Whether “when can I get my ears pierced” has become your little fashionista’s daily mantra or you want to give your wee one a set of bling before her first birthday, you will need to know the nitty-gritty about where to go and what to expect. Read on for the piercing details.
Claire’s
This mall-based jewelry store was most likely a part of your own ear piercing experience back in the day. Claire’s specializes in ear piercings for the small set and offers simultaneous piercings by two technicians so you’re in and out before your little one can even bat an eye. Claire’s piercing earrings are especially designed with ultra-fine points and thin posts to pierce gently and promote quick healing. They are also individually packaged in a disposable, sterilized single-use cartridge.
Bonus, ear piercing is FREE at Claire’s with the purchase of a Starter Kit. This includes your choice of piercing earrings, Claire’s Ear Care Solution and a special offer for your next visit. With numerous locations around town, you won’t have a problem finding one to visit. Check their- website for all the piercing info.
Where: Valley West Mall
1551 Valley West Drive, West Des Moines
Phone: (515) 223-5231
Where: Jordan Creek Town Center
101 Jordan Creek Parkway #11460, West Des Moines
Phone: (515) 223-1501
Where: Merle Hay Mall
Merle Hay Road & Douglas Avenue, Des Moines
Phone: (515) 276-7074
Hair FX
If a more private, posh experience strikes your fancy, visit this Altoona salon where you deem your little one old enough to get his or her ears pierced. The price is $25.00, which includes the piercing, after-care solution and earrings. You can also have just one ear pierced for $17.50. Visit their website or give them a call to schedule and be sure to check out their other salon services while you’re there.
Where: 616 8th Street, SW Altoona
Phone: 515-967-4787
Piercing Pagoda
Located at Merle Hay Mall, Piercing Pagoda’s expertise in piercing ears is the real deal. They’ve got the itty bitty set covered with piercing available for those at least two months old as long as they’ve had their first DPT vaccine. Have an older sib who’s been begging to get his or her ears pierced? Piercing Pagoda welcomes all ages, so bring them along as well. Ear piercing is FREE with an in-store purchase of earrings and no appointment is necessary. Visit their website for all the deets.
Where: Merle Hay Mall
3800 Merle Hay Road, Des Moines
Phone: (515) 278-9604
Shear Madness
Most well known for their killer kid haircuts and La De Da Spa, Shear Madness is also an awesome place to get little ears pierced. Kiddos get to wear a robe and they receive a keepsake plush animal to hold while both ears are being pierced at the same time.
Pricing starts at $39.95 and goes up to $54.95, depending on the earrings you choose. All packages include the piercing, pre and post cleaning and earrings that are hypo-allergenic and made out of stainless steel, 14 karat gold or titanium. Since you don’t want to be rushed during this rite of passage it’s a good idea to make an appointment. Visit Shear Madness’ website for additional information.
Where: Bridgewood Plaza
165 South Jordan Creek Parkway #130, West Des Moines
Phone: (515) 457-7623
Where: Shops on Delaware
1701 SE Delaware Ave #150, Ankeny
Phone: (515) 963-8797
Is your little one begging to get his or her ears pierced? Where do you plan on going? Tell us all about it, we’re all ears!
I would actually recommend a tattoo and piercing shop for kids’ ear piercings. It’s going to be safer, more sanitary, more hygienic, the needles will be sharper and guaranteed to be sterile. If you care about minimizing the risk of piercing infection or rejection, avoid Claire’s or Piercing Pagoda or any similar place that uses piercing guns.
Unfortunately most require the child to be 5 years old before piercing. I’ve called around many tattoo & piercing shops in the Des Moines area and can’t find one for to do it for my 5 month old daughter. Doctors recommend if we wanted to do it that before they are six months old would be the best time because she won’t be able to pull them out or pin point where the pain is.
Thanks for the info Mina!