Like many parents, my first thought when my eldest daughter, Sarah, wanted her ears pierced was to head to the mall. Claire’s, with its bright displays and promise of quick, seemingly painless piercings, was the obvious choice. It was only afterward that I realized I might have overlooked a better, more professional option: Tattoo Piercing Shops. While Sarah’s experience at Claire’s was fine – the piercer was kind, placement was good, and discomfort minimal – her ears did get a little infected during healing. This experience planted a seed of doubt and curiosity in my mind, leading me to explore alternatives for my younger daughter, Lucy.
When Lucy’s eighth birthday rolled around and she expressed interest in ear piercings, I knew I wanted to do things differently. Inspired by a desire to provide a safer and potentially more comfortable experience, and perhaps influenced by Sarah’s surprisingly supportive stance (she actually encouraged going to a tattoo shop to spare Lucy the pre-piercing anxiety she had felt!), I decided to venture into the world of tattoo piercing shops.
My prior experience, albeit limited to research, proved invaluable. I remembered reading about the benefits of professional piercing and the importance of hygiene, which led me to consider tattoo shops. Even though I had never personally been inside one, I armed myself with a signed and notarized consent form and scheduled an appointment at a reputable local tattoo parlor well in advance.
Stepping into the tattoo shop for Lucy’s appointment was a different experience altogether. The lobby was a vibrant mix of people, a testament to the diverse clientele these establishments serve. Instead of jewelry displays, there were albums showcasing intricate tattoo designs, and the walls were adorned with photographs of satisfied customers sporting impressive body art. While we waited, we observed the shop’s atmosphere: two women in their thirties animatedly discussed botanical tattoo ideas, and a young man consulted with an artist about adding to his back piece, scheduling a lengthy future session. This was clearly a place of artistry and serious body modification.
However, the piercing room itself was a stark contrast to the lobby’s edgy vibe. It resembled a doctor’s exam room, clean and sterile, albeit with the unexpected charm of a fireplace – a reminder that this tattoo parlor was housed in a beautifully converted old building. Lucy sat on an examination-style table, and the walls were lined with containers holding sterilized instruments, much like a nurse’s station. This immediately put me at ease, reinforcing the sense of professionalism I was seeking.
What you need to know about getting your kid
The piercers, two highly trained professionals, dedicated almost an hour to our appointment. We started with a thorough consultation, followed by the meticulous sterilization of Lucy’s ears. They used specialized calipers to precisely mark the piercing points, ensuring accurate and symmetrical placement. What impressed me most was their commitment to communication. They patiently explained every step of the process to Lucy, detailing how their method differed from the piercing guns used at places like Claire’s. They emphasized the use of a sterile hypodermic needle to create a clean piercing before inserting the earring. They even coached Lucy on breathing techniques and did a practice run to alleviate her anxiety. Because this particular tattoo piercing shop had two piercers, they were able to pierce both of Lucy’s ears simultaneously. This meant a single, brief moment of discomfort – which Lucy described as just “a little” pinch.
The aftercare instructions provided were clear, simple, and focused on hygiene and minimal interference. We were told to avoid touching the piercings and to clean them twice daily with saline solution. I was surprised to learn that twisting or turning the earrings was discouraged, as it could disrupt the healing process. Reassuringly, we were given a 24/7 contact option: we could call with any concerns or email the experienced piercer directly on her cell phone.
The cost was also surprisingly comparable, if not slightly less, than our Claire’s experience. Lucy’s piercing was $40 (a friend referral saved us $5 off the standard $45), and I tipped each of the piercers $5, following the receptionist’s suggestion of a 10% tip.
Interestingly, the piercers mentioned that they don’t actively advertise their ear piercing services. They find that most parents are simply unaware that tattoo piercing shops are a viable, and often superior, option for children’s piercings. Their clientele for kids’ piercings comes primarily from word-of-mouth referrals, particularly within moms’ groups. They typically perform around four kids’ ear piercings per week, indicating a steady demand driven by informed parents.
Lucy was thrilled with her experience, relieved that it was over, and proudly sporting her new earrings. For parents contemplating ear piercings for their children, I wholeheartedly recommend considering tattoo piercing shops. They offer a level of professionalism, hygiene, and expertise that surpasses typical mall kiosks, potentially leading to a safer, more comfortable, and ultimately better experience for your child. If you are in the Louisville area, we had a wonderful experience at Twisted Images on Bardstown Road.
Inspired by: Pierced ears and parenting angst
