Getting your ears pierced is an exciting moment for many people, whether it’s for the first time or to add another pair to your collection. However, it’s important to ensure that the process is safe and hygienic to avoid any potential complications or infections. In this ultimate guide, we will share some tips on where to get your ears pierced safely, so you can rock your new earrings with confidence.
Finding a Reputable Piercer
The first step in getting your ears pierced safely is to find a reputable piercer. Don’t go to just any store or kiosk in the mall without doing some research first. Look for a professional piercer who is licensed and has a good reputation in the industry. You can find certified piercers through online directories such as the Association of Professional Piercers or by checking with your local health department.
Check for Certification
Before getting your ears pierced, you should always check for your piercer’s certification. The Association of Professional Piercers offers a certification program that piercers can go through to ensure they are trained in proper sanitation and technique. This certification demonstrates that the piercer has met the APP’s standards for cleanliness, safety, and piercing technique.
Ask for Recommendations
If you’re unsure where to start looking for a piercer, consider asking for recommendations from friends or family members who have had their ears pierced. They may be able to recommend a piercer they had a good experience with. Alternatively, you can check online reviews or forums to see what other people have said about certain piercers in your area.
Visit the Piercing Studio
Before getting your ears pierced, it’s a good idea to visit the piercing studio to check for cleanliness and the overall atmosphere. You should be looking for a clean, sterile environment with proper sanitation practices in place. If the studio looks dirty or unsanitary, it’s best to look elsewhere.
Choosing the Right Earrings
The type of earrings you choose can also play a role in your ear piercing experience. It’s important to select earrings that are hypoallergenic and made from high-quality materials to avoid any potential complications.
Choose Hypoallergenic Earrings
Many people have allergies or sensitivities to certain metals, which can cause irritation or infection if worn in a new piercing. It’s important to choose hypoallergenic earrings made from metals such as titanium, gold, or surgical steel to avoid any reactions.
Avoid Cheap Earrings
While it may be tempting to go for cheaper options, it’s best to invest in high-quality earrings for your new piercing. Cheap earrings may not be made from quality materials, which can increase the risk of infection or other complications. Look for earrings that are specifically designed for new piercings with a smooth finish and a secure backing.
Aftercare Tips
Proper aftercare is crucial to ensuring your new ear piercing heals properly and without any complications. Your piercer should provide you with detailed aftercare instructions, but here are some general tips to follow:
Keep the Area Clean
You should clean your ear piercing 2-3 times a day using a saline solution or a mild soap and warm water. Avoid using alcohol, peroxide, or other harsh chemicals on your ear piercing as it can irritate the skin or delay the healing process.
Avoid Touching the Piercing
Touching or twisting your new piercing can introduce bacteria, which can lead to infection. It’s best to leave your piercing alone as much as possible and avoid sleeping on it until it has fully healed.
Avoid Swimming or Bathing in Bodies of Water
Swimming or bathing in bodies of water such as pools or lakes can introduce bacteria to your new piercing, which can lead to infection. It’s best to avoid swimming or bathing for the first few weeks after getting your ears pierced.
Where to Get Your Ears Pierced Safely
Mall Kiosks
Mall kiosks are a popular option for ear piercing, but it’s important to do your research before choosing this route. Look for kiosks that display their piercing license and follow proper sanitation practices. It’s also a good idea to ask about the type of earrings they use to ensure they are hypoallergenic and high-quality.
Piercing Studios
Piercing studios are often the best option for getting your ears pierced safely as they are typically run by licensed and trained professionals. Check for certifications and ask about the sterilization process to ensure a clean and safe environment. You can also ask about the types of earrings they offer to ensure they are hypoallergenic and made from high-quality materials.
Tattoo Parlors
Many tattoo parlors also offer ear piercing services, but it’s important to ensure that they have a piercer on staff who is licensed and trained in proper sanitation and technique. Check for certifications and ask about their sterilization process before committing to a piercing.
FAQs
- Is it safe to get your ears pierced at the mall?
It can be safe to get your ears pierced at the mall, but it’s important to do your research first. Look for kiosks that display their piercing license and follow proper sanitation practices. Ask about the type of earrings they use to ensure they are hypoallergenic and high-quality. - What type of earrings should I use for a new piercing?
It’s best to choose hypoallergenic earrings made from high-quality materials such as titanium, gold, or surgical steel. Look for earrings specifically designed for new piercings with a smooth finish and a secure backing. - How long does it take for a new ear piercing to heal?
It can take 6-8 weeks for a new ear piercing to fully heal. Proper aftercare is crucial to ensuring a quick and complication-free healing process. - What should I do if my ear piercing gets infected?
If your ear piercing becomes infected, it’s important to seek medical attention from a healthcare professional. Do not attempt to remove the earring yourself as it can trap the infection inside.
References
- Association of Professional Piercers (APP) – https://www.safepiercing.org/
- Mayo Clinic – https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/ear-piercing/art-20047537
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – https://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/hygiene/etiquette/caring-for-pierced-ears.html