Ear piercing is a popular form of body modification that has been around for thousands of years. In ancient cultures, ear piercings were often seen as a sign of social status, religious devotion, or coming of age. Today, many people choose to get their ears pierced simply as a fashion statement or form of self-expression.
In recent decades, ear piercing has become widely available at retail stores, making it more convenient and accessible than ever before. Many parents also opt to get their children‘s ears pierced at a young age. According to a study by the American Academy of Pediatrics, approximately 90% of girls in the U.S. have their ears pierced by the age of 12.
If you‘re considering getting your ears pierced, one question you may have is whether you can get it done at your local Kohl‘s store. In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll cover everything you need to know about ear piercing at Kohl‘s and beyond.
Does Kohl‘s Pierce Ears?
Let‘s cut to the chase: no, Kohl‘s does not currently offer ear piercing services at any of its retail locations. While you can find a wide selection of earrings and other jewelry at Kohl‘s, including options for newly pierced ears, you‘ll need to go elsewhere for the actual piercing procedure.
So why doesn‘t a major retailer like Kohl‘s offer this service, when similar stores like Claire‘s and Piercing Pagoda do? Here are a few possible reasons:
- Ear piercing requires specialized equipment, training, and strict hygiene protocols that may be challenging to implement consistently across hundreds of store locations.
- Liability and insurance costs may be prohibitive, given the risk (however small) of infection or other complications associated with piercings.
- Ear piercing services may not align with Kohl‘s brand identity and target customer demographic.
- Standalone ear piercing kiosks and studios may be seen as stronger competition, making it less profitable for Kohl‘s to enter the market.
Interestingly, Kohl‘s does sell a variety of ear piercing kits and starter earrings on its website, suggesting that there is some demand for these products among its customer base. However, the company seems content to leave the actual piercing procedure to other providers.
Where to Get Your Ears Pierced: Retail Stores vs. Professional Studios
So if Kohl‘s is out, where should you go to get your ears pierced? In general, you have two main options: retail stores that offer ear piercing as a secondary service, or professional piercing studios that specialize in body modification.
Retail Stores
Many people‘s first ear piercings are done at accessory and jewelry chains like Claire‘s, which has been offering this service since 1978. Other popular retail options include:
- Piercing Pagoda (commonly found in malls)
- Inverness (available at some jewelry stores and department stores)
- Lovisa (an Australian brand with locations in the U.S.)
- Rowan (a "healthier" ear piercing alternative that uses needle piercings and 14K gold jewelry)
These retail stores typically use piercing guns to perform earlobe piercings, although some are starting to switch to needle piercings as well. Piercing guns are spring-loaded devices that quickly push a sharpened starter earring through the earlobe, making the process very fast and relatively painless.
However, there are some potential downsides to piercing guns that have led many professionals to recommend against them:
- Piercing guns can‘t be fully sterilized between uses, which may increase the risk of infection if not cleaned properly.
- The blunt force trauma of a piercing gun may cause more tissue damage and slower healing compared to a sharp needle piercing.
- Starter earrings used with piercing guns are often lower quality and may contain nickel, a common allergen.
- Retail employees may have limited training in anatomy, safety protocols, and aftercare compared to professional piercers.
That said, many people have had perfectly fine experiences getting their ears pierced with a gun at a retail store. As long as you go to a reputable location and follow their aftercare instructions, the risk of complications is relatively low.
Professional Piercing Studios
For a higher-end and more personalized ear piercing experience, you may want to consider going to a professional piercing studio. These studios are staffed by highly trained and experienced piercers who perform a wide variety of body modifications, from basic ear piercings to more complex surface and genital piercings.
Benefits of getting pierced at a professional studio may include:
- Fully sterile equipment and procedure rooms to minimize infection risk
- Single-use hollow needles that remove a small amount of tissue, promoting cleaner healing
- Implant-grade titanium and gold jewelry options for sensitive skin
- Experienced piercers who can safely perform a variety of placements, including rook, daith, and other cartilage piercings
- In-depth consultations and aftercare support tailored to your individual needs
Of course, professional piercing services usually come at a higher price point than retail stores. You can expect to pay $25-$50 or more for a basic earlobe piercing, depending on the studio and jewelry. However, many people find the added cost to be worth it for the peace of mind and quality of care provided.
If you do opt for a professional piercing, make sure to do your research and choose a reputable studio that follows all state and local regulations. Don‘t be afraid to ask questions about their sterilization procedures, jewelry quality, and piercer qualifications before booking an appointment.
Ear Piercing Aftercare 101
Regardless of where you get your ears pierced, proper aftercare is essential for preventing infection and promoting healthy healing. Your piercer should provide you with detailed care instructions, but here are some general guidelines to keep in mind:
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before touching your piercings or jewelry.
- Clean the front and back of each piercing twice a day with sterile saline solution or an antiseptic piercing cleanser.
- Gently pat the area dry with a clean paper towel or tissue after cleaning. Avoid using cloth towels, which can harbor bacteria.
- Do not twist or rotate the jewelry during healing, as this can irritate the skin and introduce bacteria into the piercing.
- Keep hair products, makeup, and other potential irritants away from the piercing site.
- Avoid swimming, hot tubs, and other bodies of water until fully healed.
- Do not remove or change the jewelry until the recommended healing time has passed (usually 6-8 weeks for lobes and 3-6 months for cartilage).
Signs of infection to watch out for include:
- Excessive redness, swelling, or warmth around the piercing
- Yellow, green, or foul-smelling discharge
- Severe pain or tenderness that doesn‘t improve with time
If you suspect an infection, contact your piercer or a healthcare professional right away. Prompt treatment with antibiotics may be necessary to prevent the spread of infection.
Choosing the Right Starter Earrings
Once your ears are pierced, you‘ll need to keep the starter earrings in for the full healing period to prevent the holes from closing up. But with so many materials and styles to choose from, how do you know which starter earrings are best? Here are some factors to consider:
Material
Starter earrings should be made of a biocompatible material that won‘t react with your skin or cause allergies. Some of the best options include:
- Surgical stainless steel (look for 316L or 316LVM grade)
- Titanium (ideal for sensitive skin)
- 14K or 18K gold (yellow, white, or rose)
- Platinum
- Niobium
Avoid starter earrings made of nickel, brass, or other base metals that can cause irritation and allergic reactions.
Style
Starter earrings should have a flat back that sits flush against the skin, rather than a sharp post that can poke or snag. Labret studs, barbells, and captive bead rings are all good options for healing piercings.
The front of the earring should also be relatively small and simple, without any dangly charms or embellishments that could catch on hair or clothing. A basic ball, gemstone, or flower shape is usually best.
Size
The gauge (thickness) and length of the starter earring are important for allowing room for swelling and promoting drainage. Most piercers recommend starting with a 16G or 18G post that‘s 1/4" to 3/8" long.
After the piercing has fully healed, you can switch to a shorter or thinner earring if desired. But it‘s important not to change the jewelry too soon, as this can disrupt the healing process and increase the risk of infection.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ear Piercing
To wrap up this guide, let‘s address some of the most common questions and concerns people have about getting their ears pierced:
What‘s the best age to get a child‘s ears pierced?
There is no "perfect" age to get a child‘s ears pierced, and ultimately it‘s up to the parent to decide based on their personal beliefs and the child‘s maturity level. Some parents choose to pierce their baby‘s ears in the first few months of life, while others wait until the child is old enough to ask for and take care of the piercings themselves.
If you do decide to pierce a young child‘s ears, it‘s important to choose an experienced and reputable piercer, follow all aftercare instructions closely, and watch for any signs of infection or allergic reaction. You may also want to consider using numbing cream to minimize discomfort for the child.
Can I get my ears pierced if I have a metal allergy?
Yes, even if you have a known metal allergy, you can still safely get your ears pierced with the right jewelry. Look for starter earrings made of hypoallergenic materials like titanium, niobium, or 14K gold, and avoid any jewelry containing nickel or other common allergens.
If you have a severe metal allergy or are prone to keloid scarring, it‘s a good idea to consult with a dermatologist or other healthcare provider before getting pierced to discuss your options and risk factors.
How much does ear piercing cost?
The cost of ear piercing can vary widely depending on the location, type of procedure, and quality of jewelry used. Here‘s a rough price comparison of some popular options:
| Location | Piercing Fee | Starter Earrings | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Claire‘s | Free with earring purchase | $30-$125 | $30-$125 |
| Piercing Pagoda | $25-$30 | $20-$150 | $45-$180 |
| Tattoo/Piercing Studio | $30-$60 | $25-$200 | $55-$260 |
Keep in mind that these are just estimates, and actual prices may be higher or lower depending on your specific location and preferences. Don‘t forget to factor in the cost of aftercare products like saline solution and q-tips as well.
How long does ear piercing take to heal?
Healing times can vary depending on the location and type of piercing, as well as your individual body and aftercare practices. In general, you can expect the following healing times:
- Earlobe piercings: 6-8 weeks
- Cartilage piercings (helix, tragus, etc.): 3-6 months
- Industrial piercings: 6-12 months
It‘s important to keep the starter jewelry in for the full healing period, even if the piercing looks and feels healed sooner. Changing the jewelry too early can irritate the skin and delay healing.
Can I pierce my own ears at home?
While there are home ear piercing kits available, most professionals strongly advise against attempting to pierce your own ears. Doing so can increase the risk of infection, scarring, and improper placement, and may even be illegal in some states.
If you‘re looking to save money on ear piercing, it‘s better to wait for a sale or promotion at a reputable studio than to take matters into your own hands. Your health and safety are worth the extra cost and effort.
The Bottom Line on Ear Piercing at Kohl‘s and Beyond
While Kohl‘s may be your go-to destination for affordable fashion and home goods, it‘s not the place to go for ear piercing services. However, with so many other options available—from mall kiosks to high-end piercing studios—you‘re sure to find a location that fits your needs and budget.
No matter where you choose to get pierced, the most important thing is to do your research, follow all safety and aftercare guidelines, and listen to your body throughout the healing process. With a little bit of planning and TLC, you‘ll be rocking your new ear candy in no time!
