Deciding to get your child’s ears pierced is a significant milestone, and when it comes to such a delicate procedure, choosing the right place is paramount. For many parents, the default option might be a jewelry store or a mall kiosk. However, increasingly, parents are discovering the superior benefits of opting for a professional tattoo and piercing studio. If you’re searching for “Piercing Tattoo Near Me” for your child’s ear piercing, you’re likely looking for a safe, hygienic, and expert environment. Let’s explore why a tattoo parlor might be the best choice and what to expect when you go this route.
For years, like many, I assumed the mall was the go-to destination for a child’s first ear piercing. Last year, when my eldest daughter, Sarah, turned nine, we headed to Claire’s for her ear piercing. While Sarah’s experience at Claire’s was okay – the piercer was nice, the placement seemed fine, and it wasn’t too painful – we did encounter a minor infection during the healing process. Thankfully, everything resolved within six months. But the experience prompted me to reconsider my options for my younger daughter, Lucy.
When Lucy’s eighth birthday approached and she expressed interest in getting her ears pierced, I knew I wanted to explore alternatives. My older daughter, Sarah, actually encouraged us to avoid the mall this time, remembering her own anticipation and slight fear. This led me to consider something I hadn’t before: a professional tattoo parlor.
This time, armed with a bit more research, we ventured into the world of tattoo and piercing studios. Despite never having set foot in one before, I was determined to find the best “piercing tattoo near me” for Lucy’s ear piercing. I had done my homework, prepared the necessary consent forms, and booked an appointment in advance at a reputable local studio.
Stepping into the tattoo parlor was a different experience altogether. The waiting area was welcoming and diverse, with books of tattoo designs and walls adorned with photos of satisfied customers showcasing their piercings and tattoos. While we waited, we observed other clients – women admiring floral tattoo designs and a man consulting with an artist about a back piece – a scene that felt both professional and artistic.
However, the piercing room itself was a pleasant surprise. It resembled a doctor’s exam room, clean and sterile, albeit with a more unique ambiance (this particular studio was located in a beautifully converted old building). Lucy sat comfortably on a table similar to those at her pediatrician’s office. The walls were lined with sterilized equipment, much like a nurse’s station, emphasizing the focus on hygiene and safety.
The piercers at the tattoo studio dedicated almost an hour to our appointment. They began by discussing the procedure with us, ensuring Lucy was comfortable and informed. They then meticulously sterilized Lucy’s ears. Unlike the quick “eyeballing” I expected, they used professional calipers to precisely mark and verify the piercing placement.
Close-up of ear piercing process with professional tools
They thoroughly explained the piercing method to Lucy, highlighting the difference from piercing guns used at places like Claire’s. In a tattoo studio, they use a sterile, single-use hypodermic needle to create a clean hole, followed by the insertion of the earring. They even practiced breathing exercises with Lucy to help her relax. (Count to three… breathe in… breathe out… pierce!). Then, with practiced precision, they performed the piercing.
We were fortunate that this “piercing tattoo near me” studio had two highly skilled piercers. One piercer boasted twenty years of experience, including fifteen years piercing children’s ears, while the other was a year into her apprenticeship with experience piercing kids since earlier in the year. This meant they could pierce both of Lucy’s ears simultaneously. The benefit? It’s over quickly, and as Lucy reported, “it only hurt a little.”
After the piercing, they provided clear and simple aftercare instructions: avoid touching the piercings and clean them twice daily with saline solution. I was surprised to learn that twisting or turning the earrings was discouraged, as it can hinder the healing process. They emphasized that we should not hesitate to call with any questions, providing a direct email and even the experienced piercer’s cell phone number for 24/7 support.
The cost for Lucy’s piercing was $40, slightly less than the standard $45 due to a friend referral. We happily tipped each piercer $5, following the receptionist’s suggestion of 10% of the total cost as a reasonable guideline. Interestingly, this total cost was comparable to, or even slightly less than, what we had paid at Claire’s for Sarah’s piercing.
The piercers mentioned that they don’t actively advertise their ear piercing services, as many parents are unaware that tattoo parlors are a viable – and often safer – option. Their kid- клиенты mainly come through word-of-mouth referrals, often from local moms’ groups. They currently pierce ears for about four children per week, highlighting the growing trend of parents seeking out professional studios for their children’s piercings.
Lucy was thrilled with her piercing experience and, like any child, relieved it was over. For parents considering ear piercing for their children and searching for “piercing tattoo near me,” I hope sharing our experience is helpful. Choosing a reputable tattoo and piercing studio can offer a safer, more professional, and ultimately more positive experience for your child’s first piercing.
If you are in the Louisville area, we highly recommend Twisted Images on Bardstown Road.
Consider sharing your experiences with kids’ ear piercings in the comments below!
P.S. For more on the initial ear piercing decision, you might find this article helpful: Pierced ears and parenting angst. And for broader parenting reflections, check out: girl drama and the central struggle of parenthood.
