Best service, hygiene and price for ear piercing

SuperMum2008

Hi, have finally reached that momentous stage in life where child no. 1 would like their ears pierced.

I am in a state of panic, having had mine pierced at 16 and passing out shortly afterwards.

Can anyone recommend somewhere in Belfast city centre or in Holywood that is safe, clean, private and a reasonable price for ear piercing.

I don't really like the idea of sitting in the window of a kids jewellery and accessories shop where everyone can see (me passing out out again! ).

Thankyou!

warmhands.coldheart

many many moons ago when I was young my cousin pierced my ears with little more than a Sewing Needle, Cigerette Lighter & 2 Ice Cubes.... When I was older, and going through my stupid uni years, I asisted in a friends piercing with just the ear ring & a pair of Pliers from his toolbox oh and a bottle of whisky.. I know it's of little help to you but thought I'd share it anyway!!

Some of the Tattoo Places would do piercing I'd imagine if you wanted a bit more privacy but it would probably be a big Hairy Biker type doing it..... Might take your mind of the actual piercing though!! lol..

SuperMum2008

LOL!!! Its for my 11 year old child so not sure I want to show her the delights of a tattoo parlour just yet!!!!!!!! I had a friend who pierced her nose with a needle and frozen sausage.....

Lobell

I would strongly advise only going to a piercing parlour (or a tattoo one that also offers piercing). Piercing should not be done with a gun...not only are the places that do it this was not always the most hygienic of places (like hardressers & shops such as Claires Accessories), but the gun used cannot be sterilised in the way that a needle can. They make a big deal about producing a little sterile pack of earrings and then insert them straight into a a bit of plastic that is harbouring the blood & tissue fragments of god knows how many punters that have gone before. The gun is also far more likely to cause trauma to the tissue which is more painful and takes longer to heal.

I've had several piercings with a gun (before I knew better) and, latterly, by professional piercers and the only ones that hurt and were problematic were the ones done with a gun.

warmhands.coldheart

SuperMum2008 wrote: »

frozen sausage.....

Frozen sausage..... Hmmm thats a new one on me !!:rotfl::rotfl:

SuperMum2008

Lobell wrote: »

I would strongly advise only going to a piercing parlour (or a tattoo one that also offers piercing). Piercing should not be done with a gun...not only are the places that do it this was not always the most hygienic of places (like hardressers & shops such as Claires Accessories), but the gun used cannot be sterilised in the way that a needle can. They make a big deal about producing a little sterile pack of earrings and then insert them straight into a a bit of plastic that is harbouring the blood & tissue fragments of god knows how many punters that have gone before. The gun is also far more likely to cause trauma to the tissue which is more painful and takes longer to heal.

I've had several piercings with a gun (before I knew better) and, latterly, by professional piercers and the only ones that hurt and were problematic were the ones done with a gun.

Thanks Lobell - what is the alternative to the gun? I was reading on Claires accessories website about the sterile pack, and was definitely convinced that it sounded the most sterile way, but if they are using them as you say it would put me off right away!
Anyone else got any ideas of where I could go? Im really against a tattoo parlour.

rjh090384

the alternative to the gun is a sterile needle it is much more accurate and less traumatic. i dont know of any professional piercings personally that icould recommend that wasnt a tattoo place. belfast city skinworks is where i had my piercings done and they are so professional but as i said tattoo's done there too

SuperMum2008

Was on the Skinworks website and it looks pretty good. Might take a wander round there myself first! Am tempted by a tattoo aswell...just a very tiny one somewhere un-painful (!!)...but I am a real weed about these sorts of things. Anyway thanks for all your advice so far!

BOBS

I took my girls to Claire's accessories - they were a good bit more expensive than the local beauticians. My reason for choosing was that two girls worked together and did both ears at the same time with two separate guns - means that it is over and done in one go. I was scared that they would get one ear done and then be scared to get second one done. Neither of them complained about the pain it was over very quickly and the girls were excellent and gave them full cleaning advice and bottle of cleaning solution and brought them back ? 6 or 9 weeks later to check them.

I know lots of beauticians also do piercings too if you want to pay less than Claires.

berniesmaster

when i was in my teens, i pierced my ear 6 times and my nose just by ramming a earing in!! (not painting the best picture of myself!!) now im in my 30s, the very thought makes me cringe!! what was i thinking!!
cant recomend anyone, but good luck x

anotherginger

SuperMum2008 wrote: »

Was on the Skinworks website and it looks pretty good. Might take a wander round there myself first! Am tempted by a tattoo aswell...just a very tiny one somewhere un-painful (!!)...but I am a real weed about these sorts of things. Anyway thanks for all your advice so far!

in my experience i would say defintely go to a tattoo /piercing place rather than a shop like claires. needles are much better than guns. guns compact the area leaving a longer healing time and are more prone to infections. also guns are less likely to be effectively cleaned, and at least you know the needle is only going to be used on you.

i went to skinworks when i was 15 (10 years ago!) to get my nose peirced, they did everything properly, checked id, made sure my guardian was my guardian etc.

i have also had really good service at the place in in-shops.

if anywhere says they are using a gun i would stay well clear!!