Does Five Below Offer Ear Piercing? The Truth Revealed

No, Five Below does not offer ear piercing services in any of its store locations. While Five Below is a treasure trove of trendy and affordable items targeting teens and young adults, professional services like ear piercing aren’t within their current business model. Let’s dive into why and explore your other options for getting those ears adorned with some bling!

Understanding Five Below’s Business Model

Five Below thrives on offering a wide range of products, predominantly priced between $1 and $5. This includes everything from phone accessories and beauty products to snacks and toys. Their success lies in high-volume sales and appealing to a budget-conscious customer base.

Why Ear Piercing Doesn’t Fit

Ear piercing requires specialized equipment, trained staff, and adherence to strict hygiene standards. These factors significantly increase overhead costs, which are at odds with Five Below’s low-price strategy. Providing ear-piercing services would fundamentally change the type of business Five Below runs. It will mean they will need to hire professionally trained piercers, buy expensive autoclaves, and obtain additional permits and licenes, which might be a move too far from their current market.

Focusing on Affordable Accessories

Instead of offering the piercing service directly, Five Below capitalizes on the demand for earrings and other body jewelry. They sell a vast assortment of inexpensive earrings, allowing customers to easily and affordably experiment with different styles after they’ve had their ears pierced elsewhere. This aligns perfectly with their core strategy of providing trendy products at rock-bottom prices.

Where Can You Get Your Ears Pierced?

So, if Five Below isn’t the place, where should you go to get your ears pierced? Here are a few reliable options:

Professional Piercing Studios

These establishments are dedicated to body modification and employ experienced piercers who prioritize safety and hygiene. They use sterilized equipment and follow strict protocols to minimize the risk of infection. Research studios in your area, read reviews, and look for certifications indicating professional training.

Tattoo Shops with Piercing Services

Many reputable tattoo shops also offer professional ear piercing services. Similar to dedicated piercing studios, they adhere to high standards of cleanliness and employ skilled piercers. Always check their credentials and ensure they are licensed to perform piercing procedures.

Select Jewelry Stores

Some jewelry stores, particularly larger chains, offer ear piercing services as part of their offerings. These stores often use piercing guns, which some professionals advise against. While convenient, they might not be as sterile or precise as needles used by professional piercers. If you choose this route, ensure the store uses single-use cartridges and that the employee is properly trained.

Doctor’s Offices

While less common, some pediatricians or family doctors offer ear piercing services, especially for infants and young children. This can be a good option for parents who want a medical professional to perform the procedure. The doctor’s office offers a high standard of sterility and the peace of mind of having a medical professional perform the procedure, so you can rest assured your child is safe.

Things to Consider Before Getting Your Ears Pierced

Before you take the plunge, here are a few important factors to keep in mind:

Pain Tolerance

Ear piercing involves puncturing the skin, so there will inevitably be some discomfort. The level of pain varies depending on the individual’s pain tolerance and the location of the piercing. Lobes are generally less painful than cartilage piercings.

Healing Time

Ear piercings require time to heal properly. The lobe piercing usually takes 6-8 weeks to heal, while cartilage piercings can take several months or even a year. Follow the aftercare instructions provided by your piercer diligently to prevent infection and promote healing.

Potential Risks

Like any procedure involving breaking the skin, ear piercing carries some risks, including infection, allergic reactions, and scarring. Choosing a reputable piercer and following proper aftercare protocols can minimize these risks.

Aftercare

Proper aftercare is crucial for preventing infection and ensuring proper healing. This typically involves cleaning the piercing with a saline solution or antibacterial soap several times a day. Avoid touching the piercing with dirty hands and be careful not to snag it on clothing or hair.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Ear Piercing

Here are some frequently asked questions to help guide you:

1. What is the best age to get my ears pierced?

There’s no “best” age, but it’s generally recommended to wait until a child can understand and participate in the aftercare process. Some parents choose to have their infants’ ears pierced, while others wait until their children are older and can make their own decisions.

2. How much does ear piercing typically cost?

The cost of ear piercing varies depending on the location, the type of jewelry used, and the experience of the piercer. Expect to pay anywhere from $20 to $100 or more for a basic lobe piercing at a reputable establishment.

3. What type of earrings should I get for my first piercing?

It’s best to choose hypoallergenic materials like surgical stainless steel, titanium, or gold for your first piercing. These materials are less likely to cause allergic reactions.

4. Can I pierce my own ears at home?

While tempting, piercing your own ears at home is highly discouraged. It’s difficult to ensure sterility and proper placement, which can increase the risk of infection and other complications. It’s always best to leave it to the professionals.

5. What are the signs of an infected ear piercing?

Signs of an infected ear piercing include redness, swelling, pain, pus, and fever. If you suspect an infection, consult a doctor or other medical professional immediately.

6. How often should I clean my new ear piercing?

You should clean your new ear piercing two to three times a day with a saline solution or antibacterial soap.

7. When can I change my earrings after getting my ears pierced?

You should wait until your ear piercing is fully healed before changing your earrings. This can take 6-8 weeks for lobe piercings and several months for cartilage piercings.

8. What is cartilage piercing, and is it more painful than lobe piercing?

Cartilage piercing refers to piercing the cartilage of the ear, such as the helix, conch, or tragus. Cartilage piercings are generally considered more painful than lobe piercings because cartilage is thicker and less vascular than the lobe.

9. What should I do if my ear piercing gets a bump?

If your ear piercing develops a bump, it could be a keloid, a granuloma, or simply an irritation bump. Continue cleaning the piercing and avoid touching it. If the bump persists or worsens, consult a piercer or doctor.

10. Can I go swimming after getting my ears pierced?

It’s best to avoid swimming in pools, lakes, and oceans for at least two weeks after getting your ears pierced. These bodies of water can harbor bacteria that can cause infection.

11. What is the best way to clean an infected ear piercing?

The best way to clean an infected ear piercing is to gently clean it with a saline solution or antibacterial soap two to three times a day. Avoid using harsh chemicals like hydrogen peroxide or rubbing alcohol, which can damage the tissue. If the infection is severe, consult a doctor for antibiotics.

12. Can I use rubbing alcohol to clean my ear piercing?

No, you should not use rubbing alcohol to clean your ear piercing. Rubbing alcohol can dry out and irritate the skin, which can slow down the healing process. Stick to saline solution or antibacterial soap.

In Conclusion

While Five Below is a fantastic place to snag affordable earrings after your ears are pierced, it’s not the place to get the piercing itself. Focus on finding a reputable professional piercer who prioritizes safety and hygiene. With proper care and attention, your new ear piercings will be a stylish and long-lasting addition to your personal style!