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Dec 22, 2023

10+ Ear Piercing Places in GR: Including Great Spots for Kids

Ear piercing is a popular thing for teens and tweens to do in Grand Rapids. And

Ear piercing is a popular thing for teens and tweens to do in Grand Rapids. And sometimes, even younger kids are ready for this "big kid" activity. So where to you go when your kid asks to get their ears pierced? And what is the ear piercing process like? There are two types of ear piercing places, with two different processes. Read on to see where you can take your kid (or yourself!) for a piercing, and how each process works. Grand Rapids has several professional piercing studios to choose from (in addition to places like Claire's) that can give you an amazing experience.

I can't recommend piercings at a professional studio enough. They’re exceptionally clean. (No matter how hard you scrub, you simply cannot get complete sanitization at the mall.) They have exceptional training in the ear piercing process. And, it's a private moment. Many kids don't want to be on display like at the ear piercing places at the mall, especially if they’re apprehensive. These studios have the reputation you can trust when it comes to you or your child getting a piercing.

333 Grandville Ave SW #300, Grand Rapids, MI 49503

Honest to Goodness Tattoo & Piercing is happy to pierce kids who are able to confidently tell them they want it. Many area parents report that George is outstanding. They will allow kids the opportunity to familiarize themselves with their piercer and the studio, along with talking about what to expect, what to do to prepare for the day of, how the piercing process works, how to care for their new piercings and seeing if they are up to the task of maintaining their new piercings and being patient through the healing.Ear piercing typically starts at age 7. Must have with birth certificate and photo ID for the minor, and valid state ID for the parent/guardian (if guardian, they also require the state paperwork proving guardianship). Parent or guardian MUST be present during the piercing. $25 – $40, plus the cost of each piece of jewelry ($25 and up).

2056 Lake Michigan Dr., Grand Rapids, MI 49504652 28th St SW, Wyoming, MI 495091823 Plainfield NE, Grand Rapids, MI 495054629 Lake Michigan Drive, Allendale, MI 49401

Original birth certificate and photo ID required for the child (school ID, passport, child safe card), in addition to parent's state issued ID."They were wonderful with my 7-year-old. They were so encouraging and respectful. Highly recommend," one parent said about this ear piercing place.

2460 Plainfield Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505

Decorum begins ear piercing at age 6. A pre-piercing consultation is required for ages 6 – 8 to ensure the child understands what they’re agreeing to. A pre-consult is not required for ages 8+, but a 10 minute session is complimentary if you’d like one. A parent/guardian must be present with photo ID. Minors must have a birth certificate plus a photo ID to link child to certificate. (school yearbook, school id, passport, etc.) $30 + cost of jewelryA classic titanium with easy to clean ends is recommended for first time piercers, and that ranges from $110-165.

1500 Wealthy St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506

At Iris Body Piercing you can find an extensive selection of jewelry imported from all over the world. Made from only the highest quality materials, they carry titanium, stainless steel, niobium, gold, silver, platinum, stone, glass, bone, wood, plus much more.Above all else, this ear piercing place practices a professional, safe and clean piercing environment. All equipment used during your piercing or jewelry change is 100% disposable. This means that once something is used, it is thrown away, and never used again. Iris Piercing is a participant in the Sterilizer Monitoring Program administered by Northbay / BioScience, LLC.Iris Piercing requires a parental guardian to accompany the minor (age 5+) with a valid birth certificate as well as their own ID matching the name on the birth certificate.$35 plus the cost of jewelry (starts at $60 per pair)

214 College Ave, Holland, Michigan 49423

Individual body anatomy is key to your piercing at Studio Seventeen. Since all of our bodies are different some styles or designs may not work with your anatomy.All of their jewelry is quality and top of the line. Options include nickel free 14k and 18k solid gold, titanium and niobium. Studio Seventeen has a minimum of 5 years old for ear piercing. A consultation for any child 5-9 years old is required to ensure the child wants the earrings and understands how to care for them afterwards.Three forms are ID are required for all minors: the parent or guardian's valid ID, the minor's birth certificate, and a valid passport, school or state ID for the minor.Pricing depends on the cost of the jewelry.

10 E. Bridge St., Rockford Michigan, 49341

Paperdoll Boutique in downtown Rockford is the place to go for a comfortable, relaxing ear piercing experience.Paperdoll uses a FDA-approved medical device for ear piercing, not a spring-loaded gun. The actual earring acts as the needle and it works via the hand pressure of the piercer. Both ears can be pierced at the same time. All earrings have a special curved backing so there's no hard post poking kids.There is no minimum age for ear piercing. Parents / guardians must present a driver's license. Pricing includes earrings, cleaner and piercing. Earrings range from $24 – $60. Call 616-866-1634 to make an appointment (required).

Professional piercers’ prices are often higher than retail, but with the price comes some major advantages.The first is experience.Unlike the limited training and experience that a retail piercer often has, a professional piercer goes through extensive training and can easily have years of experience.Another advantage is the piercing instrument.At a professional ear piercing place, the piercer will hold the earlobe with forceps while directing an extremely sharp hypodermic needle into the lobe.This procedure results in a very small, neat hole that heals quickly.This process may sound scary, but it does offer improved accuracy over a piercing gun.Additionally, it's sanitary. The professional tools are made from materials that allow them to be thoroughly sterilized in an autoclave.Often, a professional piercing studio will coexist with a tattoo parlor. The staff at these studios are super welcoming and will lead you through the process. Call ahead to schedule an appointment and ask any questions you may have at that time.For another professional ear piercing option: check with your pediatrician or dermatologist to see if they pierce ears, or ask for recommendations.

Parents opt for retail store ear piercing places for the good prices, and the idea that you can get both ears pierced simultaneously, which is appealing for some apprehensive kids.

Woodland Mall – 3195 28TH STREET #H102, GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49508Rivertown Crossings – 3700 RIVERTOWN PARKWAY, GRANDVILLE, MI 49418Alpine – 3286A ALPINE AVE NW SPC 119, WALKER, MI 49544Tanger Outlets – 350 84TH ST SW #903, GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49315Holland Walmart Claires – 2629 N PARK DR SPC 700, HOLLAND, MI 49424

Claire's offers FREE piercing with the purchase of an ear-piercing kit. Starter kits are priced from $30 and include the piercing earrings and standard After Care Solution.Infants (where infant pierces are provided) will need to have a current DTaP shot, which typically takes place at 8 weeks old. Minors (under the age of 18 in the US and under the age of 16 in Canada) will need a parent or legal guardian present to sign the Claire's Ear Piercing Registry and show a government issued ID before getting started.

Woodland Mall – 3175 28TH STREET S.E., GRAND RAPIDS, MI 495088

Icing offers FREE piercing with the purchase of an ear-piercing kit. Starter kits are priced from $30 and include the piercing earrings and exclusive Rapid After Care Solution, allowing you to change your earrings after only 3 weeks.Infants (where infant pierces are provided) will need to have a current DTaP shot, which typically takes place at 8 weeks old. Minors (under the age of 18 in the US and under the age of 16 in Canada) will need a parent or legal guardian present to sign the Claire's Ear Piercing Registry and show a government issued ID before getting started.

Rivertown Crossings – 3700 RIVERTOWN PARKWAY STE. 5541, Grandville, MI, 49418-3085Woodland Mall – 3195 28TH STREET SE STE. G116A, Grand Rapids, MI, 49512-7808

Banter offers FREE piercing with an in-store purchase of piercing earrings. Free instrument ear piercing is provided to our customers with an in-store purchase of piercing earrings (yes, FREE). The selection ranges from $24.99 to $249.99.Half piercings are available for an additional $3.50 restocking fee, while cartilage instrument piercing is available in select stores for an additional $2.00 charge.Infants (where infant pierces are provided) will need to have a current DTaP shot, which typically takes place at 8 weeks old. Minors (under the age of 18 in the US and under the age of 16 in Canada) will need a parent or legal guardian present to sign the Claire's Ear Piercing Registry and show a government issued ID before getting started.

Grandville – 4542 KENOWA AVE SW, GRANDVILLE, MI 49418Wyoming – 355 54TH STREET SW, WYOMING, MI 49548Holland – 2629 N PARK DR, HOLLAND, MI 49424Comstock Park – 3999 ALPINE AVE NW, COMSTOCK PARK, MI 49321Grand Rapids – 5859 28TH ST SE, GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49546Grand Haven – 14700 US HIGHWAY 31, GRAND HAVEN, MI 49417

Select WalMart stores offer FREE piercing with a purchase of piercing earrings. Infants (where infant pierces are provided) will need to have a current DTaP shot, which typically takes place at 8 weeks old. Minors (under the age of 18 in the US and under the age of 16 in Canada) will need a parent or legal guardian present and show a government issued ID before getting started.

9430 Spring Creek Ct., Middleville, MI 49333

No age restriction at this hair salon, but kids under 17 must have parental consent. $15

These locations, often in a shopping mall, offer a walk-in, simple and quick process with a ‘free’ piercing.I used these venues the two times I had my daughter's ears pierced. Neither time did we have problems, and I’ve recommended their services many times.These ear piercing places use a piercing gun system.How a piercing gun works:The front of the gun holds the stud earring and the back holds a clasp. The ear lobe is placed in between the two areas and the piercer pulls the trigger, firing the earring into the ear and securing it in the clasp instantly. Often piercers will team up and do both ears at once.While this system may seem cut and dry, there are concerns about this kind of ear piercing method, of which the biggest is infection and disease.Although guns have improved over time, and disposable cartridges are now widely used, there is still the potential for the bacteria deposited on the gun from one customer to be transferred to the next customer. (This is what we suspect happened to my friend's daughter – her ears became quite infected and she had to let them heal and start all over again a year later.)Piercing guns also use a standard post that doesn't fit all ear lobes.Visually, the piercing gun hides part of the ear when placed on the ear, making it hard to accurately pierce in the right location.In addition, most guns force the studs through the tissue, causing more damage than necessary.

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