When it comes to milestones for your children, getting their ears pierced is often a much-anticipated event. Like many parents, you might automatically think of taking your child to a jewelry store or mall kiosk for this procedure. However, have you ever considered a tattoo place? If you’re searching for a “Tattoo Place Near Me,” you might be surprised to learn that these establishments can offer a safer, more professional, and overall better experience for ear piercing, especially for kids.
Like many, my initial thought for my eldest daughter Sarah’s ear piercing was the mall. It was convenient, and seemed like the standard thing to do. She ended up getting her ears pierced at Claire’s, a common choice. While her experience was okay – the piercer was nice, the placement was decent, and it wasn’t too painful – we did encounter a minor infection during healing. Thankfully, everything resolved, but it did make me rethink things for my younger daughter, Lucy.
When Lucy turned eight and wanted her ears pierced for her birthday, I knew I wanted a different approach. Remembering Sarah’s experience and having done a bit more research, the thought of a tattoo parlor kept coming back. It wasn’t the typical path, but something about it felt right. So, instead of searching for the nearest mall, I started looking for a reputable “tattoo place near me” that also offered piercing services.
This time, we bypassed the brightly lit mall kiosks and headed to a professional tattoo parlor. My prior research had prepared me a bit. I understood the importance of proper licensing and sterilization, things I hadn’t fully considered the first time around. We made an appointment in advance and even had the necessary consent forms ready.
Walking into the tattoo parlor with Lucy was a different experience altogether. The lobby was exactly what you might expect: an eclectic mix of people, books filled with tattoo designs, and walls adorned with photos of happy clients showcasing their body art. While we waited, we observed the environment. There were women excitedly discussing floral tattoo ideas and a man consulting with an artist about a detailed back piece. It was a space dedicated to body modification, but in a professional and artistic way.
However, the piercing room itself was far from intimidating. It resembled a doctor’s examination room, clean and sterile, with containers of sterilized equipment neatly arranged. This particular tattoo parlor was in a charming old building, even featuring a fireplace, which added a touch of unexpected warmth to the professional setting.
The piercers we met were incredibly thorough and spent a significant amount of time with us – almost an hour. They started by talking to Lucy, explaining the process in a way she could understand. Then, they meticulously sterilized her ears. Instead of just eyeballing the placement like at Claire’s, they used professional calipers to ensure precise and symmetrical placement for the earrings.
What you need to know about getting your kid
Alt text: A parent and child in a tattoo parlor getting ears pierced, emphasizing the professional environment and care involved in ear piercing at a tattoo place.
They explained their piercing method, which was vastly different from the piercing guns used at Claire’s. They used a sterile hypodermic needle to create a clean hole, followed by the insertion of the earring. This method is considered much gentler and more hygienic than piercing guns, which can be difficult to sterilize and can cause blunt force trauma to the ear tissue. They even practiced the breathing technique with Lucy to help her stay calm. (1… 2… 3… go!). Because there were two trained piercers available, they were able to pierce both of Lucy’s ears simultaneously. This meant, as Lucy put it, “it only hurt a little, and only once!”
We were fortunate to be in a parlor with experienced piercers. One had been piercing for twenty years, with fifteen years specifically piercing children’s ears, and the other was a year into her apprenticeship and also trained in piercing kids since January. Their expertise was evident in their calm demeanor and professional approach.
The aftercare instructions were also a stark contrast to our first experience. Instead of twisting and turning the earrings, which we were told to do at Claire’s, they advised us to simply leave them alone and spray them with saline solution twice a day. They explained that twisting can actually disrupt the healing process. We were also given clear instructions to call or email anytime with questions – a direct line to the experienced piercer’s cell phone, available 24/7. This level of support and accessibility felt incredibly reassuring.
Surprisingly, the cost was comparable, even slightly less, than our mall experience. Lucy’s piercing was $40 (discounted from $45 because of a referral), and we tipped the piercers $5 each, following the receptionist’s suggestion of 10% of the total cost. This was a little under what we paid at Claire’s, highlighting that professional piercing doesn’t necessarily mean a higher price tag.
The piercers mentioned that they don’t actively advertise their ear piercing services. Many parents are simply unaware that a tattoo parlor is a viable, and often superior, option. Their kid clients mainly come from referrals, largely through moms’ groups. They typically pierce ears for around four children each week, indicating a steady stream of informed parents seeking out their services.
Lucy was thrilled with her entire experience, feeling brave and well-cared for. For parents considering ear piercing for their children and typing “tattoo place near me” into their search bar, I hope our experience sheds light on why a tattoo parlor can be an excellent, and perhaps even the best, choice. It’s about prioritizing safety, professionalism, and a positive experience for your child.
If you are in the Louisville area, we highly recommend Twisted Images on Bardstown Road.
What are your experiences with kids getting their ears pierced? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
