Ear piercing guide

You’re in the right place. Here’s everything you need to know to confidently pick your next piercing.

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Diagram of an ear showing six piercing placements labelled A to F

Piercing styles

  • Lobe
  • Multi Lobe
  • Stacked Lobe
  • Spider Bite
  • Auricle
  • Cartilage
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Free piercing. Always.

You just purchase a starter kit:

...

- Medical grade stainless steel from $29.99

- 14kt Singles and nose from $59.99

- 14kt Gold from $79.99 

- Diamonds from $129.99

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Find your
perfect piercing

Lobe piercing

01

Lobe piercing

The perfect place to start. Lobe piercings are one of the most popular piercing styles thanks to their timeless look and versatility. Whether you love classic studs, hoops, or layered ear stacks, the lobe is a style that works with almost everything.

Best For
First piercings
Placement
Lower ear lobe
Aftercare
3-6 weeks
Multi–lobe

02

Multi–lobe

A multi-lobe look layers two or more lobe piercings to create dimension and endless styling possibilities. Whether you prefer matching studs or mixed metals, it's an easy way to personalize your everyday ear stack.

Best For
Minimalist styling
Placement
Upper Lobe
Aftercare
3-6 weeks
Stacked lobe

03

Stacked lobe

Positioned slightly above an existing lobe piercing, a stacked lobe adds depth and creates the illusion of a curated ear. It's perfect for showcasing smaller studs while keeping your look clean and elevated.

Best For
Statement styling
Placement
Middle Lobe
Aftercare
3-6 weeks
Spider Bite

04

Spider Bite

Two closely placed piercings create a bold, symmetrical look that instantly elevates any ear stack. Wear matching jewelry for a sleek finish or mix shapes for added personality.

Best For
Statement styling
Placement
Inner ear cartilage
Aftercare
8–12 weeks
Auricle

05

Auricle

Sitting along the outer cartilage, the auricle offers a versatile placement that works beautifully with hoops or studs. It adds balance to an ear stack while remaining wearable for everyday styling.

Best For
Statement styling
Placement
Inner ear cartilage
Aftercare
8–12 weeks
Cartilage

06

Cartilage

Located along the upper outer cartilage, the helix is a modern favorite for creating curated ear stacks. Wear it on its own for a subtle statement or pair it with other piercings for a layered look that's uniquely yours.

Best For
Building an ear stack
Placement
Upper outer cartilage
Aftercare
8–12 weeks
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Caring for your
new piercing

The right aftercare routine is one of the most important parts of your piercing journey. Learn how to care for your new piercing with tips that support healthy aftercare.

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Piercing FAQ

WHAT IS THE EAR PIERCING PROCESS?

Getting pierced at Claire's is a simple, guided process:


1. Consultation - your Specialist discusses placement options and jewelry with you and answers your questions.
2. Earring selection - you choose your sterile, hypoallergenic starter studs.
3. Placement mark & approval - the Specialist cleanses the area, marks your placement, and confirms it with you before piercing.
4. Piercing - performed with an FDA-registered Class 1 medical device using gentle hand pressure.
5. Aftercare - your Specialist reviews your aftercare routine so your piercing heals well.

The whole experience is designed to be safe, comfortable, and personalized to you.

WHAT KINDS OF EAR PIERCINGS CAN I GET AT CLAIRE'S?

Claire's offers lobe, second/third lobe, outer cartilage (helix), auricle, and nose piercings. Lobe piercings are available at every store; cartilage and nose piercings are offered at select locations only. Use the store locator to confirm what your nearest Claire's offers.

DO I NEED AN APPOINTMENT, OR CAN I WALK IN?

No appointment needed - walk-ins are always welcome during store hours. We also offer online booking through the store locator if you'd rather lock in a time - a good idea on weekends and after school, when piercing tends to be busiest.

HOW LONG DOES AN EAR PIERCING APPOINTMENT TAKE?

Most single or double lobe piercings take about 15 minutes from consultation to aftercare. Cartilage, nose, or multiple piercings may take a little longer.

WHAT ARE THE AGE REQUIREMENTS, AND DO PARENTS NEED TO BE THERE?

For your safety, all piercing services are subject to age requirements. Anyone under 18 (or 16 in Canada) needs a parent or legal guardian present for the entire piercing service, and the guardian signs the Claire's Piercing Registration Form. Age and consent rules can vary by location and by piercing type - for example, cartilage piercings have their own age guidance. Contact your local store to confirm exact requirements in your area.

CAN I GET JUST ONE EAR PIERCED?

Yes. You're welcome to get a single lobe pierced - single piercings are a popular choice, whether it's a first piercing or adding to a curated ear. Pricing is the same per piercing whether you do one side or both.

HOW MANY PIERCINGS CAN I GET IN ONE VISIT?

For your comfort and safety, Claire's does up to three piercings per ear in a single visit - any mix of lobe and cartilage. Want more than two total? Book two appointment slots. If you're planning several, we recommend waiting at least two weeks between sessions.

CAN I BRING MY OWN EARRINGS TO GET PIERCED WITH?

No - for safety and hygiene, ear piercings must be done with Claire's specially designed, sterile piercing earrings that are compatible with our FDA-registered medical device. Personal earrings aren't sterilized for piercing and aren't designed to safely create a new piercing. Our starter earrings are engineered specifically for the piercing process to support proper placement, healing, and comfort during initial aftercare. There's a wide range of styles to choose from in store.

DO YOU RE-PIERCE EARS THAT HAVE CLOSED UP?

Yes, in most cases. If an old piercing has closed or partially closed, a Specialist can usually re-pierce it as long as there's no scar tissue or bumps in the way. They'll check your ear in person first.

HOW MUCH DOES EAR PIERCING COST AT CLAIRE'S?

Ear piercing is free with the purchase of a piercing starter kit. Kits start at $29.99 ($39.00 in Canada), with pricing based on the earring style and metal you choose:

  • Medical-grade stainless steel — from $29.99
  • Single studs and nose studs — from $59.99
  • 14kt gold — from $79.99
  • Diamonds — from $129.99
WHAT ARE CLAIRE'S PIERCING EARRINGS MADE OF?

All Claire's starter earrings are made from jeweler-quality hypoallergenic metals - 14kt gold, 24kt gold-plated over medical grade stainless steel, medical grade titanium, and medical grade stainless steel. Stop by your local store to see the full range and find the metal that's right for you.

WHAT ARE FLAT BACK EARRINGS, AND DO YOU OFFER THEM?

Claire's offers flat back earrings in all stores; however, they are not available as starter earrings for initial piercings. Once your piercing has healed, flat back earrings are a great option for cartilage piercings and everyday wear. Flat back earrings feature a smooth, flat disc behind the ear instead of a traditional earring back. Guests often find them more comfortable, especially for sleeping and long-term wear. Be sure to ask your Piercing Specialist about the flat back options available after your piercing experience.

WHEN CAN BABIES GET THEIR EARS PIERCED AT CLAIRE'S?

Claire's pierces babies from around 3 months of age, as long as they've had their DTaP vaccination. If your baby is under 3 months, bring the date of their DTaP shot. Any customer under 18, including babies, must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian, who signs the consent form.

WHAT'S AN 'EAR STACK' OR 'CURATED EAR', AND CAN CLAIRE'S HELP ME BUILD ONE?

An ear stack (or curated ear) is a combination of piercings and earrings styled across your ear for a layered look. Claire's Piercing Specialists can help you plan placements that suit your ear shape and the look you're going for.

DO YOU OFFER EAR STYLING OR HELP CHOOSING PLACEMENTS?

Yes. Beyond piercing, Claire's Piercing Specialists are trained to help you style new and existing piercings - suggesting placements and earring combinations that flatter your ear.

CAN I PIERCE WITH A HOOP OR DANGLY EARRINGS?

We don't pierce with hoops or dangly styles. New piercings are done with a safe, fitted starter stud so they heal well. Once your piercing has fully healed, you can switch to hoops, dangly earrings, and many other styles available at Claire's.

WHAT SHOULD I BRING TO MY PIERCING APPOINTMENT?

Bring a valid government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, military ID, or state ID). If the person being pierced is a minor, the parent or legal guardian needs to bring their ID too, to sign the consent form. Some locations ask for extra documentation - specifically in TX, NJ, and Albany County NY, so it's worth checking with your local store before you come in.

CAN I BUY A GIFT CARD OR GIFT A PIERCING EXPERIENCE?

Yes! You can gift a piercing experience using a Claire's gift card.

CAN I GET A NOSE PIERCING AT CLAIRE'S?

Yes! Nose piercing is available at select Claires stores across the United States and Canada. Age requirements can vary by location due to local regulations, so we recommend contacting your local Claire's store to confirm whether they offer nose piercing and to verify the age requirements.