However, a tattoo shop can actually provide a safer and more professional environment for this rite of passage.
I remember waiting until I was much older than most kids to get my ears pierced. The moment I unwrapped a set of vibrant earrings on Christmas morning, I was ecstatic. With tears in my eyes, I pleaded with my mom for permission to finally take the plunge. “If Santa says it’s fine, then I suppose it’s okay,” she replied. A few days later, we headed to the mall to get it done.
While I was thrilled with my new earrings, the pain was unbearable. After a few days of discomfort, I asked my mom if this was normal. Upon inspection, she found my earlobes swollen, red, and oozing. We had to remove the earrings to let the infection heal. Despite begging, when we tried again months later, the same scenario repeated itself, resulting in a doctor visit for antibiotics. I eventually gave up on the idea of pierced ears.
Years later in college, a tattoo artist friend convinced me to visit his shop for a professional piercing with a needle. Initially hesitant, I decided to go for it, and now I proudly sport 13 piercings, all done in tattoo shops—none of which have ever become infected. Reflecting on my childhood experience, I wish my mom had taken me to a tattoo parlor instead.
Brian Jackson, owner and head piercer at a popular tattoo studio, is part of a growing community of professionals advocating for parents to choose tattoo shops over mall kiosks for ear piercings. “I had my first piercing done at the mall, and it was a disaster,” he shared. “My sensitive skin couldn’t handle it, and I ended up with an infection.”
Jackson, who frequently posts adorable photos of children’s piercings on his social media, explained that piercing guns can cause more pain and are not properly sterilized. “These guns use blunt force to push the stud through the ear, puncturing rather than piercing,” he said. “A needle is designed to make a precise hole and allows for better healing. Plus, needles can be sterilized, while piercing guns can’t, as their plastic components would melt.”
According to the Association of Professional Piercers, using a needle is significantly safer than the methods often employed in jewelry shops. Their guidelines emphasize the need for sterile, disposable equipment and materials that are safe for internal use. They warn against any procedure that exposes vulnerable tissue to non-sterile tools or unsafe jewelry. For this reason, APP members strictly avoid using reusable piercing guns.
It’s important to note that not every piercer is comfortable working with children, so doing some research ahead of time is crucial. “Check out reviews on Yelp, and read through their websites. If you find good feedback, don’t hesitate to call and ask about their experience with kids,” Jackson advised. “Different states have varying regulations, and not every shop is equipped to handle younger clients.”
So next time you consider ear piercing for your child, think beyond the mall. Tattoo shops offer a level of professionalism and safety that is hard to beat. For more insights on parenting and family life, check out our other blog post here. And if you’re looking for at-home insemination options, visit this reputable retailer. For a wealth of information on pregnancy and home insemination, IVF Babble is an excellent resource.
In summary, tattoo shops provide a cleaner and more professional environment for piercing children’s ears compared to mall kiosks. They prioritize safety, proper sterilization, and professional techniques that lead to a better overall experience.