Questions & Answers

For Ear Piercing Specialists

At what age is ear piercing allowed for children?

In the United Kingdom, there is no minimum age for piercing children’s ears. The decision to pierce ears is at the discretion of the parents or legal guardians. However, the consent of a parent or legal guardian is required for ear piercing up to the age of 16.

What is the best age for children to have their ears pierced? What does the EPM recommend?

There are different views on this topic. As an association, we do not patronise parents, but trust them to make their own decisions. We know from experience that earrings for toddlers and babies are common in many cultures. In various countries, paediatricians recommend at least waiting until the child has received the most important vaccinations (e.g. diphtheria, tetanus) before piercing their ears. We even advise parents to wait until their child wants earrings themselves. If parents wear earrings, children often want them at an early age, too. Ultimately, however, only the parents themselves can determine the best time for their child. We recommend that ear piercing specialists always use modern, gentle instruments that are pressed by hand and generally obtain written consent from parents or guardians.

What's the medical point of view? What do ear, nose and throat specialists say?

From a medical point of view, age does not play a role in ear piercing either. The German Professional Association of Ear, Nose and Throat Doctors published the following report on the 16th October 2012 via news.de/dpa:

There is no perfect age for ear piercing
Freiburg – There is no ideal time for ear piercing. The earlobe of adults is just as suitable as that of younger people. And it doesn’t necessarily hurt children any more.
From a medical point of view, it doesn’t matter whether someone has their ear pierced as a child or later. The earlobe is equally suitable for piercing at any age, explains Michael Deeg from the Professional Association of ENT Doctors in Freiburg. The sensation of pain is also no greater in children than in adults: The piercing is often only felt as a little pinch, according to the specialist. […]
Age also has no effect on whether the holes grow back more quickly. “If I don’t wear the earring for a week or two in the first few months after piercing, the hole will grow back.” Anyone who has had their ears pierced years ago does not have to worry about them growing back. “A proper canal has formed there,” explains Deeg. […]

Source: news.de/dpa, 16.10.2012

Why is the EPM against the introduction of a legal minimum age for ear piercing for children?

We are convinced that parents are best placed to make such decisions for or with their child because they know their child best. Generally, parents handle such decisions very responsibly.

The introduction of a legal minimum age for ear piercing would immediately lead to parents of children under this age resorting to piercing their children’s ears themselves or having them pierced by family or friends or even going to dubious providers. The necessary hygiene and sterility would then not be guaranteed. The important aftercare of pierced ears would also be neglected in most cases. All in all, inflammation and other complications would be almost inevitable.

What should ear piercing specialists consider when piercing children's ears?

In general: Firstly, ear piercing specialists should provide parents and children (depending on their age) with comprehensive advice and thorough information about the ear piercing process, possible consequences and the importance of aftercare. They should be experienced in dealing with children, take their time and exude calm. Avoid scary words such as “gun”.

Before: Before piercing the ears, you should not only thoroughly clean the child’s earlobes, but also their hands, as children often instinctively grab their ears afterwards.

During: Unlike adults, children are unlikely to sit still. A cuddly toy to hug and hold helps many children. Many specialist shops have also had good experience with having two experienced staff members pierce both ears at the same time. However, this is not necessary when using modern, gentle devices. This should be decided individually together with the parents.

Afterwards: After piercing, you should demonstrate the correct aftercare to parents and children and explain its importance. It is also important that the first earrings are usually worn continuously for at least six weeks. You should also show the parents the correct positioning of the earring clasp and point out that pushing the clasp too close to the earlobe will have a negative effect on the healing process because not enough air will reach the ear hole.

Are complications after ear piercing more common in children than in adolescents or adults?

No, in our experience this is not the case. Complications are very rare. The correct and careful aftercare of newly pierced ears is crucial. You should therefore provide your customers with the manufacturer’s aftercare instructions and offer the manufacturer’s aftercare products. If necessary, refer to further information for consumers on the manufacturer’s website. Of course, parents are responsible for the aftercare for younger children. In our experience, this is why children’s aftercare is usually carried out more conscientiously than that of teenagers or adults.

What advantages do ear piercing specialists gain by offering ear piercing services for children?

In many cases, ear piercing services for children are in demand with consumers who are fashion-conscious and like to wear earrings or other jewellery themselves. Especially when it comes to children, consumers like to rely on the quality of specialised shops, doctors’ offices and pharmacies. The first earrings are often a gift for children from parents, grandparents or godparents, e.g. for birthdays, Holy Communion, Confirmation, school enrolment or other special occasions. A positive ear piercing experience will be remembered by children and their parents for a lifetime and is usually associated with a positive impression of your specialist shop. This will also attract new customers or patients, as word of good service spreads quickly. Piercing earrings are later often replaced by other earrings and supplemented with other high-quality jewellery.

What are some of the current trends in the ear piercing market?

We are currently observing several trends: Firstly, ear piercing for children is on the rise worldwide. In South and Eastern European countries as well as Latin America, for example, girls traditionally have their ears pierced as babies or toddlers. Migration as well as entertainment and information media are contributing to this trend also gaining ground in the United Kingdom. This is also due to the fact that earrings are in high demand overall. Secondly, wearing several earrings per ear – usually from the early teenage years – is now very popular. Thirdly, more and more men are also wearing earrings. These trends indicate which newer target groups ear piercing specialists can tap into by offering ear piercing services.

For Parents or Legal Guardians

From what age can I have my child's ears pierced?

This is up to you, as there is no minimum age for children to have their ears pierced. However, the consent of a parent or legal guardian is required for ear piercing up to the age of 16. Of course, ear piercing specialists can decide for themselves from what age they offer ear piercing for children. To be sure, check with the specialist shop, doctor’s office or pharmacy of your choice beforehand.

What age does the EPM recommend?

There are different views on this topic. As an association, we trust in your decision-making competence. We know from experience that earrings for toddlers and babies are common in many cultures. In various countries, paediatricians recommend at least waiting until the child has received the most important vaccinations (e.g. diphtheria, tetanus) before piercing the ears. We even advise you to wait until your child wants earrings themselves. Ultimately, however, only you can decide when it is best for your child. In any case, make sure you choose a good specialist shop, doctor’s office or pharmacy and use modern, gentle instruments that are pressed by hand.

Should you wait to pierce children's ears because babies' and toddlers' earlobes are still growing? Otherwise, won't the ear piercings often be in the wrong place later on?

Ears generally grow in proportion to the body as a whole. Ear piercings are therefore normally in the desired position, even if they were pierced at an early age. From infancy onwards, the ears no longer grow as much as the rest of the body.

What's the medical point of view? What do ear, nose and throat specialists say?

There is no perfect age for ear piercing
Freiburg – There is no ideal time for ear piercing. The earlobe of adults is just as suitable as that of younger people. And it doesn’t necessarily hurt children any more.
From a medical point of view, it doesn’t matter whether someone has their ear pierced as a child or later. The earlobe is equally suitable for piercing at any age, explains Michael Deeg from the Professional Association of ENT Doctors in Freiburg. The sensation of pain is also no greater in children than in adults: The piercing is often only felt as a little pinch, according to the specialist. […]
Age also has no effect on whether the holes grow back more quickly. “If I don’t wear the earring for a week or two in the first few months after piercing, the hole will grow back.” Anyone who has had their ears pierced years ago does not have to worry about them growing back. “A proper canal has formed there,” explains Deeg. […]

Source: news.de/dpa, 16.10.2012

Does ear piercing hurt?

Modern ear piercing systems, which are pressed by hand, are nowadays much gentler than traditional devices. With these modern systems, ear piercing is hardly noticeable. You feel a small pinch. In addition, the hand-pressed systems are particularly silent to use. Children are no longer startled by a loud noise. Of course, different people feel pain differently. So if your child asks you beforehand whether having their ears pierced will hurt, tell them that it will sting briefly. Avoid using scary words such as “gun”.

What should parents consider who want to grant their child's wish to have their ears pierced?

Choose a specialist shop, doctor’s office or pharmacy that uses state-of-the-art ear piercing systems that are gentle and tissue-friendly and use piercing earrings in sterile cartridges. Decide with your child on the spot whether you and your child feel comfortable and whether the ear piercing specialist appears to be experienced in dealing with children. After piercing the ears, correct and regular aftercare is of crucial importance.

How can I recognise whether gentle devices and sterile piercing earrings are being used?

Have the specialist show you the ear piercing instrument beforehand and explain the ear piercing process. Modern devices are pressed by hand and are therefore gentler and more tissue-friendly than traditional devices, which are still “shot”. The earrings and clasps should be individually sealed in sterile disposable cartridges, which are inserted into the device. This prevents the specialist from touching the earring before piercing. Your child only comes into contact with the sterile earring, not with the device itself.

Which materials are good for my child's ears?

When choosing earrings for children, pay particular attention to nickel-free materials such as real gold, surgical stainless steel or titanium to avoid allergic reactions. The earrings should always be EU REACH compliant.

What do I need to look out for after ear piercing? Why is the aftercare of newly pierced ears so important?

Regular and meticulous aftercare is crucial for ear piercings to heal optimally. Your ear piercing specialist will explain to you what you need to consider and provide you with aftercare instructions from the manufacturer. You will find, for example, that the earrings in the earlobe should typically be worn continuously for six weeks. The ear piercings should be cleaned at least twice a day with the manufacturer’s aftercare product. As parents, you should do this for your children (depending on their age). Soaps, shampoos and other substances should be kept away from the ear or, if necessary, rinsed off with clear water, after which the ear piercings should also be treated with the aftercare product. Otherwise, the ear piercings should not be exposed to moisture if possible. It is particularly important that you do not push the earring clasps too close to the earlobe. Sufficient air supply to the ear hole is necessary for an optimal healing process.

Are complications after ear piercing more common in children than in adolescents or adults?

No, in our experience this is not the case. Complications are very rare. The correct and meticulous aftercare of newly pierced ears is crucial. Therefore, follow the manufacturer’s aftercare instructions and use the appropriate aftercare products from the manufacturer. Further information for consumers can be found on the manufacturer’s website. In our experience, when parents take responsibility for aftercare, it is usually carried out more conscientiously than with teenagers or adults.

Further information for consumers can be found on the websites of our members, e.g. at caflon.com or studex.eu.