Why Claire’s and other similar retail chains that offer piercing services are bad for you.

Piercings are a popular form of body modification and self-expression, and often something that is done in the spur of the moment.

However, as we stress over and over again to our online audience, where you choose to get your next piercing done can have a significant impact on your overall experience and healing process.

Do your research!

While it may be tempting to go to places like Claire’s, Ardene, Visage, or ANY major retail chain that offers piercing services on the side, it is super important that you understand that these companies are without a doubt NOT the best choice for your piercing needs. 

They shouldn’t even be considered. 

With that being said, we understand what draws people to establishments like these.

The convenience, accessibility, and for the most part, piercing and tattoo shops can be intimidating.

But these perks don’t guarantee an enjoyable experience during and after your piercing.

We get it, but even with all of that taken into account, it is still not worth the risk, and here is why:

1. Lack of Expertise & Experience

The staff at these major retail chains do not have the same level of training or experience that professional piercers do at most piercing and tattoo shops.

Most professional piercers have had to complete some sort of an apprenticeship at a reputable tattoo studio. 

A deep understanding of the human anatomy is important when making any successful body modifications.

Lack of sufficient knowledge as per the inexperienced piercer can lead to complications during the healing process, a more painful piercing process, risks of a skin infection, and uneven piercings.

Piercing is an art, and as art goes it takes years of experience.

2. Use of Piercing Guns

Most, if not all, of these major retail chains, use piercing guns to perform ear piercings.

The problem with piercing guns (you can read more about this subject here) is that they are reusable, and it is almost impossible to properly sanitize them.

Piercing guns force a dull tip stud through the ear, which can cause excessive trauma and damage to the surrounding tissue, which can lead to a higher risk of infection, scarring, and keloid formation.

Basically, piercing creates a fresh wound and all kinds of bacteria and germs can sneak in when using a piercing gun.

Gross.

At most, if not all, reputable studios (including us, North York Ink), we ONLY use single-use, disposable needles as it is a much safer, much cleaner process that promotes much faster healing times and a much more comfortable healing process.

3. Poor Cleaning Practices

Sterilization and proper hygiene are essential when it comes to body piercings.

At North York Ink, we follow strict guidelines for cleaning and sterilizing our equipment.

We are responsible for delivering performance reports of the machine we use to sterilize our jewelry and equipment every month to a larger governing body.

We are held accountable.

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.

Plus, sitting in a busy store is not exactly a sterile environment. At our piercing and tattoo shop, we take the cleanliness of our space seriously to prevent issues like infections and irritation.

4. Limited Jewelry Selection

At North York Ink, we have over a dozen different jewelry styles to suit all of your piercing needs and an infinite amount of styles available to order.

We have long-standing relationships with some of the biggest jewelry distributors and manufacturers in North America. 

All of our jewelry is either titanium or gold for the safety of our clients, you can read more about the importance of jewelry selection here.

Places like Claire’s and Ardene offer limited options when it comes to jewelry.

Which can be problematic if you have sensitive skin and suffer from skin irritation or want to use high-quality jewelry made from materials like titanium or gold.

5. Lack of Proper Aftercare Instructions

Proper aftercare is essential for the wound healing process and to avoid infections and/or complications with your piercing.

You can learn more on how to properly take care of your piercing and prevent the risk of infection in your piercing, as well as other aftercare tips, here. 

At North York Ink, we provide a comprehensive list of aftercare instructions given to you in the form of a pamphlet to ensure a healthy healing process.

Additionally, our piercer walks you through the aftercare process before and after the appointment answering any questions you may have.

Places like Claire’s do not provide such aftercare instructions, and their so-called “piercers” will likely not follow-up care to ensure that your piercing is healing properly.

You could end up waiting weeks for healing or, far worse, a skin infection.

Take Our Advice!

So, even though Claire’s, Ardene, Visage, etc. may seem like a convenient and affordable option for your next piercing, it’s important to consider the potential risks and drawbacks.

Professional piercers offer a safer and more hygienic experience, with a wider range of jewelry options and better aftercare support.

It’s worth taking the time to research and choose a reputable piercing studio for your piercing needs to ensure the best possible outcome.

when it comes to body art and modifications, it’s crucial to prioritize safety and expertise over convenience and accessibility. Choosing a professional tattoo artist or piercer who follows proper hygiene practices, uses high-quality materials, and provides comprehensive aftercare instructions can make all the difference in your overall experience and healing process. So, do your research and take the necessary precautions before your next tattoo session or piercing. Remember, it’s your body and your health, and it’s worth investing in the best possible care.

Contact North York Ink today to book a piercing appointment and get started on your piercing journey with the best jewelry options and the highest hygienic standard available.

Hit us up at info@northyorkink.com or call us at (647) 501 8222.