DD,10, wants ears pierced... Needle vs gun

[earwig1]

I have spoken to a few piercing studios having found out that needles are much better and safer. They informed me very well, but they won't do it as it's actually illegal below 16. DD really wants it done, but I'm very nervous about the guns: hygiene is potentially an issue, and the blunt stud used on the flesh seems brutal compared to a needle. I really don't know what to do now, any suggestions? We live in London.

I had a second hole pierced with a gun, and it took months to heal. I may be a wimp, but I found it very scary and painful. Go for a needle if possible.

I'm reading this with interest: DD is still too young, but will want them done.

I had mine done with a needle - the unexpected side effect was that, as it wasn't that painful, I did my second holes myself with a needle I'd held in a flame. My mother nearly killed me for that!

I kept new piercings clean with the sterile swabs of the type used before injections. Is this a bad idea?

My DD had her ears pierced aged 11. I am in London too and tried really hard to find somewhere that would pierce her ears with a needle, but I couldn't find anywhere. I rang lots of body piercing places and they all said no (either a flat no to under 16s or no to using a needle on her at that age). I took her to the body piercing parlour in Selfridges in the end (like MrsSchadenfreude above). A very knowledgeable bloke used a disposable gun (he also said no to using a needle). No problems - also had advice not to turn and we were given a special cleaning fluid.

It can be a bit harsh if used constantly Edith, a saltwater solution is less of an irritant.

Both my dds done at Claires 3 weeks ago. All well so far and they were happy to take the time to get the position of the holes correct. They look A1 to me.

Thanks mrscumberbatch, another bit of information to store up!

DD1 had her ears pierced in July.

I tried to find somewhere that would use a needle without success, so in the end went to a beauty salon that I know well. Her ears were pierced with a gun by a very experienced lady; they were beautifully straight, and she hasn't had a moment's problems. She has religiously cleaned them, though.

I was put off by Claires, mainly because I didn't want the whole operation taking place in a busy shop window, using a gun wielded by a teenager, and that appeared to be what was on offer.

Needle, definitely - I had two lots of piercings in my earlobes done with guns, which subsequently gave me no end of trouble, to the extent where I can't wear earrings for longer than a couple of hours. Needle healed much quicker and was noticeably less painful.

Needle definitely. Apart from the risk of a gun being less sterile, they often leave a ragged rather than smooth edge for the hole, which means it can take longer to heal and so more likely to get infected.

My dd has had her ears pierced twice with the gun - both times there have been problems and we've had to let them close . Would investigate the needle method but she is such a wuss that I can't imagine her agreeing to it!

Friendlymum, my DD is the same, even if I told her it wouldn't hurt, just the thought of it being done with a needle would put her off!

How do you find a reputable piercer in London who will pierce children?

I had my dds ears pierced with a gun last year.... Never again now I know how brutal they are!

When dd2 wants to have hers done I'll take her to a piercer with a needle but how do you find one?

I had my tongue done at Cold Steel in Camden (many, many years ago). I had my ears done by needle when I was 5 (1980!). Even my mum doesn't agree with using a gun. Agree with poster up thread - risk of infection, and butterfly getting imbedded in the swollen lobe, not to mention wonky holes.

Both Dds had ears done at Claires with no problems at all