How To Get Ear Piercing Tips

Ear piercing has been around for centuries, and many children are pierced at birth.  Some people choose to wait until much later in life, or get their ears pierced in a variety of ways to make a statement, fashion or otherwise.  No one wants to end up with an piercing infection, which can be very painful and sometimes even scarring, so here are some tips to make sure you get the best piercings and care for them properly.

First, do some research to see who professionally pierces ears in your area.  Tattoo parlors can also specialize in piercing, and not just lobe but unusual, exotic ear piercings, as well, depending on what you're looking for.  Jewelry stores sometimes offer piercing with a purchase of their jewelry. 

No matter where you decide to get pierced, make sure the shop uses individual, sterile equipment for each piercing, or that they have an autoclave machine to clean stainless steel tools after each use.  Ask to see certification from the Board of Health if necessary; every piercer needs to meet the health code for equipment and shop conditions.

Once you've settled on a piercer and have chosen the type of piercing you'd like, ask if they provide a topical anesthetic if you're very nervous. Some piercers offer this option as part of their services, numbing the site to be pierced for the ultimate comfort of the customer.  When it's time to be pierced, make sure the person delivering the piercing wears gloves and that you've seen their equipment come out of the package or from the autoclave.  Reusing equipment that hasn't been properly sterilized can lead to infection and unwanted disease.  

Be very still when it comes time to be pierced, and follow any instructions the piercer might have for you, such as breathing techniques or being sure to not make any sudden movements. Distractions for the piercer can cause the procedure to not go correctly.

After the piercing, there is a lot of care involved to make sure your ear doesn't become infected.  Piercers will provide a solution to clean the ears.  This needs to be applied with a cotton swab or cotton ball after showers, after any activity that results in sweating, and several times in between.  Piercings need to be rotated at least twice a day to keep the skin from the puncture wound from growing over the jewelry.  Be careful of hairbrushes and clothing, and don't touch the piercing unless absolutely necessary; this will help keep dirt from being transferred.