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Want to get your ears pierced, but you're too scared? It may seem scary, but in fact getting your ears pierced is perfectly safe and not that painful. Knowing what to expect, thoroughly researching and planning your piercing, and coming up with ways to help yourself relax throughout the piercing will help you approach it calmly and reasonably. You'll find that you get through it safely and happily, and you'll wonder why you were so nervous to begin with!
Steps
Section 2 of 3:
Tips for Handling Piercing Anxiety
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Talk to your piercer. When you go into the piercing studio, let them know you're a little nervous. Have them walk you through the process, explain what they're doing and why, and answer any questions or worries you might have. They might offer you a comfortable chair or a glass of water. Chances are most of the people getting piercings are a little nervous, so they'll know exactly how to make you feel better.
- It might help to ask the piercer if they can pierce both of your ears at the same time so that you can get it over with faster. Know that it will be over soon, and the pain will be over.
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Focus on something else to take your mind off the piercing. Read a book or magazine. Gossip with your friend, or get to know your piercer a little. Chat about your weekend plans, what's going on in school, that great movie you just saw -- talk about anything but the piercing. Thinking about other things will help you calm down enough to get through the piercing.
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Stay positive. Focus on the best part of getting your ears pierced -- think about how you'll look with your new earrings! When it comes to the actual piercing, don't think about the pain or the stress. Instead, tell yourself that you can do it, you will get through it. If you do this enough, you'll find that it becomes true.
- Friends are great for this. Ask your friend to help you stay positive and to periodically remind you how great having your pierced ears will be.
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Joke about the piercing. Your friend can help you approach the piercing with a sense of humor. Laughing is a key way to reduce stress and calm you down, so whether you're laughing about the piercing itself or about an unrelated story your friend tells you, it will help you relax. Joking about the piercing will make it seem less daunting, which will help you approach it more calmly and easily. [1] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
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Community Q&A
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QuestionI'm really scared to get my ears pierced. I read the comments, and it doesn't really hurt when I get shots. Is it similar to ear piercing?Elana VanderbiltCommunity AnswerIf you don't mind shots, ear piercing will be nothing. You can do it! It will sting a little and be really warm, but it only lasts a minute.
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QuestionWhat should you do if you're sensitive to pain?Community AnswerTry not to think about it too much and as recommended, have someone with you so you can squeeze their hand, or carry an item that you can interact with.
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QuestionI am 10 years old and afraid of needles. I am really frightened about getting my ears pierced. How can I feel better?Community AnswerTo prep a little bit, pinch your ears with your nails a few days before. That will give you an idea on how it will feel. Once you find a place that you (and your parents) are comfortable with, have the piercer walk you through the process without showing you the needles. Most piercers have you breathe in then as you breathe out they put the needle through.
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Tips
- Know that you will be okay. It may hurt, but not very much and not for very long. All the pain will be worth it.Thanks
- Bring a supportive friend, preferably one who has piercings.Thanks
- Do your research before getting your ears pierced.Thanks
Tips from our Readers
The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
- Bring a friend/family member to support you. Maybe you can even bring a stress ball to help you get through it.
- Ask if the place you're getting your ears pierced has ice packs so you can numb your ear to dull the pain.
- Ask the person to count down to when they'll pierce your ear, so they don't surprise you.
- If you need a minute between each ear, don't be afraid to ask.
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Warnings
- There is always a risk for infection when piercing, so do your research and take precautions to keep yourself safe.Thanks
- If you're prone to getting infections or have gotten an infection in the past, ask your doctor if getting your ears pierced will put you at risk for getting another infection.Thanks
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References
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/stress-relief/art-20044456
- ↑ https://healthfully.com/126594-alternatives-pierced-ears.html
- ↑ https://hudabeauty.com/10-things-need-know-get-next-piercing/
- ↑ https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/how-to-pick-a-tattoo-shop
- ↑ http://www.ncsl.org/research/health/tattooing-and-body-piercing.aspx
- ↑ https://hudabeauty.com/10-things-need-know-get-next-piercing/
- ↑ https://authoritytattoo.com/getting-your-ears-pierced/
- ↑ https://authoritytattoo.com/getting-your-ears-pierced/
About This Article
Article Summary
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Getting an ear piercing may seem scary, but you can stay calm by doing some research and learning some relaxation techniques. Before you get your piercing, look online at the risks and responsibilities that come with having a piercing and find a shop that’s approved by the Association of Professional Piercers. This way, you’ll be able to mitigate any of the risks that might be scaring you. When you have the piercing done, bring a friend or family member whose hand you can hold or talk with to keep your mind off of the piercing. Focus on breathing deeply, which will physically force your body to calm down, making the stress easier to deal with. For more help, including how to let your piercer know you’re nervous, read on.
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Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 436,175 times.
Reader Success Stories
- "I went to Claire's with my mom and a few friends and their mom's to get ear piercings. As I watched them get pierced, I started getting nervous to do this. But I remembered reading this article and started calming down. I ended up getting two lobe piercings in each ear and two cartilage piercings in my left ear. It didn't hurt too bad and felt like a sharp pinch.Thanks for an awesome article. It really helped me." ..." more
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"I went to Claire's with my mom and a few friends and their mom's to get ear piercings. As I watched them get pierced, I started getting nervous to do this. But I remembered reading this article and started calming down. I ended up getting two lobe piercings in each ear and two cartilage piercings in my left ear. It didn't hurt too bad and felt like a sharp pinch.Thanks for an awesome article. It really helped me."
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"I am getting my ears pierced at Claire's and this article gave me the confidence to do it. The parts about distracting yourself helped me the most. I am still a little scared about the pain though. I know that people way younger than me get it done, but I'm still scared. I'm just gonna force myself to walk in there and do it. "
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"I was terrified of needles and afraid that I wouldn't be capable of managing the pain. I followed everything that was written down, and I hardly felt any pain at all! Thank you so much for helping me get over my fear of ear piercings!"
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"I am 12 years old and I have been dying to get my ears pierced. My mother told me I had to wait until I was 13, but we decided now is a good time. I've just been so nervous, but now I think I'm ready, thanks to this article!"
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"I am getting my ears pierced soon and I was very worried about it, but now that I've read the not freaking out piece, I'm really positive about getting my ears pierced. This article really helped me!"
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