The youngest age for a piercing depends on the body part and local laws, but generally, earlobes can be done on infants with parental consent (often recommended after 3-4 months old for vaccines). Other non-intimate piercings (like nose, navel, helix) usually require parental consent for minors (e.g., under 16 or 18), while intimate piercings (nipple, genital) are typically reserved for those 18 and older, even with permission, with laws varying by region. Reputable piercers often have stricter age policies, requiring a parent present for minors.
It's essential to consider various factors, such as the age of the child, health conditions, and the methods used for piercing. According to pediatricians, many recommend waiting until the child is at least 6 months old; however, piercing at 4 months can also be done safely if proper precautions are taken.
You must be 16 years and over to receive a piercing without parental consent (or 18 years in WA). If you are over 16 you will be asked to provide ID that confirms your NAME, DOB and PHOTO.
Absolutely no younger than when they are able to understand, request, and consent to it themselves. Also, no younger than they can be trusted to sit still for a proper piercing using needle and not gun. Also, no younger than they can be trusted to...
I would recommend waiting until 3 or 4 months old, when the child has at least one or two sets of vaccines. At that age, if they get a fever it is not as concerning as when they are newborns.
The "3-2 piercing rule" is a popular guideline for creating a balanced ear piercing arrangement, suggesting three piercings on the lobe and two on the upper cartilage for a harmonious, curated look, or applying a 2:3 ratio of piercings to space for overall balance, often pairing small studs with statement pieces for a chic, "undone" style that avoids overcrowding and emphasizes personal anatomy.
WHEN CAN BABIES GET THEIR EARS PIERCED AT CLAIRE'S? Anyone under 18 needs to be accompanied by a parent or guardian to get their ears pierced.
A nose piercing typically ranks around a 4-7 out of 10 on the pain scale, varying by person and location; nostril piercings are often a quick, sharp pinch (around 4-6/10), while septum piercings can feel intense but brief (around 6-7/10), especially if the cartilage is thick, though it's generally considered manageable and quick to heal.
Places like Claire's do not have the same level of hygiene practices in place. This means that there are no protocols to ensure clean hands and clean equipment. Things like unsterilized equipment and unwashed hands can lead to a higher risk of infection and other complications.
AGE RESTRICTIONS
Piercing guns use their spring-loaded power to “shoot” the piercing earring through the earlobe or cartilage. The device we use at Lovisa uses hand-pressure to pierce the ear quickly and accurately in one smooth, quiet motion.
Most studios set a minimum age of 13 or 14, with parental consent for under 16s. Facial and body piercings: These include nostril, eyebrow, navel, and lip piercings. Many studios require clients to be 16 or over with ID, or younger only with parental consent. Tongue and genital piercings: Strictly 18 and over.
Safest Piercings
Along with the nostrils and belly button, the earlobes are the safest and most common body part to be pierced. The flesh of the earlobe heals well when the area is cleaned regularly and the piercing is done at the proper angle.
✨ Free ear-piercing with a purchase of any earrings of your choice, after care treatment and education is provided ensuring safety. Visit a Clicks baby store near you.
If you're under 18, you can still get your nostril or septum pierced with parental or legal guardian consent, but there are specific rules. Both you and your parent/guardian need valid photo ID, and in most cases, the last names need to match, unless you've got legal paperwork proving guardianship.
Claire's uses a piercing gun that forces the jewelry through the skin. A trained piercer (who has likely gone through years of an apprenticeship and this is their career -- not a teenage retail clerk who does this on the side) uses a hollow-point needle that is only used once.
The most painful ear piercings generally involve thick cartilage, with the Snug, Anti-Tragus, and Conch piercings often cited as the most intense due to hitting dense cartilage, while the unique two-point Industrial piercing also ranks high because it's essentially two cartilage piercings. Pain varies, but expect significant pressure and discomfort in these areas compared to fleshy lobes.
The Safe and Discreet Option is Medical Ear Piercing
Anytime you pierce the skin, there is a risk. The three advantages of medical ear piercing are: Trained medical personnel to do the ear piercing. Medically safe, modern aseptic technique, and equipment.
Nostril Piercings
These piercings are slightly more painful than earlobe, lip, and navel piercings. The reason for this is because the needle has to go through cartilage, which is tougher than just flesh. These piercings are often described as a brief sting and many people experience watery eyes or the need to sneeze.
Among the most painful piercings, snug and tragus piercings top the list, while upper cartilage piercings like the helix are slightly less painful, but still no laughing matter. Also, bear in mind the pain doesn't necessarily end once the needle is out. For example, cartilage has less blood flow.
Remember to stay out of the water until your piercing has been healing for two weeks and always follow the aftercare advice. If you do need to swim in the first two weeks, use a Band-Aid and our spray. Speak to a Piercing Specialist in salon for advice, or if you have any questions.
Get ready to sparkle—Claire's offers FREE ear piercing every day! It's our thing, and it's free with the purchase of a starter kit, making it easy and affordable to get the look you love. Whether it's your first piercing or a stylish addition, our trained specialists are here to help you shine.
One of the most effective ways to help calm your child's pre-piercing jitters is talking to them ahead of time. Walking them through what to expect during the piercing process and answering any questions they may have, plus reassuring them that you'll be with them the entire time, can do wonders for easing anxiety.
Your piercing might be infected if: the area around it is swollen, painful, hot, very red or dark (depending on your skin colour) there's blood or pus coming out of it – pus can be white, green or yellow.