So the time has arrived. You have made the decision to get your child’s ears pierced – or have finally caved in to their constant begging for beautifully adorned lobes – and you now need to figure the best way to make this happen.
We are here to help you (because we have been there), with some helpful tips for any parent looking to get their child’s ears pierced for the first time, along with a list of the best places in Brisbane to get it done.
Tips for Getting Your Child’s Ears Pierced
When is the right time to get your child’s ears pierced?
There is no right or wrong time to get your child’s ears pierced.
Some parents choose to get their child’s ears pierced when they are a baby, though it is generally more common for children to get their ears pierced a little later, usually prompted by the child asking to get it done.
As there is a maintenance period where they must be cared for afterwards, for some parents this is easier to navigate when kids are old enough to look after and care for their new piercings responsibly.
For most salons the minimum age is six months, although if their lobes are too small this may not be possible.
Parental Consent and ID for Ear Piercing
While you can get your ears pierced at any age in Australia, if you are under the age of 16 a parent or guardian will need to sign a consent form and provide proof of ID (birth certificate) before the service can be done.
Tandem Piercing
Finding a salon that does tandem piercing is a must-have in our opinion, especially when it involves young children.
For most children its exciting to be getting their ears pierced but the quick pain and shock of actually getting it done can mean that when one ear is finished they may not be as eager to get the second one done.
Tandem piercing is when the salon has two piercers do an ear each at exactly the same time. Believe us when we say, this is the best way to go. Be sure to ask if the location you are planning to go to offer this service.
Needle or Not?
There are a number of methods salons may use to do the actual piercing. Some offer the needle, although this cannot be done in tandem and often has a minimum age limit of around 10 years old.
Most places that specialise in children’s ear piercing now use systems that quickly and quietly push a sterilised earring straight through the lobe.
The benefit to needle piercings is having the option of getting pierced with a ring put in from the start. Rings can promote faster healing and is also easier for parents to clean. Rings are also comfortable for babies and small children to sleep in as the jewellery does not have any obstructions. It is a slower process though.
Preparing Your Child for Ear Piercing
It is a good idea to prepare your child well before they get their ears pierced. At the piercing salon they will use a safe stud earring to pierce with, and this is what will stay in your child’s ears for at least the first six weeks. Get them to pick out a colour they like the most. If your child has sensitive skin, choose a salon which offers hypoallergenic jewellery.
Many piercing salons know how daunting piercing can be for both the children and their parents, so they offer some fun extras to make the milestone moment even more memorable. This may include a certificate, a soft toy, or a sweet on completion. Although not necessary, these free extras help make kids even more relaxed (and excited) about getting it done.
Numbing Cream
Some parents say applying a numbing cream (such as Emla) an hour before your child’s appointment can mean they don’t feel anything during the piercing. Have a chat to your piercer about this and maybe ask at your local chemist too to get their recommendation and advice about what you may be able to use.
How Long Does it Take?
Surprisingly, the entire process only takes about 10-15 minutes in the salon, with the actual piercing being mere seconds.
The Post-Piercing Maintenance Period
When you get your ears pierced there is a strict maintenance period of around six weeks which immediately follows the piercing.
During this time you are not allowed to remove the earrings, you are advised not to swim for the first two weeks at least, and you need to apply an antiseptic spray daily to ensure there is no infection.
It is therefore a good idea to consider all of this when working out if you child is ready to get their ears pierced and if there are any specific circumstances or sporting events which will be affected by your inability to remove earrings.
Netball is one such sport where you need to remove jewellery when playing. It might worth getting your piercing done in the off season of your child’s sport.
Places that do Ear Piercing for Kids in Brisbane
Essential Beauty
Locations: Indooroopilly, Chermside and Browns Plains
Essential Beauty has numerous salons in Brisbane and specialise in ear piercings for children. This is one of the most recommended places to go to.
Every Children’s Double Operator Ear Piercing includes hypoallergenic jewellery, Ted the Comfort Bear, bravery certificate and a $10 gift voucher for you to use on your next service! Minimum age is six weeks.
Services: Tandem piercers, minimum age (6 weeks), Contactless Sterilear System, Swarovski earrings in many colours, Hypoallergenic jewellery, needle available.
SkinKandy
Locations: Brisbane City, Carindale, Chermside, Garden City and Logan
SkinKandy specialise in children’s ear piercings and offer a family-friendly, safe and hygienic environment for your child.
Services: Tandem piercing, minimum age (6 months), a range of hypoallergenic earrings in different metals and settings, Needle available.
Cosmetics Plus
Locations: Carindale, Browns Plains, Chermside, Garden City and Loganholme
Cosmetics Plus also do piercing for children at all of their stores. Each child receives a Bravery Certificate upon completion.
Services: Tandem Piercing
Unicorn Piercing Professionals
Locations: Strathpine and Redbank
Unicorn Piercing Professionals specialise in children’s ear piercing. They offer safe professional ear piercing for babies/children aged from six months. They use a single-use procedure which involves a fully disposable cartridge, so no noisy guns.
All children receive a certificate, lolly pop & a unicorn toy. They also have a unicorn cushion children can hug while they get their ears pierced.
Services: Tandem Piercing, minimum age (6 months), Inverness System, a range of hypoallergenic earrings in different metals and settings. Needle available.
Covetear
Location: Fortitude Valley
Treat your child to a VIP Ear Curation Experience. At Covetear, piercing experts will help your child choose their perfect earrings, and once the piercing is complete, they will walk away with a Covetear Keep Box, Tote Bag and Bravery Certificate to keep forever.
Services: Single piercer only, needle only
If you are looking for other family-friendly beauty services in Brisbane you might also enjoy Family Friendly Hairdressers in Brisbane.
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