First-Time Ear Piercing? Here’s Everything You Need to Know

Biz is prepping a piercing

Getting your ears pierced for the first time is a a big deal. It's exciting and a little nerve-wracking -- for some, a rite of passage. We know that choosing where to go matters as much as what you’re getting done. That’s why we’ve created a safe, welcoming, professional environment perfect for first-timers of any age.

Let's run through everything you need to know about first-time ear piercing:

• safety

• the piercing process

• the aftercare

• and what we think makes Solana stand out as the best choice for a first piercing.

What to Expect When You Come In For a First-Time Ear Piercing

Here’s how it works when you visit our Fort Collins shop for an ear piercing:

1. Check In and Consult — You’ll first be greeted by our front desk and meet with your piercer in a comfortable, private room to talk about placement, jewelry options, and any questions. For an appointment, our piercers block off 50 minutes per piercing to make sure nothing is rushed, you have plenty of time to relax and ask questions, and you are totally informed.

2. Prep and Marking – The area (your ear lobe in this case) will be cleaned, and the placement will be marked so you can see exactly where the piercing will go. If you don't like the placement, you can make a change here.

3. The Piercing – We use a sterile, single-use needle (never a piercing gun) to guarantee a precise, safe, and comfortable experience.  Here’s why we never use piercing guns

4. Aftercare Walkthrough – You’ll leave with full care instructions and peace of mind.  Read more about our recommended aftercare here

If you’ve been googling “where to get ears pierced near me,” you’re not alone. It's one of the most common searches we see from people who want a safe, professional experience from a piercer who really cares. And we do. At Solana Tattoo, we make it a priority to go far beyond the status quo.

• Every tool is sterilized correctly in a medical-grade autoclave sterilizer that is frequently professionally tested.

• Every piercer is extensively trained and certified.

• Every appointment is done in a clean, private room that feels more like a spa than a typical tattoo shop. There’s no stressful music or intimidating vibe. Just a calm, modern, woman-owned studio that's staffed by pros who care deeply about doing things correctly.

So what? Why does that matter? When it comes to something as personal as a piercing, especially for kids or anxious first-timers, you deserve more than a rushed, impersonal experience. A safe, licensed piercing studio makes all the difference in comfort, healing, and confidence.

FAQs for Parents and Teens

• Does it hurt? Well, it's not a massage. But it's quick! Most clients say it feels like a pinch and is over before they know it.

• How old do you have to be? We pierce ear lobes at any age, as long as a parent or legal guardian is present. Yes, even for teens. Safe ear piercings for teens is important to us, and having your parents present helps make sure everyone is informed on the process and the aftercare.  More age & consent info here

• What ID do I need to bring? A government-issued ID for both the parent/guardian and the minor. It needs to show your relationship. A birth certificate and driver’s license are perfect. We are a teen-friendly piercing shop, but school IDs aren't enough. Neither are your library card, rec center pass, gym key card, or Fortnite wallet.

• Can I bring a friend or a parent? For sure. Our private rooms mean you're not on full public display, and you can bring a loved one for comfort. This set-up is less stressful than being in a wide-open room with strangers. Parents are required to stay with minors. We have chairs and free coffee!

  
  

  

  Adam is doing a piercing

• Do you use a needle or a gun? Always a needle. Never a gun. A needle is much safer, more precise, and gentler on the skin.  Why is needle piercing the better choice

• How long does it take to heal? Lobe piercings usually take 6 to 8 weeks to heal. Cleaning twice daily, avoiding touching the pool, and sleeping on the piercing helps ensure proper healing. See the full aftercare guide

Aftercare 101

• Clean your new piercing(s) twice a day with saline spray or the solution your piercer recommends.

• Don’t twist or touch the jewelry unless you clean it with clean hands. (There are no less than half a dozen signs around the shop saying "Don't touch your piercing!" If Adam sees you touching it, he'll crash out.)

• Avoid swimming, applying makeup near the hole (not like you put makeup on your ears, but hey), or sleeping on the pierced side until it’s fully healed.

• Look for redness, discharge, or swelling beyond the first few days. These may be signs of irritation or infection. Reach out if you have any questions. We are here for you! - Check out our detailed aftercare instructions here

Why Choose Solana Tattoo?

When you think of a typical tattoo and piercing shop, that's not us. Our space is clean, bright, and thoughtfully designed to make everyone -- from nervous kids to relaxed and ready adults -- feel at ease. We’ve removed the overstimulation and replaced it with calm vibes and a modern aesthetic.

Our piercing team includes Biz, our awesome female piercer, and Adam, our super experienced lead piercer, who has advanced certifications and is constantly pursuing ongoing education in piercing techniques. Adam was recently selected from a competitive pool of applicants to attend a fellowship led by and for some of the most respected piercers in the world. Both Biz and Adam are trained to work with clients of all ages and backgrounds.

Every artist at Solana is certified in proper bloodborne pathogen handling, which goes above and beyond what the city requires. We were also honored to be named one of the best piercing shops in Northern Colorado with the Top 3 Best Piercing and Jewelry Studios in the Readers’ Choice Best of NoCo 2024. If you're looking for ear piercing in Fort Collins, just read our Google reviews; you won't find a more passionate licensed piercing studio around here.

Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are ideal for kids.  Book your appointment here

Whether you’re bringing in your teen, treating yourself to your first piercing, or looking for a no-fail spot for professional ear piercing, Solana Tattoo is proud to offer safe, top-tier service right here in Fort Collins.