Deciding to get a piercing, especially for your child’s first ear piercing, is a big decision. Like many parents, you might initially think of jewelry kiosks in malls. However, for a truly safe, hygienic, and professional experience, more and more people are turning to tattoo shops. If you’re searching for “Tattoo Shops That Do Piercings Near Me,” you’re on the right track to finding a higher standard of care for your piercing needs.
Why Choose Tattoo Shops for Piercings?
Tattoo shops, also known as tattoo parlors or body art studios, often offer piercing services alongside their tattoo artistry. But why choose a tattoo shop over a general jewelry store? The answer lies in their commitment to safety, hygiene, and expertise.
Sterilization and Hygiene: A Top Priority
Professional tattoo shops adhere to strict sterilization protocols that often surpass those of general retailers. They utilize autoclaves to sterilize their equipment, ensuring that every needle and piece of jewelry that touches your skin is free from bacteria and viruses. This focus on hygiene significantly reduces the risk of infection, a common concern with piercings done in less regulated environments.
Experienced and Trained Piercers
Piercers in tattoo shops are professionals who have undergone extensive training in body piercing techniques, safety standards, and aftercare. Unlike staff at mall kiosks who may receive minimal training, professional piercers possess in-depth knowledge of anatomy and best practices to ensure accurate placement and minimize complications. They can also provide expert advice on different types of piercings, jewelry materials, and aftercare routines.
Proper Techniques and Equipment
Tattoo shops use single-use needles and professional piercing tools designed for precision and safety. They avoid piercing guns, which are often used in mall settings and are known to cause tissue damage and are difficult to sterilize properly. Professional piercers use sharp, sterile needles to create a clean puncture, resulting in less trauma to the skin and a smoother healing process.
My Personal Experience: A Tattoo Shop Piercing for My Daughter
When my younger daughter, Lucy, turned eight and wanted her ears pierced, I knew I wanted a different experience than the one we had with my older daughter at a mall jewelry store. While that experience was okay, I felt like there was a better, safer option out there. That’s when I started looking into tattoo shops that offered piercing services.
Upon entering the tattoo shop, the atmosphere was immediately different. It wasn’t the brightly lit, bustling environment of a mall kiosk. Instead, it had a more professional and calm vibe. While waiting, we observed other clients – a diverse group getting tattoos and piercings, clearly indicating this was a place of serious body art.
When it was Lucy’s turn, we were led to a private piercing room that resembled a doctor’s exam room in its cleanliness and organization. The walls were lined with sterilized equipment, reinforcing the focus on hygiene. The two piercers spent considerable time with us, first discussing the procedure and answering all our questions. They meticulously sterilized Lucy’s ears and used calipers to ensure precise placement of the piercings.
The piercing method itself was also different from what I had seen before. They used a sterile hypodermic needle to create the piercing hole, followed by inserting the earring. They explained every step to Lucy, making her feel comfortable and in control. Having two piercers allowed them to pierce both ears simultaneously, minimizing any discomfort for Lucy. She even commented that it “only hurt a little.”
The aftercare instructions were clear and simple: keep the area clean with saline solution twice a day and avoid touching the piercings unnecessarily. There was no mention of twisting or turning the earrings, which they explained could actually hinder healing. We were given a 24/7 contact number to reach the experienced piercer directly if we had any concerns – a level of support you wouldn’t typically find at a mall kiosk.
The cost was slightly more than the mall piercing, but considering the expertise, hygiene, and overall professional experience, it felt entirely worth it. It was reassuring to know we were prioritizing Lucy’s safety and well-being by choosing a reputable tattoo shop.
Infographic: Choosing Tattoo Shops for Safe and Professional Ear Piercings Near You
Finding “Tattoo Shops That Do Piercings Near Me”
Now that you understand the benefits, how do you find reputable “tattoo shops that do piercings near me”? Here are some effective strategies:
Online Search Strategies
Start with a simple online search using the phrase “tattoo shops that do piercings near me” on search engines like Google, Bing, or DuckDuckGo. This will bring up local tattoo studios that offer piercing services. Utilize online maps like Google Maps to visually locate studios in your vicinity and see their proximity to your location.
Check Online Reviews and Portfolios
Once you have a list of potential tattoo shops, delve deeper into their online presence. Read reviews on Google, Yelp, Facebook, and other review platforms to gauge customer experiences regarding their piercing services, hygiene standards, and piercer professionalism. Many tattoo shops also showcase their work on websites and social media, allowing you to assess the quality of their piercings and overall studio environment.
Consultation and Questions
Before making a decision, consider visiting a few tattoo shops in person. This allows you to assess the cleanliness of the studio, observe their sterilization practices, and speak directly with the piercers. Don’t hesitate to ask about their experience, training, sterilization procedures, jewelry options, and aftercare instructions. A reputable tattoo shop will be happy to answer your questions and address any concerns you may have.
Conclusion
For a safe, hygienic, and professional piercing experience, especially for children’s ear piercings or more complex body piercings, tattoo shops offer a superior alternative to mall kiosks and general retailers. By searching for “tattoo shops that do piercings near me” and doing a little research, you can find a skilled and reputable piercer in your area who prioritizes your safety and provides expert care. Choosing a tattoo shop for your piercing needs is an investment in quality, safety, and peace of mind.
