Ear piercing is a popular form of self-expression and fashion statement that has been around for thousands of years. In fact, the oldest known earrings were discovered in Iraq and date back to around 2500 BC! Today, millions of people sport earrings as a way to accessorize their look and show off their personal style.
If you‘re considering getting your ears pierced (or your child‘s), you may be surprised to learn that Walmart, the world‘s largest retailer, offers professional ear piercing services at over 5,000 of its stores across the United States. In this ultimate guide, we‘ll cover everything you need to know about Walmart‘s ear piercing service so you can decide if it‘s the right choice for you.
Walmart‘s Ear Piercing Service at a Glance
Here are the key facts about getting your ears pierced at Walmart:
- Availability: Over 5,000 Walmart Supercenters and Neighborhood Markets in the U.S. offer ear piercing as of 2023. This is nearly half of Walmart‘s 11,300 locations worldwide.
- Hours: Ear piercing is typically offered during normal store hours (7am-11pm) at most locations, with some 24-hour stores offering round-the-clock piercings.
- Pricing: Ear piercing is free with the purchase of a starter kit, which includes the earrings and aftercare solution. Starter kits range from around $10 for basic studs to $40+ for 14K gold and diamond options.
- Minimum Age: There is no blanket minimum age for ear piercing at Walmart, as each state has different laws about body modification on minors. Some stores may choose not to pierce babies or young children. A parent or guardian must sign a consent form and show ID for anyone under 18.
- Piercing Method: Walmart uses the Inverness fully-enclosed ear piercing system, which safely pierces the ear with pre-sterilized, single-use capsules. Over 10,000 Walmart associates have been specially trained to use this system.
- Aftercare: Every Walmart ear piercing comes with detailed instructions for cleaning and caring for your new piercings, as well as a free bottle of Inverness aftercare solution. An email reminder program is also available.
The Inverness System: Safe, Sterile, and Easy
When you get your ears pierced at Walmart, you can feel confident that your health and safety are top priorities. That‘s because Walmart has partnered with Inverness, a leading innovator in the ear piercing industry for over 40 years, to bring its state-of-the-art system to stores across the country.
The Inverness Ear Piercing System is the only fully-enclosed, FDA-registered system available on the market. It uses single-use sterile capsules that remain sealed until the moment of piercing, eliminating the risk of cross-contamination. The capsule contains the earring stud as well as an adaptable back that adjusts to the thickness of the ear, allowing for a comfortable and secure fit.
Some key features and benefits of the Inverness system include:
- Fully enclosed capsules ensure that the earring never comes into contact with any potential contaminants before or during the piercing process. The piercer never has to directly touch the earring.
- Hand-pressured instrument allows for a gentle, controlled piercing with consistent results. Many people report feeling only a small pinch with this method.
- Adaptable earring back clicks into place and adjusts to the thickness of the ear, helping the earring stay secure without being too tight.
- Pre-sterilized components including the capsule, earring, and instrument are sterilized using ethylene oxide gas according to ISO and AAMI standards.
- Wide variety of earring options are available, all of which feature high-quality, hypoallergenic materials like stainless steel, titanium, 14K gold, and more. Inverness offers both traditional and more unique earring styles.
In addition to using the Inverness system, Walmart also requires that all employees performing ear piercings complete an extensive training program. The curriculum, developed by Inverness, covers everything from proper hygiene and sterilization techniques to piercing placement and troubleshooting. Piercers must demonstrate proficiency on a mannequin ear before assisting real customers.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Ears Pierced at Walmart?
One of the biggest selling points of getting pierced at Walmart is the affordable cost. Ear piercing is free at Walmart when you purchase a starter kit containing the earrings. Starter kits start at around $10 and go up to $40+ depending on the earring material and design.
Here is a breakdown of some popular starter kit options and prices:
| Starter Kit | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Stainless Steel Ball Studs | $10 | Hypoallergenic 3mm ball studs in silver tone, gold tone, or black |
| Cubic Zirconia Studs | $16 | 3mm round cubic zirconia studs in silver tone or gold tone |
| 14K Gold Ball Studs | $30 | Classic 3mm ball studs in 14K yellow or white gold |
| 14K Gold Birthstone Studs | $40 | 3mm genuine birthstone studs in 14K yellow or white gold |
| 24K Gold-Plated Shapes | $20 | Cute shape studs like hearts, stars, and flowers in 24K gold plate over stainless steel |
As you can see, there is a wide range of options to fit any style and budget. Keep in mind that these prices are just for the earrings themselves – there is no additional fee for the piercing service.
To put this into perspective, here is how Walmart‘s ear piercing prices compare to some other popular options:
| Location | Piercing Fee | Earring Price | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walmart | Free | $10-$40 | $10-$40 |
| Claire‘s | $22 | $13-$250 | $35-$272 |
| Piercing Pagoda | $30 | $20-$3000 | $50-$3030 |
| Tattoo & Piercing Studio | $25-$50 | $10-$200 | $35-$250 |
As you can see, Walmart offers significant savings, especially if you are getting multiple piercings or piercing multiple family members at the same time. Of course, price isn‘t everything – you also want to consider factors like safety, expertise of the piercer, and quality of the jewelry. More on that in a bit!
What to Expect During Your Walmart Ear Piercing
If you‘ve never been to Walmart for an ear piercing before, you might be wondering what the process is like. While the exact setup may vary slightly from store to store, here is a general overview of what you can expect:
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Checking in: Upon arriving at Walmart, head to the jewelry counter and let an associate know you are interested in getting your ears pierced. They may direct you to a sign-in sheet or have you fill out a consent form if you are with a minor.
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Choosing your earrings: A sales associate will show you the available starter kits and help you select the best option for your style and budget. If you have any metal allergies, be sure to let them know so they can steer you towards a hypoallergenic option. Once you‘ve made your choice, you‘ll pay for the earrings at the register.
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Preparing for the piercing: Next, a trained associate will have you take a seat in a chair or on a bench near the jewelry counter. They will put on gloves and prepare the Inverness piercing instrument, loading it with the single-use capsule containing your chosen earring.
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Marking the piercing placement: Using a surgical marking pen, the associate will place a small dot on each earlobe to indicate where the piercing will go. They will have you check the placement in a mirror to make sure you are happy with the symmetry and positioning.
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Performing the piercing: Once the placement is confirmed, the associate will have you sit very still while they line up the piercing instrument with the marked dots. They will give you a countdown and then swiftly pierce the ear with the hand-pressured device. The process is repeated on the second ear. Most people report feeling only minor discomfort, similar to a pinch or bee sting.
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Putting on the earring backs: After both ears are pierced, the associate will slide the adjustable earring backs onto the posts until they click into place. They will ensure the earrings are secure but not too tight.
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Reviewing aftercare instructions: Before sending you on your way, the associate will give you detailed instructions for cleaning and caring for your new piercings. They will go over the importance of leaving the earrings in place for at least 6 weeks, cleaning the front and back of the piercings twice daily with the provided solution, and avoiding swim and sleep on the piercings during healing. You‘ll also receive a written copy of the instructions and a free bottle of aftercare solution to take home.
The entire process usually takes around 15 minutes from start to finish. Some Walmart locations even have a designated "ear piercing chair" set up to make the experience feel a bit more special and official.
Caring for Your New Ear Piercings
Getting your ears pierced is just the first step – proper aftercare is essential to ensure your piercings heal without complications. Luckily, Walmart sends you home with everything you need to care for your new piercings, including a bottle of Inverness ear care solution and detailed written instructions.
Here is a sample aftercare routine based on Walmart‘s recommendations:
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Weeks 1-3: Clean the front and back of each piercing twice per day with the Inverness solution, saturating a cotton ball or swab. Gently rotate the earrings a few times to work the solution into the piercings. Pat dry with a clean tissue. Wash your hands before touching your ears.
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Weeks 4-6: Continue cleaning the piercings once daily. Check that the earring backs are secure but not too tight. Do not remove or change your earrings during this time.
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Weeks 7+: After 6 weeks, you can remove your initial earrings and replace them with new ones. Make sure to keep earrings in at all times for at least 6 months to prevent the piercings from closing. Continue cleaning once daily and avoid sleeping directly on hard earrings.
Be sure to monitor your piercings closely for any signs of infection, such as severe redness, swelling, discharge, or prolonged pain. If you suspect an infection, contact your doctor right away.
It‘s also important to avoid swimming or submerging your ears in water for at least 2-3 weeks after piercing. If you do get your ears wet, gently pat them dry and clean them with aftercare solution as soon as possible.
To make aftercare easier to remember, Walmart offers a complimentary email reminder program. When you sign up, you‘ll receive timely tips and instructions straight to your inbox to guide you through the healing process.
Is Walmart the Best Place to Get Your Ears Pierced?
Now that you know all about Walmart‘s ear piercing service, you might be wondering if it‘s really the best option for you. As with most things, there are pros and cons to consider.
Advantages of Getting Pierced at Walmart
- Convenience: With over 5,000 locations offering ear piercing (many open late or even 24/7), Walmart is hard to beat in terms of convenience and accessibility. There‘s likely to be a Walmart within easy driving distance of your home or work.
- Affordability: Walmart‘s prices for ear piercing are among the lowest around, especially considering that the service itself is free with purchase of earrings. This can be a major selling point for budget-conscious families or those getting multiple piercings.
- Safety: While no piercing is 100% risk-free, Walmart takes several measures to ensure a safe and hygienic experience, including using the fully-enclosed Inverness system, requiring extensive employee training, and providing detailed aftercare instructions.
- Speed: Since most Walmart piercings are done out on the sales floor, the process is generally quicker than visiting a studio where you might have a longer wait. This can be a plus for those short on time (or with squirmy kids in tow).
Disadvantages of Getting Pierced at Walmart
- Limited placement options: Currently, Walmart only offers earlobe and outer cartilage (helix) piercings at most locations. If you want a more unique placement like tragus, daith, or rook, you‘ll need to visit a professional piercing studio.
- Less personalized experience: Getting pierced at Walmart is a bit like going through a drive-thru – it‘s quick and transactional. You won‘t get the same level of one-on-one attention and customization that you would at a studio with a dedicated piercer.
- Not ideal for problem piercings: If you have a history of piercing rejection, metal allergies, or other complicating factors, it‘s best to see a professional piercer who can customize the jewelry and placement to minimize problems. Walmart piercers must follow a set protocol.
- Limited privacy: While some stores have a dedicated piercing area or chair, getting pierced at Walmart is still a relatively public affair. If you‘re self-conscious about people watching, a private studio might be a better bet.
Ultimately, the decision of where to get pierced is a personal one that depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize convenience, affordability, and a quick in-and-out experience, Walmart‘s ear piercing service is definitely worth considering.
On the other hand, if you have very sensitive skin, desire a more unique piercing placement, or just want a bit more TLC with the process, visiting a professional body piercing studio may be the way to go – just be prepared to pay more for the specialized service.
The Bottom Line
Walmart has made professional ear piercing accessible and affordable to people across the country through its partnership with Inverness. By offering this service, Walmart aims to be a one-stop-shop where customers can take care of all their needs – from groceries to prescriptions to a fun fashion statement.
While there are certainly some limitations to getting pierced at Walmart (mainly around placement options and privacy), the retailer has gone to great lengths to ensure the safety and quality of the experience. The Inverness system is top-notch in terms of hygiene and ease of use, and Walmart‘s rigorous employee training program gives peace of mind.
If you‘re on the fence about getting pierced at Walmart, the best thing to do is visit your local store and speak with a trained associate. They can walk you through the process, show you the available earring options, and answer any questions you might have.
And if you do decide to take the plunge, be sure to follow the aftercare instructions to the letter and enjoy showing off your new look! With proper care, your Walmart ear piercing can be the start of a lifetime of fun with earrings.
