Want to get your ears pierced, but you're too scared? It may seem scary, but actually ear piercing is very safe and not too painful. Knowing what's going to happen, doing thorough research and planning for your piercing, and coming up with ideas to help you relax throughout the piercing will help you deal with it calmly and naturally. You'll find that you can get through it safely and happily, and will wonder why you were so nervous at first!
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Method 1 of 2: Knowing What's Coming
Step 1. Think about why you want your ears pierced
Do you do it in order to be accepted into the school environment? Would you like to be able to wear the pretty earrings you got as a birthday present? You really like looking at pierced ears? Thinking about your motives will help put the piercing in a reasonable light, and remind you that the benefits of getting your ear pierced outweigh the pain if you actually do it.
Step 2. Consider alternatives to ear piercing
Be aware that you can use tweezers or use a converter to put on your pierced earrings, if you want to wear them without the pain of the piercing.
If getting an ear piercing makes you nervous, seriously consider the following options. Try wearing thongs for a few days to see if you like them. You may decide that you don't need to have your ears pierced at all, so you don't have to carry the burden of stress and pain
Step 3. Do your research
Investigate what health and safety hazards may be if you get your ears pierced. Consider the possibility that you may be allergic to various metals, as that will affect what earrings you can wear safely. Learn how to care for your ears after your piercing, including how long you should continue to wear earrings and how to clean your ears. Make sure you are comfortable with the risk of getting your ear pierced, and feel confident that you will be able to take care of it after the piercing.
Knowing the risks is the first step to overcoming them. Think about ways to reduce the risk you've learned, and make a plan to keep your ears clean and safe
Step 4. Choose a safe and trusted place to get your ear pierced
Make an appointment at a reputable piercing salon. Consider reviews and ratings, prices and salon hours of operation before you make an appointment.
If you're concerned about your safety, don't go to a jewelry store that offers gun piercings. The only way to sterilize piercing equipment is to use an autoclave, which will damage the plastic gun. Choose a place that properly sterilizes their equipment, and be sure to wear high-quality jewelry. Some hospitals such as Carolus also offer ear piercing services. It may be a safer option for you
Step 5. Understand the legal aspects of piercing
In some countries you may be asked to sign an affidavit. If you are concerned about the legal side and about the rights you will have if something goes wrong, take the time to read the affidavit carefully. Ask questions about anything that seems confusing, or if you have any questions. Make sure you understand the affidavit and are sure of what it says before you sign it.
Step 6. Decide where you want the piercing
When you pierce your ears, the piercer will make a point in each ear. Make sure it's really the right location. Take some time to see how your ears look in the mirror. Consider it from different angles, and ask your friend or the piercer's opinion. Think about how your ear will look with earrings, and make sure you are completely comfortable with the location of the point before making the piercing.
Step 7. Understand how the piercing is done
They will take you to a room and tell you to sit down while they will prepare the necessary equipment. If any equipment looks threatening or scary, ask the piercer about it. Make sure you understand what each tool is used for and how it works. You can also inquire about the process for cleaning and sterilizing the equipment. Make yourself comfortable with the equipment before continuing with the piercing.
Step 8. Prepare yourself after the piercing
Be aware that your ear may feel sore for a while after the piercing, but remember that the pain will subside soon. Ask the piercer for written information about ear care. Make sure you are comfortable with your ear piercing and know how to care for it.
Method 2 of 2: Strategies to Not Be Scared
Step 1. Talk to the piercer
When you go to the piercing salon, let them know you're a little nervous. Ask them to tell you the process, explain what they will do and why, and answer any questions and concerns you may have. They may offer a comfortable chair or a glass of water. Chances are that most people getting pierced are a little nervous, so they'll know exactly how to make you feel better.
Step 2. Prepare yourself for the piercing
Be aware that the piercing will cause some pain, so be prepared to deal with it. Bring a friend along for moral support, and bring some painkillers to take after the piercing if you think you might need it. Think about how you can best deal with stress and pain. Do you prefer squeezing stress balls? Can gossiping with friends or playing Angry Birds help take your mind off the pain? Plan ahead and bring whatever you think can help you deal with this potentially stressful situation.
Step 3. Hold your friend's hand
When you're nervous, having a friend who can calm you down is priceless. Squeeze your friend's hand if you need to, and talk to your friend to take your mind off the piercing.
Step 4. Focus on something else to take your mind off the piercing
Read a book or magazine. Gossip with your friends, or get to know your piercer a little better. Have a chat about your weekend plans, what happened at school, the good movie you just watched – talk about anything but the piercing. Thinking about other things will help calm you enough to get through the piercing.
Step 5. Take a deep breath
Focus on breathing to physically calm yourself and force yourself to relax. Taking deep breaths can slow your heart rate and lower your blood pressure, much like your relaxed body. Doing breathing exercises, or simply focusing on taking deep breaths, will help calm your body, and make the stress of your piercing easier to deal with.
Step 6. Stay positive
Focus on the best part of this ear piercing – think about how you would look with those new earrings! When the time for the real piercing comes, don't think about the pain or stress. Instead, tell yourself that you can do it, you will definitely get through it. If you do it often enough, you will find it come true.
Friends will be very helpful in this regard. Ask your friends to help you stay positive and to remind you periodically about how much fun it will be to have ear piercings in the future
Step 7. Make a joke about the piercing
Your friend can help you approach your piercing with a sense of humor. Laughter is a major way to reduce stress and relax, so whether you're laughing about the piercing itself or about a story your friend has told you that has nothing to do with the piercing, it will help you relax. Joking about your piercing will make it seem less scary, and will help you deal with it more calmly and lightly.
Step 8. Get the piercing done quickly
Ask the piercer if they can have both ears pierced at the same time so you can get it done faster. Know that it will pass quickly, and the pain will go away.
Step 9. Celebrate your new ear piercing
Say thanks to the piercer and high five with your friends. Make the payment, make sure you tip the piercer, thank him one more time, and leave. Congratulations, you did it! Enjoy your new ear piercing.
Tips
- Know that you will be fine. It might hurt, but not so much, and not for long, and all the pain won't be in vain.
- Invite a supportive friend, if you can who has piercings.
- Do your research before you get your ears pierced.
- If in the end you decide you don't want to get your ears pierced, that's fine.
- Do the piercing with a gun. The process is faster. You can bring a stuffed animal if you want. Choose earrings that will look good on you until you can replace them.
- Close their eyes or look away when they do the piercing or the piercer can count 3-5 aloud so you know when they are about to pierce your ear.
- If you're scared and you're a teenager (like me) bring your favorite teddy bear to soothe!
- Invite friends. You will feel less stressed if you have a friend by your side to support you. After all, it's embarrassing to feel scared in front of your friends, so you're less likely to do it.
- If you are a teenager, bring your parents. You can ask if you can bring a stuffed animal for you to cuddle with, but if you're too worried you shouldn't put yourself in a situation you don't want to be in.
Warning
- There's always a risk of infection with a piercing, so do your research and take precautions to keep yourself safe.
- If you are prone to infections or have had infections in the past, ask your doctor if getting your ears pierced will put you at risk for another infection.
