Like many parents, when my eldest daughter Sarah wanted her ears pierced, my first thought was the mall. Claire’s, with its bright colors and promise of quick, relatively painless piercing, seemed like the obvious choice. It was only afterwards that I realized I might have overlooked a better, safer, and more professional option: a tattoo shop. While Sarah’s experience at Claire’s was okay – the piercer was kind, the placement was decent – the healing process was a bit bumpy with a minor infection. This got me thinking that for my younger daughter, Lucy, I wanted to explore alternatives.
When Lucy’s eighth birthday rolled around and ear piercing was on her wishlist (surprisingly, Sarah’s idea, wanting to spare Lucy the anticipation anxiety!), I knew exactly where we were headed: a tattoo parlor. This time, armed with a bit of research from the first go-around, I felt more prepared, even though I’d never actually stepped inside a tattoo shop before.
Our visit to Twisted Images was nothing like the brightly lit, bubblegum-scented experience at Claire’s. The lobby had a different vibe altogether – a diverse crowd, portfolios showcasing intricate tattoo art, and walls adorned with photos of happy, inked and pierced clients. While waiting, we observed the environment: women admiring botanical tattoos, a man discussing his back piece with an artist. It was clear this was a place of artistry and serious body modification, a far cry from the retail environment we were used to.
However, stepping into the piercing room was unexpected. It resembled a doctor’s exam room, albeit a more stylish one with a fireplace, a testament to the building’s history. Lucy sat on an examination-style table, and the walls were lined with sterilized equipment, looking more like a nurse’s station than a tattoo parlor.
The piercers at Twisted Images dedicated almost an hour to us. It wasn’t a rushed, in-and-out procedure. They started with a thorough consultation, followed by meticulous sterilization of Lucy’s ears. Instead of just eyeballing the placement, they used professional calipers to ensure precise and even positioning for the earrings.
Then came the explanation of their piercing method, vastly different from the piercing guns used at places like Claire’s. They use a sterile hypodermic needle to create a clean hole, followed by the insertion of the earring. They walked Lucy through the breathing technique, even doing a practice run (“1… 2… 3… go!”) before the actual piercing. The fact that Twisted Images had two trained piercers meant they could pierce both of Lucy’s ears simultaneously – a definite bonus in minimizing any discomfort. And Lucy confirmed it – “it only hurt a little.”
Aftercare instructions were clear and simple: avoid touching the piercings and clean them twice daily with saline solution. No twisting or turning, which they explained could actually hinder the healing process. Reassuringly, they emphasized their availability for any questions or concerns, offering a 24/7 contact via email directly to the experienced piercer’s cell phone.
The cost was surprisingly comparable, if not slightly less, than our Claire’s experience. Lucy’s piercing was $40 (a referral discount!), and tipping the piercers $5 each, based on the receptionist’s recommendation of 10% of the total cost, felt appropriate for the level of service and expertise.
Interestingly, the piercers mentioned they don’t actively advertise their ear piercing services, especially for children. Many parents are simply unaware that tattoo shops are a viable, and arguably superior, option for ear piercing. Their clientele for kids’ piercings mainly comes from word-of-mouth referrals, often from moms’ groups. They typically see about four children a week for ear piercings, highlighting the growing awareness among informed parents.
Lucy’s tattoo shop piercing experience was overwhelmingly positive. For parents considering ear piercing for their children, understanding that tattoo shops offer a safe, professional, and surprisingly accessible alternative to mall kiosks is crucial. Consider venturing beyond the expected and explore the expertise available at your local tattoo shop for a better piercing experience.
