06/18/2021
Some FAQ’s
Do I use a Gun or a Needle?
I use what’s called a pressure tool. It’s a fully enclosed earring capsule guaranteed for the safest ear piercing possible by preventing the earring and backing from being exposed to any potential contaminants. It is entirely sterile. The difference between a gun and a pressure tool is that a gun is spring-loaded and uses blunt earrings that hurt and cause tissue damage (scar tissue). The pressure tool is completely silent and is designed for the gentlest piercing. The earrings feature an ultra-thin piercing post with an extra sharp tip (like a needle) for smooth and delicate piercing.
I use needles for all cartilage and specialty piercings or upon request.
Do I pierce Both Ears at Once? Tandem?
I don’t do tandem piercing anymore as, in my experience, as the children grow, we’ve noticed that one hole is never pierced straight, and you will only see it when a hoop goes in and stick out sideways. That being said, I’ve never had anyone leave with one earring :)
My Experience?
I have been piercing ears and noses since 2007.
Age?
I suggest no earlier than three months of age and once the 1st round of vaccines is complete (tetanus). I recommend always piercing before two years old or after four years old. The 2-4 year-olds are the toughest as they are feisty (don’t sit still well) and may touch a lot and pull (although every child is different and you know your child best).
What if your child doesn’t want to get pierced?
When you bring your child to us for an ear piercing, and you're aware that she's going through a phase where she's uncomfortable around strangers, even mom or dad can't soothe her when approached. We kindly request that you wait until this phase subsides before scheduling her ear-piercing appointment.
The exact factors driving this behaviour are not always clear. It might stem from repeated doctor visits due to frequent ear infections or other incidents. Perhaps teething is causing her excessive discomfort, or it could simply be her personality or an off day.
In essence, we want to emphasize that we will NEVER resort to restraining your child ( or having a parent hold them down) to perform an ear piercing. If she's upset at the thought of applying numbing cream, we may opt to delay the piercing. Our intention is to ensure your experience with us is positive, leaving everyone content after your visit.
Regrettably, such instances have occurred frequently. For this reason, a $20 fee will be applicable for cancellations when we're unable to approach your child. The numbing cream comes at a cost, as you're aware, and this also means that someone else could have taken your appointment slot on that day.
We truly appreciate your understanding in this matter.
Numbing Creams?
Creams like Emla are recommended to reduce the pinch; however, as they are meant for topical use (laser hair removal, dermatology procedures), once they permeate the skin, they may cause infection (infrequent). They do not always cause infection, but you are at a higher risk.
You can get Emla and other topical numbing creams at your local pharmacy and apply them 30 min before your appointment. Or if you come 15 minutes before your appointment, I can use the cream for a $10 charge.
After Care?
Please use mild soap (unscented) with warm water and turn the earring once a day for two weeks. For lobe piercings only, I will advise different instructions for specialty piercings.
The starter earrings must stay in the lobe for min. Three months. After, you may change the earrings, but an earring must always be in the ear for one full year. Ears are more sensitive to metals within the first year. Please avoid nickel metals such as non-rhodium 925 sterling silver and costume jewellery (Ardene, Claires, etc...)
Pricing? Time?
Many styles range from $45 to $200, depending on the type, size and metal chosen. I carry 14K gold, Implant Medical Grade Surgical Steel, Gold plated surgical steel, 24K gold plated surgical steel and Implant Medical Grade Titanium. I carry over 60 styles, and earrings will be chosen at the appointment. I cannot use the earrings you bring, as they must be encapsulated and sterile.
I do not charge for the piercing service (needle piercings only carry a flat fee of $40/piercing) but will charge for overtime and missed appointments without cancellation. Appointment times are approx. 30 mins. I charge $15 for every additional 15 minutes.
Earrings are not disposable and can be worn forever - I do not use bullet-style earrings.
Payment Types?
I currently accept Cash, Visa, Debit, ApplePay, Google Pay, MasterCard and Amex.
Cancellation Policy / No Shows
We book by appointment to limit our clients' waiting time. Once a client books an appointment with us, we reserve this time for them. Therefore, we require a 4-hour notice of any change or cancellation, allowing us a reasonable amount of time to offer the appointment to another client. When we receive less than 4 hours notice of any change or cancellation, we require a payment of $25. Your credit card will be fully charged at our discretion (we are not unreasonable and realize children and babies get sick).
If you have any more questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact me.