When it comes to body modifications like tattoos, tattoo shops are the obvious destination. But what about piercings? Many people automatically think of mall kiosks or jewelry stores for ear piercings, especially for children. However, my experience taking my daughters for ear piercings opened my eyes to a much better alternative: the professional tattoo shop. Like many parents, I initially opted for the familiar route of a chain store when my eldest daughter, Sarah, wanted her ears pierced. It was convenient, and seemed like the standard thing to do. But after that experience, and as my younger daughter, Lucy, approached the age where she wanted piercings, I realized there was a significantly better, safer, and more professional option available right in my neighborhood: the local tattoo and piercing shop.
My first daughter’s ear piercing at a well-known mall store was perfectly fine. The piercer was nice, the placement was okay, and Sarah was happy. However, we did encounter a minor infection during the healing process. When it was time for my younger daughter, Lucy, to get her ears pierced, I decided to explore other options. Remembering that I’d read about tattoo parlors being a more hygienic and skilled place for piercings, I decided to do some research and find a reputable “Tattoo Shop And Piercing Near Me.”
What I discovered was a completely different world of piercing. It wasn’t just about getting a hole punched in an ear; it was about expertise, hygiene, and a focus on safety and proper healing. From the moment we walked into the tattoo shop, the experience was elevated. The atmosphere was professional and welcoming, with diverse clients and portfolios showcasing the artists’ skills. Even the waiting area felt more substantial than a brightly lit mall kiosk.
When we were taken to the piercing room, it resembled a medical exam room more than anything else. Sterile equipment was meticulously organized, and the piercers were clearly focused on hygiene and precision. Unlike the piercing gun method used in many mall stores, the piercers at the tattoo shop used a sterile hypodermic needle to create a clean piercing. This method, while sounding more intense, is actually considered gentler and less traumatic to the tissue, promoting better healing and reducing the risk of infection.
The piercers spent considerable time with us, explaining every step of the process to Lucy and ensuring she was comfortable. They meticulously sterilized her ears, used calipers to precisely mark the piercing points, and explained the breathing technique to minimize discomfort. Having two experienced piercers meant they could pierce both ears simultaneously, making the process quicker and less daunting for Lucy. And indeed, she reported that it “only hurt a little.”
What you need to know about getting your kid
A guide highlighting key considerations for parents choosing a piercing location for their children, emphasizing safety and professional standards.
The aftercare instructions were also significantly different and, in my opinion, better. Instead of twisting and turning the earrings, which I was instructed to do with my older daughter’s piercings, the tattoo shop piercers advised simply leaving them alone and cleaning them twice daily with saline solution. They emphasized that twisting could actually hinder the healing process. Furthermore, they provided 24/7 support, encouraging us to call or email with any questions or concerns, a level of care far beyond what I experienced at the mall.
Interestingly, the cost was comparable, and in our case, even slightly less than the mall store after factoring in a referral discount. The piercers mentioned that they don’t heavily advertise their ear piercing services, as many people are unaware that tattoo shops are a viable, and often superior, option for piercings, including children’s ear piercings. Their business largely relies on word-of-mouth referrals, particularly from moms’ groups who have discovered the benefits of choosing a professional tattoo and piercing shop.
For anyone searching for “tattoo shop and piercing near me” for themselves or their children, I wholeheartedly recommend considering a reputable tattoo shop for piercings. The level of expertise, hygiene, and care I experienced was far beyond my expectations and provided a much more positive and reassuring experience than a standard mall piercing. If you’re considering a piercing, take the time to find a well-regarded tattoo shop in your area – it’s an investment in safety, professionalism, and a better piercing experience overall.
