In previous generations, girls often used ice to numb the ear lobes and a sewing needle to pierce their ears at home. Unfortunately, unless you have an extraordinarily steady hand and a good eye, this method will likely result in uneven piercings. Nowadays, you can get your ears pierced in many malls and department stores, or you can choose to go to a specialty piercing shop. Department stores generally use the same piercing gun for all customers, and although the piercer does clean it between uses, some plastic parts cannot be completely sterilized. Stand-alone piercing shops use a new hollow needle for each customer, meaning it’s a little more sterile than the piercing guns used in department stores.
Step 1
Go to a department store or piercing shop to have your ears pierced. Do not do it at home or have a friend do it for you. Not only will you increase the likelihood your piercings will come out crooked, you’ll also increase your chances of infection.
Step 2
Talk to the person who will pierce your ears. Don’t stop at talking about piercing placement. Ask questions about the sterilization process the shop uses for its piercing equipment and how to care for your new piercings after you leave.
Step 3
Sit up straight while the person who will pierce your ears cleans the lobes and uses a marker to draw a dot on each ear where the hole will be made.
Step 4
Look at the marks in a mirror prior to piercing. Most piercers will offer you a mirror without you asking. Keep your chin up and your back straight as you check to make sure the marks are level. If they appear crooked, ask to have them wiped off and marked again.
Step 5
Sit still. Don’t flinch when the needle or stud pierces your skin.
Tips and Warnings
- Keep your new piercings clean to avoid uncomfortable and dangerous infections.
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