05/05/2026
I totally understand how spontaneous and fun it can be to get a piercing at the mall. I myself had my ears pierced as a child at the mall. Knowing what I know now I would definitely rethink that decision. So here are some things to think about before you do so you can make an informed decision.
1. Just because they are nurses or “trained” doesn’t mean they know how to pierce well or use appropriate jewelry sizes for swelling. These things can lead to major complications only days after getting pierced.
2. They advertise their jewelry is safe for fresh piercings. Even their gold is lightly plated over silver. Silver oxidizes and can also cause issues to a piercing as early as a month or two after getting pierced. That plating in most cases does not hold up well. Also keep in mind that not all titanium is created equally either. Some grades are better than others.
3. They are run by corporations that know nothing about piercing but everything about making money. Those corporations don’t care about you just your wallet so using cheap metals and practices help line their pockets. With that said I understand that anyone working at these stores are not the people to be upset at if something does go wrong. They are just following what corporate has told them to do.
4. Just because your friends piercing was fine from one of these places doesn’t mean yours will have that same experience. Everyone heals differently. Some can really fight off just about anything that is thrown at their piercing were others are very sensitive to metals or even products that are used for your piercing.
With all of that said I highly recommend seeking a professional piercer and definitely do your research because not all piercers are created equally as well.
2017 3rd Ave N
Birmingham AL 35203
(205) 467-4255