Choose a safe and reputable place to get your ears pierced. Make an appointment at a shop approved by the Association of Professional Piercers. Consider reviews and ratings, prices, and store hours before making your appointment. If you're worried about your safety, don't go to a shop such as Claire's that uses a piercing gun.

You should always get your piercings – even earlobe piercings – done at a piercing studio or a tattoo parlor that offers piercing services.

Tattoo and piercing establishments may be a little intimidating, but they are typically clean and safe places to get your ears pierced. Ensure that the piercer wears gloves, sanitizes your ears before the piercing and uses a sterile piercing needle that you watch him unwrap.