When it comes to piercing your child’s ears, you might think a mall kiosk is the most convenient option. However, a tattoo shop could actually be the safest and most stylish choice.
Reflecting on my own experience, I got my ears pierced much later than many of my peers. I yearned for it, but my mom, who had to wait until she was 17, was hesitant. Then one Christmas, I received a vibrant set of earrings, which prompted me to plead with her to let me get my ears pierced. “If Santa approves, then I suppose it’s fine,” she relented, and off to the mall we went.
The initial excitement quickly turned to dismay as my ears became painfully sore. After discovering that my lobes were infected and required medical attention, I ended up giving up on piercings altogether. It wasn’t until college, when I met a tattoo artist who encouraged me to try a professional piercing, that I found success. Now, I proudly sport 13 piercings, all done in tattoo shops—none of which have faced infection. If only my mother had considered this route earlier.
The Expert Opinion
Brian Mitchell, the owner and master piercer at Hollywood’s Electric Ink Studio, represents a growing trend among piercers advocating for parents to consider tattoo shops over mall kiosks for ear piercings. “I had a negative experience with my first piercing at a mall, which is why I prefer tattoo shops,” he shared with a local publication. “I have sensitive skin and the earrings I first got caused an infection.”
Mitchell emphasizes that piercing guns can be more painful and less hygienic than needles. “The gun pushes the stud through the ear with blunt force, which is not the same as the clean cut made by a needle. Needles are designed for piercing and promote faster healing.” He notes that while piercing guns can be sanitized, they can’t be fully sterilized due to their plastic components.
According to the Association of Professional Piercers, needle-based piercing is significantly safer than using guns typically found in jewelry stores. Their guidelines state, “Only sterile disposable equipment is suitable for body piercing,” underscoring the risks associated with non-sterile tools.
Mitchell isn’t alone in his commitment to safety; Lily Johnson, a professional piercer and mother, supports initiatives to ban piercing guns entirely. “Many people still associate tattoo parlors with a lack of cleanliness, but in reality, they are often held to stricter health regulations than mall stores,” she noted.
Research Before You Decide
For parents considering ear piercings for their children, it’s essential to do your research. “Check online reviews and call ahead to ensure the studio is kid-friendly,” Mitchell advises. “Different states have varying regulations, and not all piercers are comfortable working with children.”
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Conclusion
In summary, while the mall might seem like the go-to spot for ear piercings, tattoo shops offer a safer, more professional alternative. With trained piercers and a focus on hygiene, these shops provide a stylish and secure experience for your child’s first piercing.