Needle vs. Piercing Gun: What Parents Should Know Before Their Child’s First Ear Piercing
Updated: 5 days ago
They've been asking forever.
Maybe your daughter has watched her friends get their ears pierced, points out earrings every time you're shopping, or has finally convinced you that she's ready.
Getting those first earrings can feel like a pretty big deal when you're little, and honestly, these are some of my favorite appointments. Kids usually come in really excited because they've been dying to get their ears pierced, sometimes for a long time. They get to pick out their earrings, they're excited to finally have them, and you can tell they feel just a little bit older.
They're usually a little nervous too, and that's completely normal. We take our time.
Why I Use a Sterile, Single-Use Needle
I don't use a piercing gun at Lily Jayne Spa. Every piercing is done with a new, sterile, single-use piercing needle that's opened for that client and used only once.
I prefer piercing needles because they're extremely sharp and designed specifically for piercing. Piercing guns work differently, using pressure to force the jewelry through the tissue. For me, using a sterile single-use needle gives me more control and provides the clean, careful piercing experience I want for my clients... especially when that client is someone's little girl.
What If Your Child is Nervous?
Totally normal. I've pierced clients from around five years old through adults in their 40s, although I probably see teenagers the most. Before I do anything, I'll explain what's happening and make sure they're ready.
I usually tell kids, “You're going to feel a pinch.” I'm not going to pretend they won't feel anything, but I also don't want to make it scarier than it needs to be. Even afterward, I'm careful about how I talk to them. If there's a little blood, I'm definitely not going to announce, “You're bleeding!” to a nervous kid. I'll simply say, “I'm just going to clean up a little fluid here,” take care of it, and keep things calm.
Those little things matter. I want kids to leave thinking about their awesome new earrings, not about being scared.
First Piercings, Second Piercings, and Mom Too
First lobe piercings are really fun, but I also do a lot of second piercings, especially for teens. Sometimes it's her first pair. Sometimes she's finally talked Mom into letting her get her seconds. And sometimes Mom decides she wants another piercing while she's here too.
Whatever we're doing, I'm not interested in rushing someone through the chair. We'll make sure the placement looks right, talk through what's going to happen, and make sure you're ready before we pierce. Then comes my favorite part: you get to look in the mirror. That's usually when the nervousness disappears.
The Piercing Is Quick. Aftercare Takes Longer.
This is probably the biggest thing I wish every parent knew before coming in: you have to take care of the piercing afterward.
I'll send you home with detailed aftercare instructions so you know what to do. Keeping the piercing clean with sterile saline is an important part of the healing process. You'll also want to avoid swimming or submerging a healing piercing in pools, lakes, hot tubs, and other bodies of water while it's healing.
I carry sterile saline aftercare spray at Lily Jayne Spa for $8 if you'd like to grab one before you leave. And if you're unsure about something afterward, ask me. I'd much rather have you reach out with a question than sit at home worrying about it.
How Much Is a Lobe Piercing?
Lobe piercing appointments at Lily Jayne Spa are $65, which includes the piercing and jewelry. You'll also leave with detailed instructions for taking care of your new piercings at home.
Ready for Those Earrings?
If your child has been asking you over and over when she can finally get her ears pierced, let’s make it happen.
Whether it’s her very first pair, she’s ready for her second lobes, or Mom decides she wants another piercing too, we’ll take our time, answer your questions, and make sure everyone feels comfortable before we get started.
Lobe piercing appointments at Lily Jayne Spa in Herriman are $65 and include jewelry, with sterile saline aftercare spray available for $8.
Ready to book?
Not quite ready yet? That’s okay. If you have questions about your child’s piercing, jewelry, or what to expect, reach out to Crystal before booking. I’m happy to help.
— CrystalLily Jayne Spa
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