Yes! In 2023 Walmart continues to offer ear piercing services at over 5,000 store locations across the United States. The best part – it‘s totally free when you purchase starter earrings from them. Keep reading for everything you need to know about getting your ears pierced at Walmart.
Walmart Provides Free Ear Piercings with Earring Purchase
If you‘re considering piercing your ears, or your child‘s ears, one of the most convenient options is your local Walmart. Thousands of Walmart stores have designated ear piercing specialists who use a safe, hygienic system to pierce both earlobes and some cartilage.
The ear piercing itself is always free when you buy a pair of starter earrings from their selection. The Walmart earrings meant for new piercings range from about $10 to $40. So you get a professional piercing for free but do have to purchase earrings.
Walmart Uses the Inverness Ear Piercing System
Walmart pierces ears using the Inverness ear piercing system. This system is specially designed for safe, consistent, sterile piercings. Here are some key facts about the Inverness system:
- FDA accredited and meets OSHA guidelines for sterility
- Fully enclosed and self-contained sterile cartridges to prevent contamination
- Earring is loaded into the cartridge in the factory, keeping it sterile
- Specialized piercing earring with smooth tapered point for gentle piercing
- Piercing gun provides controlled, quick action for less pain
- Guns are cleaned and sterilized after every use for hygiene and safety
With 10,000+ associates trained on proper technique, the Inverness system allows Walmart to provide millions of clean and affordable ear piercings every year.
Step-by-Step: What to Expect When Getting Your Ears Pierced at Walmart
Wondering what the entire ear piercing process looks like at your local Walmart? Here is a step-by-step overview:
Step 1: Stop by the jewelry counter or ear piercing station and let the associate know you‘re interested in getting your ears pierced. You can make an appointment in advance if desired.
Step 2: Select the starter earrings you want from the assortment available. Choose something suitable for new piercings that you‘ll need to keep in for several weeks. Price is typically $10-$40.
Step 3: The associate will go over aftercare instructions with you, have you (or a parent) fill out a consent form, and make sure you meet any age requirements. Ask any questions!
Step 4: The area to be pierced will be cleaned and marked with a sterile, disposable marker.
Step 5: The sterile starter earring is loaded into the piercing gun‘s cartridge. The gun gently pushes the earring through the ear for an instant piercing.
Step 6: The new earring is carefully secured in place. This process is repeated for the second ear.
Step 7: Review the aftercare instructions again. You‘ll also receive a bottle of antiseptic spray for cleaning the piercing site.
Step 8: Be sure to follow all aftercare directions to allow new piercings to heal properly!
Ear Piercing Age Requirements at Walmart
Walmart ear piercing policies allow piercings for children and babies but parental consent is required. Every location can vary slightly so call ahead. Here are the general guidelines:
- Under 18: Parent/guardian must be present to consent
- Under 5 years: Some piercers will, others prefer older than 5 years
- Babies: Most stores will pierce baby ears, especially under 12 months
Always call your store to check the age policies for minors and babies before coming in. Have ID ready to show proof of guardianship. Many states require children under 18 have parental permission for piercings.
Walmart vs Target vs Claire’s: Comparing Ear Piercing Chains
Walmart isn‘t the only nationwide chain that offers ear piercings. Here‘s how Walmart compares to Target and Claire‘s ear piercing services:
| Store | Cost | Age Policy | Method | Aftercare Provided |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Walmart | Free w/$10+ earring purchase | Parent/guardian must consent if under 18 | Inverness hygienic piercing gun | Antiseptic spray, email reminders |
| Target | $10 per ear piercing | 7 years old minimum | Sterile single-use needle | Saline spray, aftercare guide |
| Claire‘s | $30 for both ears | Parent/guardian must consent if under 18 | Handheld piercing gun | Saline spray, aftercare guide |
Walmart and Target are comparable options that follow safety guidelines, while Claire‘s has faced more public scrutiny over cleaning practices. An important note is that Target uses single-use needles rather than a gun.
Choosing the Best Starter Earrings for Healing
The starter earrings you select at Walmart will be what you wear for the entire initial healing period of about 6 weeks. Follow these tips for choosing appropriate first earrings:
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Metal: Stick with hypoallergenic metals like surgical steel, 14k+ gold, titanium or niobium. Nickel and cheaper alloys can irritate.
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Shape: A simple straight post style stud is best for new lobe piercings. Avoid hoops or dangling earrings.
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Size: The post should have room for swelling but not be so long it will get caught and tugged.
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Style: Opt for a basic metal color and minimal embellishments. Save the flashy jewels for healed piercings!
Your Walmart piercer can offer guidance on selecting the ideal first earring for your new piercing.
Caring for Your New Ear Piercings
Walmart provides detailed instructions for caring for your new piercings after the procedure. Follow these tips in addition to the guidance they give you:
- Use the antiseptic spray 3 times per day and rotate the earrings with each cleaning.
- Wash hands thoroughly before touching earrings.
- Dry piercings well after cleaning or showering.
- Invest in a travel pillow to sleep to avoid pressure on piercings.
- Avoid hair products like gels and sprays getting on piercing site.
- After 6 weeks, swap in new earrings for a few hours daily to allow air circulation.
- Don‘t try to change earrings too soon – wait the full healing period!
- Contact doctor if you notice signs of infection like redness, swelling, pus or fever.
Aftercare Tips for Other New Piercings
While this article focused on earlobe piercings, you can apply similar aftercare guidelines if getting other new piercings done. Here are some extra tips:
Nose/Nostril Piercings:
- Use a saline nasal spray to clean inside the nose
- Avoid blowing your nose or popping pimples near the piercing
- Don‘t wear eyeglasses that sit on the piercing
Belly Button/Navel Piercings:
- Opt for a curved barbell rather than a ring to allow for swelling
- Wear loose, breathable clothing to avoid irritation
- Clean carefully after activities that cause sweating
Ear Cartilage Piercings:
- Be extra diligent about not sleeping on the piercing
- Spray saline solution to clean versus soap and water
- Loosely tie hair back to avoid catching or tugging jewelry
No matter what type of piercing, closely follow cleaning and jewelry changing guidelines from your piercer.
Get Your Ears Pierced Safely and Affordably at Walmart
Ear piercing is a fun way to express yourself at any age. With free piercings available at over 5,000 stores nationwide, Walmart makes it convenient and budget-friendly. Just be sure to pick high-quality starter earrings and care for new piercings properly after. Follow all the aftercare instructions and you‘ll be rocking your jewelry in no time!
