Q&A for How to Decide Whether or Not to Get Your Ears Pierced

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Does ear piercing hurt?

Community Answer

Not much, for most people. It feels like a sharp pinch, but after a few seconds the pain eases off.

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Question

After my ear piercings heal, do I have to wash my hands before touching or changing my earrings?

さいちょう

Community Answer

It's not a must, but it is recommended to wash your hands before touching or changing earrings to avoid bacteria and getting an infection.

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Question

Is it painful to sleep with studs?

Community Answer

Sleeping with studs in can be painful, but is a very minor pain. If you are sleeping with studs, try not to put too much pressure on your ears.

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Question

I am sort of nervous to get my ears pierced; if I am nervous will it hurt more?

Community Answer

No, I'm 9 and got mine done a couple weeks ago and I did not flinch. I was really worried but just forget about it and think about the nice earrings you can put in once you have them done.

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Question

I'm thinking about getting my ears pierced. I'm really nervous about getting an infection. How common is it that infections happen in ear lobe piercing?

Community Answer

If you clean your ears and take care of them, there is a very slim chance of getting an infection.

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Question

How long will it take before I can sleep without studs?

Community Answer

You can change the jewelry after 6-8 weeks, so after that time, you can sleep without wearing them.

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Question

Will getting my ears pierced hurt?

Community Answer

No, but it will sting for a few seconds. Be sure to take proper care of your piercing afterwards, as infections do hurt.

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Question

My dad made me a deal: If I wear and enjoy a magnetic one until January 2017, he'll get me a real one. But where are some places I should look for as a guy?

Community Answer

Your best bet would be to get them online. Also, if you don't mind, you could go into a place such as Claire's and get them.

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Question

I am a 76-year-old female. Is it safe to have my ears pierced?

Community Answer

Yes.

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Question

How do I look after my ears after I have had them pierced?

Community Answer

See How to Care for Newly Pierced Ears .

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Question

I have really thick, curly hair. Will it get caught?

Community Answer

No, many people with thick curly hair wear earrings.

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Question

Where can you get your ear pierced?

Community Answer

At most jewelry stores, as well as tattoo/piercing parlors.

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Question

After six weeks, can I take my earrings out at night so I don't have to sleep with them in?

Community Answer

You should keep them in so the holes don't close, and to prevent infection. You may wear new earrings after six weeks.

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Question

How much does it hurt, on a scale from 1 to 10, 1 being the least and 10 being the worst? With a needle, do you know how to make it painless?

Jazmyn Lowen

Community Answer

It depends on a person's pain threshold. But generally, it doesn't hurt much at all. More than a pinch, but it only lasts a second. You can bite a cloth, sleeve, etc., during the piercing process to release the tension.

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Question

If I don't like the earrings Claire's has to offer, and there is no other shop that does piercings. What should I do?

Community Answer

Many tattoo studios do piercings as well. Otherwise, you could just deal with the Claire's earrings for the healing period, and then you can wear any earrings you'd like.

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Question

Can I take a shower with my earrings in?

Community Answer

Yes, you can especially if they are still healing.

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Question

Can I put the earring back past the safe line after my piercing heals? Can I wear more than one type of earring for the next six months?

Community Answer

Leave starter jewelry in for the amount of time the piercer said it takes to heal; after that, you can start switching out for different jewelry.

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Question

How do I get an infection from earrings and is it common?

Community Answer

Infections from piercings are normally from bacteria getting into the hole, but these can be avoided by regularly cleaning your ears and not touching the earrings without cleaning your hands first.

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Question

Will it hurt when I take my piercings out for the first time?

Community Answer

It may feel tight or like there is some pressure, but it should not hurt to take the piercings out for the first time ever.

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Question

Does the gun hurt more, or the needle?

Elana Vanderbilt

Community Answer

The gun is more intense, but it's quicker. The needle is less intense, but it takes longer. It's up to you!

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Question

Which piercers can you trust?

Community Answer

Claire's great for earlobe piercings. Any tattoo/piercing shop will be licensed and well qualified to pierce you as well.

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Question

Can my ears squirt out pus after an infection?

Community Answer

Your ears will probably not "squirt" out pus when you have your ears pierced, even if they get infected, but they can leak pus when infected.

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Question

What are the best methods for sleeping with newly pierced ears so it won't hurt?

Community Answer

When I had just gotten my ears pierced, I slept on a soft pillow and put my hair in a ponytail (I have long hair) so that it wouldn't get tangled in my earring. Sleep on your back if you can.

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Question

Is 14 a good age for a boy to get their lobes pierced?

Community Answer

If you're responsible, ready for it, your parents agree, and it's not against your school rules, yes, that is a reasonable age.

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Question

Does the pain depend on what kind of earrings I get?

Community Answer

Maybe, if you have sensitive skin and you get a cheap material, then it might slow down the healing, or if you are allergic to a certain type of metal it might cause problems, but in most cases the answer is no.

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Question

How long does the pain last?

Community Answer

It is usually just a quick pinch, unless it gets infected.

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Question

Where is the best place to get my ears pierced?

Community Answer

Any body piercing shop should be fine. Just make sure the place looks clean and that they use a clean/new needle to do the piercing. Ask friends where they got their piercings done, or check Yelp for reviews of nearby shops.

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Question

When can start wearing dangly earrings instead of studs?

BreezyDeezy

Community Answer

After 6 weeks you can change earrings.

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Question

I'm an 11 year old girl and already have an ear piercing on the bottom of my ear and I am thinking about getting a piercing on the cartilage, what does that feel like?

BodyBlingPiercings

Community Answer

That depends on where you want to get pierced. What part of your ear you want done. All cartilage piercings are moderately painful, but with proper care cartilage piercing look very nice. I suggest you talk to your parents about this first as you're a bit young and your ears are still growing.

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Question

Last time I got my ears pierced, they bled. I do not know if I'm ready. How can I decide?

Community Answer

There really is no rush. Talk to friends and family and discuss your worries, but if you don't think you are ready, then just wait, because it is always something you can have done later.

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