How to Get Ears Pierced

Getting your ears pierced is a traditional rite of passage in American society; however, the types of ear piercings and piercing techniques are changing every day. It's a good idea to know what you want and how to get it, before you go to the piercing shop.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Choose a reputable piercing shop which is clean, offers a variety of jewelry styles and hires experienced piercers. Visit the shop and get a feel for the place before you make a final decision. Question piercers about their experience and ask to see their certification.
2. Get your ears pierced with a needle and not with the traditional piercing gun. A piercing gun literally forces a metal rod through your ear, tearing the skin and causing more pain than is necessary. Piercing needles have sharp hollow points which pierce cleanly through the skin to remove a piece of tissue. Piercings done with needles are less susceptible to infection, heal faster, hurt less and allow your jewelry to rest comfortably in your ears.
3. Choose the type of jewelry you want for your piercing, as whatever you choose will be in your ear for at least three months. More complicated piercings are more difficult for jewelry changes, and require extra consideration when selecting jewelry. If you want to change your jewelry out later, ask the piercing shop how to do it, or visit the shop and allow a professional to change the jewelry.
4. Follow your piercer's after care instructions to the letter, and do not hesitate to call him for help or advice if your piercing gives you problems while healing.