Getting your child’s ears pierced is an exciting milestone, but it’s important to approach it with care, knowledge, and—most importantly—consent. At Industrial Strength Australia, we’re all about creating a safe and fun environment for kids’ lobe piercings while using the highest quality jewellery and sterile tools. Here’s everything you need to know before booking your child’s piercing appointment.
The golden rule: consent comes first
Piercings should always be based on consent, and that applies to kids too! It’s crucial that your child actually wants their ears pierced and understands what’s involved. Our piercers are there to guide them through the process, ensuring they feel comfortable and informed every step of the way.
This is exactly why we don’t pierce babies: we believe every person should be able to actively consent to their piercing and be capable of following proper aftercare.
Age requirements & ID policies
We pierce children from the age of 6 and up - no exceptions, no matter how adorable your little one is!
For anyone under 18, a parent or legal guardian must be present and provide:
• Photo ID
• Medicare card (showing both the parent and child’s names)
• School ID or birth certificate
This helps us ensure the safety and legality of the piercing process.
Why we don’t use piercing guns
We use sterilised, single-use needles for all piercings - never guns or cartridge systems. Why?
• Less pain: Needles are sharper and glide through the skin more smoothly.
• Better healing: Guns cause more trauma to the tissue, increasing the risk of complications.
• More precision: Needles allow for exact placement, ensuring the best possible results.
If you’ve ever heard that piercing guns are “faster and less painful,” trust us: needles are the real deal when it comes to comfort and healing.
Numbing cream? Not necessary!
We get it: no one loves the idea of pain, especially kids! But numbing cream isn’t the solution. Here’s why:
• It interferes with precise marking, making it harder to ensure symmetry/ balance.
• It isn’t always effective, and the sensation can still be uncomfortable.
• Numbing products should be left to medical professionals, not used casually for piercings.
If your child is nervous, our piercers are pros at putting them at ease. Encouraging open conversations about their concerns is far more helpful than numbing cream!
Aftercare & healing: what to expect
A smooth healing process starts with good habits. Here’s what you and your child should keep in mind:
• No touching or twisting. Playing with the jewellery can irritate the piercing.
• Keep hair away from fresh piercings while sleeping.
• Saline solution is your best friend - a simple spray (no rubbing or wiping!) is all that’s needed.
• Downsizing is essential. Changing to a shorter post at the right time prevents irritation.
Lobe piercings typically take 4 to 6 months to fully heal, and the jewellery must stay in the entire time. Taking it out too soon, even briefly, can cause the hole to shrink or close entirely.
Sports, swimming & other activities
While freshly pierced lobes look adorable, they do require some extra care:
• Swimming: No pools, beaches, or hot tubs for at least 6 weeks - moisture can disrupt healing.
• Sports: Jewellery cannot be removed for practice or games, so consider timing your child’s piercing around their schedule.
It’s all about setting them up for success and ensuring their new piercings heal beautifully.
Changing jewellery: the right time
Patience is key! Jewellery should only be changed once the piercing is fully healed - typically around the 4 to 6 month mark. Swapping it out too soon can lead to irritation or complications, so if you're unsure, pop in for a check-up with our piercers. They’re always happy to help!
Final thoughts
At Industrial Strength Australia, we take kids’ lobe piercings seriously while keeping the process as fun and stress-free as possible! With expert piercers, top-tier jewellery, and a commitment to safety, you can trust us to give your little one the best piercing experience.
Got more questions? Have a peek at our FAQs