Children's Lobe Piercings: a guide

Clear cz prong set by Neometal

The opinions and policies expressed in this blog are strictly our own. These blogs are intended to explain the reasoning behind our practices here at Kalima Emporium. They are not a critique of other studios, as each has its own policies and procedures.

Introduction

Getting your child’s ears pierced is a significant milestone that many families look forward to. It’s a meaningful rite of passage, a way to mark a special occasion, or just a fun way to add a little sparkle to their look. But as exciting as it may be, parents often have plenty of questions. From choosing the right timing and finding a trusted piercer, to understanding how to care for newly pierced ears, there’s a lot to consider. In this blog, we’ll cover everything you need to know to make your child’s first ear piercing experience safe, smooth and memorable.

What age is appropriate for their first piercings?

Choosing an appropriate age is essential for ensuring safety and comfort - most children’s piercing curiosity starts from around age 5, but we at Kalima recommend age 6/7+, as at this age most children are more aware and understanding of the process. This not only ensures that they’re ready, but it also helps them feel prepared and engaged. Ages will differ from child to child, not every child will feel ready as young as 6. We will not pierce anyone under 6 years of age.

Consent is our top priority, and we take time to make sure children fully understand what to expect. By involving them in the decision and making them feel comfortable, we aim to make their experience positive and empowering. It is crucial that your child is asking after piercings of their own free will. We will not pierce a child who does not give us their consent, or if we feel that the child isn’t yet ready to have them done. A child needs to show that they fully understand the process, they understand that it is going to hurt, and that they must take care of them until they’re fully healed.

Studio piercings vs. high-street piercings. Which is better?

Getting a child’s ears pierced in a professional studio with a needle is far safer, far more accurate and therefore more appropriate than using a piercing gun, often found in high-street locations. Unlike piercing guns, which use blunt force to puncture the ear, needles are designed to make a clean, precise incision that minimises tissue trauma. This leads to quicker healing times and reduces the risk of complications, such as infections, swelling, and scarring. Piercing guns also can’t be fully sterilised between the use of each client, increasing the risk of bacteria transfer and cross contamination. Unlike high-street shops, we have different length studs for different thicknesses of lobes, whereas guns use ‘one size fits all’ jewellery, which can be too short for some and subsequently can become embedded into their ears.

Professional studios follow strict hygiene protocols, and needles are always single-use and sterile, all tools are rigorously sterilised between clients, making the entire process safer. Additionally, studio piercers are well-trained professionals, experienced in working with children, ensuring a calm, supportive environment for a first piercing experience.

Will my child’s piercings be done at the same time, or individually?

At our studio, we pierce both ears simultaneously with a piercer on each side for children under 10, and for those aged 10 and older, we pierce one ear at a time. This approach balances practicality with an appreciation for the experience itself. For younger children, piercing both ears at once helps to ease any nerves and keeps the experience brief, allowing them to walk away with a full set without waiting. However, for those reaching the age of 10, we feel they are then old enough to have them pierced one at a time, giving each ear its own dedicated moment, and this gives them a real sense of achievement. This process symbolises their growing maturity.

Additionally, piercing both ears at the same time requires double the tools and consumables, as well as studio time and needing to lock the shop door, so we have to have an age cutoff point, and we feel 10 is perfect for this.

Is a consultation prior to being pierced something Kalima requires?

For children under 10, we require a consultation prior to their ear-piercing appointment. This initial meeting allows us to get to know the child, explain the process in a gentle, age-appropriate way, and makes sure they feel comfortable and ready. This means that on the day of their appointment they already know us, the studio, the process, and it is far less overwhelming for them as they don’t have so much new information to take in one go. During the consultation, we can address any questions or concerns from both the child and parent, ensuring everyone feels fully informed and at ease. Consultations are free of charge.

For children aged 10 and above, consultations are optional, allowing them the flexibility to decide whether they’d like an introduction beforehand or are ready to proceed directly with their piercing appointment. This choice allows older children to feel more independent while also giving younger children the extra reassurance they may need.

We also now require a £20 non refundable booking fee to secure a piercing appointment, and a consultation prior to an appointment gives the child and parent an opportunity to decide if they’re really ready. We find this means children are more likely to go through with it on the day with less risk of losing the booking fee. We’ve found since introducing this system the rates of children changing their minds on the appointment day is almost zero.

Please note that if any child decides not to go through with the piercing on the actual day, the booking fee will be forfeited. We will not force any child to be pierced if they change their mind, but we request this booking fee to cover our time and costs, as last minute cancellations or changes can impact our day. This fee helps us maintain a high standard of service and dedication to each clients experience.

What does Kalima require from parents?

We are 100% honest with children about the piercing process, explaining what they’re going to feel and each step as the piercings are carried out. (No 1, 2, 3 and piercing on 2!) We ask parents to do the same. Please avoid telling children that the piercing’s don’t hurt. Although the sharp pinch they feel is bearable, they are trusting what you/we tell them, and if they’re expecting not to feel anything the piercing will be much more of a shock when it’s done. It’s best to be honest and explain that it will hurt, so they can make a fully educated decision for themselves to decide if they’re ready for it.

We need accompanied parental or legal guardian consent to be able to do the piercings. If you’re a legal guardian you must bring guardianship documentation with you. Family members other than parents (siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles etc) cannot give consent.

What jewellery is best to use, and can we bring our own?

We only perform fresh piercings with never before worn jewellery on the day of your piercing purchased from our studio. We offer jewellery in ASTM F136 Titanium, Niobium and 14ct/18ct nickel free solid gold attachments. All initial piercing studs are verified implant grade titanium made by Junipurr. All jewellery we order is new and unworn, we then sterilise it in house in a ‘new jewellery only’ ultra sonic and autoclave.  As only clean jewellery is processed in the studio, if we take your jewellery which has been exposed to your bodily fluids and bring it into our clean environment we are contaminating our studio space. All jewellery MUST stay in permanently for an absolute minimum of 3 months before changing to other jewellery.

Is aftercare provided with the piercing?

At our piercing studio, we’re committed to ensuring that every client receives top-quality care from start to finish. That’s why we include aftercare as part of our piercing service, free of charge. After the piercing, we take time to explain every aspect of aftercare thoroughly, covering cleaning routines, what to expect during healing, and tips to avoid common issues. We also provide a detailed aftercare booklet, so clients have all the information they need to care for their new piercing at home. This way, you’ll have a reliable reference to guide you through each step, making healing as smooth and comfortable as possible.

Are there any complications we need to look out for?

Genuine infections are rare in body piercing, most complications are due to irritation or healing issues, and these can be misdiagnosed as infections. It is normal for a new piercing to be red and tender for a few days, you may see some bruising on the back of the ear and a small amount of swelling is normal. After the first couple of weeks, the new piercing will start to secrete a clear/yellowish fluid, this is lymph fluid (not pus!) and is a normal part of the healing process.

If your child experiences excessive swelling, excessive redness, green/smelly pus, lumps/bumps or prolonged pain, you MUST LEAVE THE JEWELLERY IN and come in for us to check it over ASAP. We can sort most healing issues with our own tried and tested methods, but the longer you leave it to come and see us about a problem, the harder it can be to fix.

Please do not listen to advice from friends, family members or the internet; every person's body is different, and so every person's healing abilities are different and methods used to rectify issues will also be different.

Come and see us first before going to the doctors, as the vast majority of healing issues are irritation rather than infection, and antibiotics will not always solve the issue. If we feel you need to see a doctor, we will tell you. If you feel you have an infection, you MUST NOT REMOVE THE JEWELLERY.