If you’re considering getting your ears pierced, you may be wondering where to start.
Ear piercing is a popular form of body modification that has been practiced for centuries and is a great way to express yourself through jewelry.
Depending on who is getting their ears pierced, the challenge most of the time is choosing where to get this service done.
In this post, we are going to look at the best places you can get ear piercing done, some types of ear piercing, how to take care of your ear for faster healing and more.
So, are you ready to learn more about ear piercing? Let’s explore the ins and outs of ear piercing together.
Types of Ear Piercings
Standard Lobe Piercing
This is the most common type of ear piercing, which involves puncturing the earlobe with a needle or piercing gun.
Helix Piercing
This type of piercing is located on the upper ear cartilage and can be done with a needle or piercing gun.
Tragus Piercing
This piercing is located on the small flap of cartilage that covers the ear canal and is typically done with a needle.
Conch Piercing
This type of piercing is done in the center of the ear’s cartilage and can be either inner or outer conch piercing.
Industrial Piercing
This type of piercing involves connecting two separate piercings in the upper ear with a single piece of jewelry.
Rook Piercing
This piercing is located on the inner ridge of the ear cartilage and is typically done with a needle.
Daith Piercing
This piercing is done through the innermost fold of cartilage in the ear and can be performed with a needle.
Here is a detailed article explaining the types of ear piercings with good illustrations: https://zensaskincare.com/blog/cute-ear-piercing-ideas-top-different-combinations-chart
Ear Piercing Technique
Both piercing guns and needles can be used for ear piercing. However, for professional ear piercing, it is recommended to use a piercing gun as it is a safe, simple, and efficient method.
How to Take Care of a New Ear Piercing
After piercing your ear, you need to take care of it until it has healed.
Here are some simple steps to take care of your ear piercing:
- Get a cotton pad or swab and soak it in surgical spirit or aftercare lotion.
- Use the soaked pad or swab to gently clean around the piercing area, making sure to cover it thoroughly.
- After cleaning, gently rotate the piercing stud 180 degrees in either direction and back and forth.
Don’t remove the piercing stud until the piercing is completely healed.
Repeat this cleaning process at least once a day for six weeks to ensure optimal healing.
Try not to touch the new piercing too much.
Baby Ear Piercing
While it’s possible for babies to get their ears pierced as young as 1 month, healthcare professionals typically recommend waiting until they are at least three months old, as they are still receiving vaccinations at this age.
It is generally not advisable to pierce a baby’s ears, as their immune systems are still developing, and they may not be able to communicate any discomfort or pain. It’s best to wait until the child is old enough to decide for themselves if they want their ears pierced.
How Long Does an Ear Piercing Take to Heal?
The healing time for an ear piercing can vary depending on the individual, the type of piercing, and the aftercare provided.
Generally, it takes about 6 to 8 weeks for an earlobe piercing to heal completely, while cartilage piercings can take 4 to 12 months.
It’s important to continue proper aftercare until the piercing is fully healed to prevent infection and promote proper healing.
Can Ear Piercing Go Wrong?
Ear piercing, like any other body modification, carries certain risks and potential complications. Here are some of the most common ones:
Infection
If the piercing isn’t properly cleaned and cared for, bacteria can enter the wound and cause an infection. Symptoms of an infected piercing include redness, swelling, and pain.
Allergic Reaction
Some people may have an allergic reaction to the metal used in their piercing jewelry. This can cause itching, redness, and swelling.
Keloid Scarring
Keloids are raised, thickened scars that can form around a piercing site. They are more common in people with darker skin tones and can be difficult to treat.
Bleeding
Some bleeding is normal during and immediately after a piercing, but excessive bleeding can be a sign of a more serious problem.
Nerve Damage
In rare cases, a piercing can damage a nerve in the ear, leading to numbness or loss of sensation.
Jewelry Embedment
Jewelry can become embedded in the skin if it’s too tight or if the piercing becomes infected. This can cause pain and require medical attention.
It’s essential to choose a reputable and experienced piercer, follow proper aftercare procedures, and monitor the piercing site for any signs of infection or other complications. If you experience any of these complications, seek medical attention immediately.
Where to Get Your Piercing Done
Getting your ears pierced can be done in a variety of settings, such as a salon, beauty shop, or even a pharmacy.
For children, or if you are unsure where to get the ear piercing done the pharmacy is the best place to start. However, if you are and adult and understand the process of piercing the choice is yours.
It is important to choose a reputable and experienced location that uses proper sterilization techniques to ensure a safe and successful piercing experience.
Below is a list of pharmacies that do professional ear piercing.
Pharmacy Chains
Most towns have pharmacy chain store where you can easily access ear-piercing services, but it’s important to note that not all branches may offer this service. To avoid any inconvenience, it’s advisable to call and book an appointment before visiting the pharmacy.
Here are some of the pharmacy chains you can go to.
Pharmaplus
Is a chain pharmacy with over 50 branches across Kenya. Pharmaplus Pharmacy offers free ear piercing.
Phone: 0793560460, 0113314018
Goodlife Pharmacy Ltd
Goodlife Pharmacy is a fast-growing pharmacy and health hub and the only one of its kind in East Africa. The pharmacy offers free ear piercing.
Whatsapp: 0715 703 000
info@goodlife.africa.com
Haltons Pharmacy
Haltons Pharmacy is a chain of retail pharmacies that provides both prescription and non-prescription medications. They also offer ear-piercing services.
Contacts: 0110 139524
Where can you do ear piercing in Nairobi CBD?
New Lemuma Pharmacy Co. Ltd
A modern Community Pharmacy based in Nairobi city CBD. New Lemuma pharmacy offers free ear piercing.
Tom Mboya Street, Nairobi, Kenya.
Phone: (+254) – 0713 755 274
Email: info@newlemumapharmacy.co.ke
Which Pharmacy in Ongata Rongai Provides Ear Piercing?
Spurs Pharmacy Rongai
This is a community pharmacy located in Rongai area that provides ear-piercing service for free.
Opposite Aga Khan University Hospital, Ongata Rongai, Magadi Rd
Next to Tymes arcade
Call 0717502371
Cost of Ear Piercing.
The majority of pharmacies offer ear-piercing services for free, with only the studs being charged for.
Here are the prices of studs.
Studex Ear Studs – between Ksh. 650/- to 850/-.
Caflon Ear Studs – between Ksh. 250/- to 500/-
The piercing gun is Ksh. 3500/-
Conclusion
By following proper aftercare instructions and being aware of potential risks and complications, you can enjoy your new ear piercing and the jewelry that comes with it.
Do you have any questions?
Informative and nice read. In Nigeria here, most girls already get a standard lobe piercing from birth.
I did not know that. It is good to know that some cultures still do that.
Amazing 😊
Oh, should I say, hello fellow pharmacist in The African continent. Greetings from a fellow pharmacist in Australia. 🙂
Greetings well received! Thank you 🙏. Australia is an awesome place to practice pharmacy as compared to Kenya. (Someone told me 🙂)
Really, it’s a terrible career, I told my children not to do it LOL
Huh I feel you, it is a calling & there are ups and downs.