Ear piercing is a popular form of body modification that has been around for centuries. It is a way to express oneself, make a fashion statement, or commemorate a special occasion. Walmart is one of the many retailers that offer ear piercing services to their customers.
Walmart uses piercing guns to pierce ears, which is a faster and less expensive method than using hollow piercing needles. However, piercing guns are infamous for malfunctioning and making the healing process more stubborn and painful. It is important to note that Walmart’s ear piercing service is not free. Customers are required to purchase a starter kit that includes earrings and aftercare solution. The cost of the starter kit varies depending on the type of piercing chosen.
Overall, Walmart’s ear piercing service is a convenient and affordable option for those looking to get their ears pierced. However, customers should be aware of the potential risks associated with piercing guns and take proper care of their piercings to ensure proper healing. See also: Walmart Return Policy After 90 Days?: What You Need to Know
Understanding Ear Piercing: Ear Piercing Works
What is Ear Piercing?
Ear piercing is a popular form of body modification that involves creating a hole in the earlobe or other parts of the ear to insert jewelry. This practice has been around for centuries and is often done for cultural, religious, or personal reasons. In recent years, ear piercing has become a common fashion accessory, with many people choosing to get their ears pierced as a way to express their individuality and style.
The Ear Piercing Procedure
The ear piercing procedure typically involves using a sterile needle or piercing gun to create a hole in the earlobe or other parts of the ear. Walmart offers ear piercing services in about ⅓ of their stores, with over 3400 piercing locations in total. Before piercing your ears, a Walmart associate will properly clean the front and back of your earlobes with an alcohol pad to sterilize the area. They will then make small dots on your ears with a surgical marking pen to mark the precise points where the earrings will be placed.
Walmart uses piercing guns to pierce ears, which are designed to quickly and easily create a hole in the earlobe. However, there is some debate among piercing professionals about the safety and effectiveness of piercing guns. Some argue that piercing guns can cause more tissue damage and increase the risk of infection compared to using a sterile needle. It is important to note that Walmart associates who perform ear piercings are trained to follow strict safety and hygiene protocols to minimize the risk of infection or other complications.
The cost of ear piercing at Walmart varies depending on the type of jewelry you choose. Walmart offers a range of earrings in different styles and materials, including gold, silver, and stainless steel. The cost of ear piercing at Walmart starts at around $20, which includes the cost of the earrings and the ear piercing service. It is important to follow proper aftercare instructions to ensure that your new ear piercings heal properly and minimize the risk of infection.
Walmart’s Ear Piercing Service
Walmart offers ear piercing services in about a third of their stores, which amounts to around 3400 piercing locations in total. The service is only available at Walmarts with jewelry counters, and even some jewelry counter locations might not offer this service.
How Walmart Does Ear Piercing
Walmart uses a piercing gun to perform ear piercings. The gun is loaded with a disposable cartridge that contains a sterilized piercing earring. The earring is made of surgical steel and is designed to be worn for six weeks to allow the piercing to heal.
The cost of ear piercing at Walmart varies depending on the location and the type of piercing. Generally, the cost ranges from $18 to $30. The price includes the piercing earrings, the piercing procedure, and a bottle of antiseptic solution to clean the piercing.
Safety Measures at Walmart
Walmart takes several safety measures to ensure that ear piercing is done safely. Before the piercing procedure, the Walmart employee will sanitize their hands and wear gloves to prevent the spread of germs.
The employee will also clean the customer’s earlobes with an antiseptic solution before piercing them. Walmart uses single-use, disposable cartridges to prevent the spread of infection.
In addition, Walmart provides customers with aftercare instructions to help them take care of their new piercings. The instructions include cleaning the piercing twice a day with the provided solution and avoiding swimming or submerging the piercing in water for the first six weeks.
Overall, Walmart’s ear piercing service is a convenient and affordable option for those looking to get their ears pierced. With proper safety measures and aftercare instructions, customers can feel confident in their decision to get pierced at Walmart.
Types of Ear Piercings at Walmart
Walmart offers a variety of ear piercing options to choose from. Here are some of the most popular types of ear piercings available at Walmart:
Standard Lobe Piercing
The standard lobe piercing is the most common type of ear piercing. It involves piercing the earlobe with a sterilized needle, and it’s usually done on both ears. Walmart offers this type of piercing for a reasonable price.
Cartilage Piercing
Cartilage piercing is another popular option. It involves piercing the cartilage of the ear, which is the firm tissue that gives the ear its shape. Walmart offers cartilage piercing with a sterilized needle or with a piercing gun.
Double Lobe Piercing
If you want a more dramatic look, you can opt for a double lobe piercing. This involves piercing the earlobe twice, creating two holes that are stacked on top of each other. Walmart offers this type of piercing as well.
Helix Piercing
A helix piercing is done on the upper part of the ear, where the cartilage is located. It’s a popular choice for those who want a more unique look. Walmart offers this type of piercing with a sterilized needle or with a piercing gun.
Tragus Piercing
A tragus piercing is done on the small, raised flap of cartilage that covers the ear canal. It’s a more daring piercing option that can be done with a sterilized needle or with a piercing gun at Walmart.
Industrial Piercing
An industrial piercing involves piercing the upper cartilage of the ear in two places and connecting them with a piece of jewelry. It’s a more complex piercing that requires a skilled piercer. Walmart offers this type of piercing with a sterilized needle.
Walmart offers a variety of ear piercing options at affordable prices. They use sterilized needles or piercing guns to ensure the safety of their customers. Customers can choose from a range of piercing types, from the standard lobe piercing to the more daring industrial piercing.
Cost of Ear Piercing at Walmart
Walmart offers ear piercing services for free with the purchase of piercing earrings. The cost of the piercing earrings varies depending on the type of earring selected. A basic pair of piercing earrings costs around $9.99, but the price can vary based on the type of earring chosen.
Customers can choose from a variety of earring types, including birthstone studs, gold studs, and diamond studs. Fancy earrings can cost between $20 and $40. Customers are advised to check with their local Walmart store to confirm the availability of specific earring types.
It is important to note that Walmart only offers ear piercing services at select stores with jewelry counters. Customers should check with their local store to confirm whether or not ear piercing services are available.
Walmart uses the Inverness ear piercing system, which is known for being safe and gentle. The system uses fully-enclosed sterile earring capsules, ensuring a sterile and hygienic piercing experience.
Overall, Walmart offers affordable and convenient ear piercing services for those looking to get their ears pierced. Customers should expect to pay for the piercing earrings, but the piercing service itself is free with the purchase of earrings.
Aftercare and Maintenance
Aftercare Tips
After getting your ears pierced at Walmart, it is important to take good care of them to prevent infection and promote healing. Here are some aftercare tips to follow:
- Keep your hands clean and avoid touching your ears unless necessary.
- Clean your ears with a saline solution or antiseptic solution recommended by your piercer. Walmart offers a variety of aftercare products, such as saline cleanser sprays and ear care solutions, that can be purchased in-store or online.
- Avoid swimming or submerging your ears in water for at least 2 weeks after getting pierced.
- Avoid sleeping on your newly pierced ears to prevent irritation.
- Avoid wearing tight-fitting clothing or hats that may rub against your ears.
Maintenance and Cleaning
After your ears have healed, it is important to continue cleaning and maintaining your piercings to prevent infection and keep them looking good. Here are some maintenance and cleaning tips to follow:
- Clean your ears daily with a saline solution or antiseptic solution recommended by your piercer. Use a cotton swab or gauze to gently clean around the piercing.
- Rotate your earrings occasionally to prevent them from getting stuck or causing irritation.
- Avoid changing your earrings too frequently, especially during the first few months after getting pierced.
- Choose earrings made of hypoallergenic materials, such as surgical steel or 14k gold, to prevent allergic reactions.
- If you experience any pain, redness, or swelling around your piercings, seek medical attention immediately.
By following these aftercare and maintenance tips, you can keep your newly pierced ears healthy and looking great.
Potential Risks and Complications
While ear piercing is generally considered a safe and popular form of body modification, there are potential risks and complications that customers should be aware of before getting their ears pierced at Walmart or any other location.
One of the most common risks associated with ear piercing is infection. According to Mayo Clinic, the risk of infection can be minimized by following proper aftercare instructions, such as keeping the pierced area clean and avoiding touching the area with dirty hands. However, even with proper care, infections can still occur and may require medical attention. Symptoms of an infected piercing may include redness, swelling, pain, and discharge.
Another potential risk associated with ear piercing is an allergic reaction to the metal used in the earrings. Verywell Health warns that some people may be allergic to certain metals, such as nickel, which is commonly used in inexpensive jewelry. Symptoms of an allergic reaction may include itching, redness, swelling, and blistering.
In addition to infection and allergic reactions, there are other potential complications associated with ear piercing. For example, the piercing may become embedded in the skin, leading to pain and discomfort. Keloid scarring, which is the formation of raised, thickened areas of skin around the piercing, may also occur in some cases. Traumatic tearing is another potential complication that can occur if the earring is accidentally pulled or caught on clothing or other objects.
It is important for customers to be aware of these potential risks and complications before getting their ears pierced at Walmart or any other location. By understanding the risks and taking proper precautions, customers can minimize their chances of experiencing complications and enjoy their new ear piercings safely.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Walmart offers ear piercing services in about one-third of their stores, which have jewelry counters. The cost of piercing varies depending on the type of piercing, with each type coming with different pain caliber and recovery time. Additionally, the aftercare also varies depending on where you’ve pierced.
Before piercing your ears, a Walmart associate will properly clean the front and back of your earlobes with an alcohol pad to sterilize the area. They will then make small dots on your ears with a surgical marking pen to mark the precise points where the earrings will be placed. Walmart pierces with Inverness, the only system with fully-enclosed sterile earring capsules, making it a safe and sterile option for ear piercing.
It is important to note that while Walmart offers ear piercing services, it is always important to do your research and choose a reputable and experienced piercer. Ensure that the piercing equipment is sterilized, the piercer wears gloves, and the piercing area is cleaned properly. It is also important to follow proper aftercare instructions to avoid any infections or complications.
Overall, Walmart’s ear piercing service can be a convenient and affordable option for those looking to get their ears pierced. However, it is important to prioritize safety and choose a reputable piercer to ensure a successful and healthy piercing experience.