Does Rowan at Target Use a Piercing Gun? The Ultimate Guide to Safe Ear Piercings

Ear piercings are a popular way to express yourself through fashion. But before getting your ears pierced, it‘s important to understand the piercing methods used and choose a provider who puts your safety first. This comprehensive guide will provide everything you need to know about getting your ears pierced safely and properly.

An Introduction to Rowan

Rowan is a professional piercing and jewelry retailer operating over 270 locations nationwide, including ear piercing kiosks within select Target stores. Their certified Piercing Specialists use sterile needle piercing rather than piercing guns to perform all procedures. This technique is advocated by The Association of Professional Piercers (APP) as it causes less trauma to the tissue and has been proven safer through extensive medical research.

As an experienced home improvement professional and renovator, I always recommend choosing the most risk-averse option that prioritizes safety – and sterile needles are just that when it comes to piercings. The extra care taken by shops like Rowan provides peace of mind.

Why Needles Are Safer Than Guns: The Research

According to a 2017 study published in Clinical Pediatrics, ear piercings done with a piercing gun have a 3 times higher risk of infection compared to needle piercing. Additionally, a report by the APP found that 23% of people pierced with a gun experienced complications like pain, infection, cysts or blood loss.

This table compares the risks clearly:

Piercing guns cannot be fully sterilized between uses. The gun itself is reused, which increases infection risks significantly if bacteria accumulates inside the device. The high pressure applied by the gun often causes more damage by shattering cartilage. This leads to other problems like blowouts or embedded jewelry.

Sterile needles are discarded after a single use and allow for more precision. This results in a smoother piercing with quicker healing. Reputable shops like Rowan only use needle piercing for these safety reasons – it‘s the standard advocated by healthcare professionals.

The Ear Piercing Process at Rowan

At your appointment, a Rowan Piercing Specialist will:

• Have you select your earrings and fill out consent forms
• Clean the piercing area with an antibacterial solution containing chlorhexidine
• Mark the piercing site with a sterile, disposable marker
• Pierce your ears with pre-packaged sterile needles (14g or 16g size)
• Insert your earrings and provide detailed aftercare instructions

You can expect a quick, relatively painless experience taking less than 30 seconds for standard lobe piercing. Rowan piercers are highly trained professionals who use careful techniques to minimize any discomfort.

I still remember getting my first set of piercings done as a teenager – the whole process was so quick and smooth thanks to an expert like Rowan‘s team. Their sterile standards provide peace of mind.

How Much Do Rowan Ear Piercings Cost?

Pricing for Rowan ear piercings starts at $25-$35 for standard earlobe piercings. More complex cartilage or helix piercings typically range from $45-$55.

This table provides a pricing comparison of major ear piercing retailers:

*Claire‘s offers "free" piercings with purchase of a piercing care kit.

The Rowan price includes a pair of high quality hypoallergenic starter studs made of surgical steel, titanium or 14k gold. You can upgrade to premium jewelry options like diamonds for an additional cost. Their prices are competitive and fair.

Pain Management and Numbing Options

Standard lobe piercings are very quick and most people feel only minimal pain or discomfort, rating it a 2-4 on a 1-10 scale. However, numbing creams or sprays containing lidocaine can be applied 30-60 minutes before your appointment to numb the area if desired. This may help relieve anxiety or reduce discomfort from more sensitive cartilage piercings. Discuss options with your Piercing Specialist beforehand.

I suggest the numbing cream for those with a lower pain tolerance or in the case of multiple piercings. While needle piercing is very tolerable, it takes the edge off. Breathe deep and it‘ll be over in seconds!

Aftercare Tips and Checklist for New Piercings

Proper aftercare is crucial for quick healing and prevention of infection. Follow these tips:

• Clean piercings twice daily by spraying sterile saline solution and letting it air dry. Avoid touching piercings unnecessarily.
• Don‘t sleep on new piercings. Use a travel pillow if needed.
• Avoid submerging piercings in bodies of water like lakes or pools for at least 6 weeks.
• Gently rotate jewelry during cleaning after 6-8 weeks to prevent adhesion.
• Avoid using creams, ointment or alcohol on piercings.
• See your piercer promptly if significant redness, swelling, oozing, bleeding or pain occurs.

With some basic precautions, you can keep new piercings clean and irritation-free during the healing period. Be patient and let your body work its magic!

Ear Piercing FAQs

What‘s the minimum age for ear piercings?

Laws vary by state, but most allow ear piercings for those under 18 with parental consent. However, some shops (like Rowan) require a parent/guardian to be present regardless. There is no set minimum age otherwise – as long as the child remains calm and still during the procedure.

How long do piercings take to heal?

With proper care, lobe piercings take 6-8 weeks to fully heal. More complex cartilage piercings can take 4-12 months to heal. Avoid changing jewelry too soon before the piercing has closed up.

How painful are cartilage piercings?

Pain levels vary by individual. Most feel an initial sharp pinch, rating rook or helix piercings around a 5/10 on the pain scale. A numbing spray or cream can provide relief. Avoid taking aspirin before your appointment as that may increase bleeding.

Can you get infected from a piercing gun?

Yes, the reuse of piercing guns drastically increases the risk of infection if improperly sterilized. Guns can transfer blood-borne pathogens like HIV, hepatitis, and HPV between clients. Needles are far safer.

Should you pierce your ears at home?

It‘s best to avoid at-home piercing kits which can easily introduce bacteria and cause infections. Unsterile environments and improper technique vastly increase the risks. Visit a reputable studio like Rowan where Piercing Specialists provide a sterile, low-risk experience. Leave it to the professionals!

So in summary, Rowan is a trusted ear piercing provider that offers a sterilized needle experience with minimal pain at Target locations nationwide. Their trained specialists help ensure you get attractive, properly-aligned piercings that heal well with proper aftercare.