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We're proud to offer free ear piercing services, with the purchase of piercing earrings, at select KAY Jewelers locations as a convenient and professional option for our customers who are looking to start their new earring collection. We're committed to not only providing a safe and clean environment, but also a quick and easy piercing experience.

Piercing Earrings Selection at KAY

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, the system is 100% safe. All piercing earrings are sterilized and stored in capsules. The piercing earrings sold by KAY are either hypoallergenic or have nickel content that is less than half of 1% total, which significantly reduces the risk of allergic reaction.

At KAY, an air gun is used. You can visit a tattoo or piercing shop if you prefer that the piercer use a needle. No matter where you decide to get the piercing done, the practitioner should wear surgical gloves and sanitize all surfaces and instruments.

Yes, ear piercing is safe for children and infants, however KAY does recommend that babies have a current D.P.T. shot. The first D.P.T. shot is usually administered by a pediatrician at 8 weeks of age.

Minors must be accompanied by their parent or legal guardian. Anyone under 18 years of age must have the consent of a parent or legal guardian to obtain ear piercing services. Those over 18 must have either a valid driver's license or state-issued identification card for all ear piercings.

Some cultures pierce ears almost immediately when children are babies. If you want to have your baby’s ears pierced, it’s a good idea to consult your pediatrician first. Most children start asking to have their ears pierced around 9 or 10, when their classmates are having it done.

In general, the right age for ear piercing varies. It’s up to you and your child to know when the time is right. Just be sure you are both aware of the responsibility to care for ear piercings.

Ear piercing is fast and very gentle. Most people feel little to no discomfort during the piercing.

We do not offer cartilage piercings at this time, only ear lobe piercings.

There will likely be many safe earring options to choose from wherever you get your child’s ears pierced. It’s important to pick a metal that’s nickel-free for babies and only contains trace amounts for older children.

Earrings with screw-on backs and short posts are recommended for babies because friction backs can loosen and become a choking hazard. However, most piercing earrings come with a rounded back that pushes into place. These are secure and more comfortable to sleep on.

After the piercing heals, avoid drop earrings and hoops for babies and small children. They can catch on clothing or other objects, and they’re easier for babies to pull.

Some people assume earrings can be removed and easily re-inserted; this is not the case. You should only switch into new earrings after the healing period, which is 4-6 weeks for an earlobe piercing. Wearing earrings continuously is required for the first 6 months after the piercing to prevent the piercing from closing.

Piercing earrings should be left in for at least 4-6 weeks after an earlobe piercing.

  • Earrings must stay in for at least six weeks to prevent the holes from closing.
  • Clean the piercings twice a day with clean cotton swabs and a sterile saline solution made for wound care. This is crucial for preventing infection. 
  • Turn the earrings a few times each day to avoid scar tissue.
  • Most piercing facilities will provide you with a cleaning solution and detailed aftercare instructions.
  • For more information on ear piercing care and cleaning, read HERE

Free ear piercing is provided to our customers with an in-store purchase of piercing earrings.

Do's & Don'ts

Do's
 

Do Think About the Decision

Decisions made impulsively rarely end well. Give this important step a thought, and be confident in the direction you’re going. Consider the location of the piercing, how long it will take to heal, and the jewelry you’ll wear there.

Do Go to a Pro

You only have one chance to get your piercing right—so make sure you visit a reputable location with trained staff who know their stuff.

Do Start with Quality

Give your piercing the best start by wearing quality jewelry as it heals. Gold-and-diamond studs are always a great choice. They go with anything, and you can add them to your jewelry wardrobe and wear them again and again.

Do Clean Regularly

Twice a day is a good go-to rule. Start by washing hands, and then use a gentle antibacterial solution and sterile cotton on your wound. Also shower often, especially if you often go to the gym or sweat a lot—many infections stem from bacteria that grow on unclean skin.

Don'ts
 

Don’t Use Peroxide or Alcohol

These products are too harsh, especially for fresh wounds. Instead, try saline solution or antibacterial soap and water. Wash hands before handling your piercing and dampen ears before applying soap to create a lather.

Don’t Overclean

Even though you should clean your wounds regularly, don’t overdo it. If your skin stays wet constantly, bacteria can breed and create an infection.

Don’t Go With Sterling Silver

We love sterling silver earrings, but not while we’re healing—it can have traces of lead. Instead, use titanium, surgical stainless steel, or 14K gold for best results. Once healed, you can wear all of the sterling silver earrings you want!

Don’t Swap Jewelry

If you are tempted to change your jewelry before it’s healed, don’t. Know that healing takes time—even months, depending on where you were pierced. Stay patient and stick with your cleaning protocol, and know the results will be worth the wait.

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