Can I get a helix piercing at Claire's?

Question

I want to get a helix piercing. Really badly. In fact, I'm supposed to be getting it this Saturday. I'm not too familiar with the process of piercings, and was wondering whether or not I should get it at Claire's in my local mall, or at a parlor.

People I've known have gotten it at the mall and had nothing bad to report (other than that it's more painful than a lobe piercing). No infections, no extreme pain, nada. But when I researched online, some said Claire's is a horrible choice because they use guns that aren't always disinfected properly.

So should I get it done at a parlor or Claire's? And if I get it done at a parlor, how much will it cost? Please answer soon. I don't want to make a wrong choice and have to get surgery on my ear.

Answer 1

PLEASE do NOT get anything pierced at Claires! You need to go to a professional piercer who uses a sterilized needle. Piercing guns cannot be fully sterilized and the studs they push through your ears are not sharp enough to make a decent hole. As a result, your flesh will tear and your piercing will heal with a bump. (Also needles are far less painful.) Guns cannot be placed in an autoclave which is the only way to fully sterilize equipment and jewelry. Piercing parlors autoclave everything they come near you with. I've had both kinds and can tell you from experience that a piercing done by a professional will heal faster, better and will be less painful. Studs also aren't very good for initial piercings, which is what Claire's will give you. They do not allow enough room to accomodate swelling or promote healing. A professional will charge a little more but it is well worth the money. So, find yourself a good, reputable body piercer! Have fun!

Answer 2

For sure go to a parlor. I've never heard anything bad about Claire's but all piercing "guns" are bad news. They just push a hole through the skin. Where as a parlor uses a needle with a small hole in the middle so that it actually removes some of your skin, making an actual hole. When they pierce you with a gun you can end up with a horrible looking bump that can only be surgically removed and even then you would have a scar. Everything at a parlor is cleaned to the highest standard. They scrub all the needles and then put them in a sterilization machine that gets them super hot and cleans them. I have many many holes in my body and the parlor is the best place to go by a long shot!

Answer 3

Go to a parlor. Everything will be sterile.
I have not had a problem with Claires but I've heard them badmouthed by others. And I would go back to Claires for another lobe piercing anytime.

Answer 4

Get a piercing at a piercing parlor. Don't, I repeat...DON'T...get a piercing with a gun. Do it right. It will be a lot better that way. Take it from me. I got a NOSTRIL piercing with a gun. I had the thing 2 years and it never healed correctly. Gross...