Preparing the cubicle
Ear piercing can be carried out either in a private cubicle or
at reception. Use your discretion to decide which would be more appropriate.
Good ventilation is important-some clients may feel faint following
the treatment.
The client should sit in a chair at a comfortable height for you.
Preparing the client
If the position of the stud has not already been marked, do this now.
- Wash your hands and apply a fresh pair of disposable gloves.
- Thoroughly cleanse the back and the front of the clients earlobes. Allow the skin to
dry. (If moisture is present, the mark will blur.)
- Holding a mirror in front of the client, discuss with her where the stud should be
placed. Mark the position using the non-toxic skin marker pen.
|
|
HEALTH & SAFETY : SECONDARY INFECTION
As you cleanse the clients ear lobes you may notice that her skin, ear or hair is
dirty. You may proceed, but when giving her the aftercare instruction politely and
tactfully point out the importance of cleanliness in preventing secondary infection. |
Remember that the ears are not at the same level
on each side of the head, and protrude at different angles.
Take time when marking the position of studs, to ensure that
the final appearance is balanced . |
|
HEALTH & SAFETY : EAR STUDS
Studs are preferable to hooped earring or sleepers, as dirt is less likely to the stud
and infect the ear |
Contra - actions
Redness, swelling,inflammation and the exudation of serum (weeping ) all signify that
the ear is infected. If this occurs, the client should contact the salon. Depending on
what she describes, it may be possible to give her adequate instruction over the telephone
or it may be necessary to make an appointment for the therapist to look at the ear. If
following action by the therapist the infection persists, the client should be advised to
contact her physician. Infection usually results from incorrect aftercare, removing the
studs too early, or wearing cheap earrings. Closed holes are caused by removing the studs
too early, or by not continuing to wear earrings after the removal of original studs.
Keloids - overgrowths of scar - sometime occur at the site of ear piercing. If a client
suffers from keloids, advise her not to have her ears pierced move than once - further
keloids tissue could
develop, giving an unsightly appearance.
TIP |
Try to aim for a central position on the ear
lobe - this will achieve the result. |
|
TIP |
|
Always hold the gun either horizontally or backwards, Never point the gun
downwards once it has been loaded - if you do, the studs will fall out. |
Aftercare and advice
After the ear piercing treatment the client should be given clear instructions on how
to care for her ears to prevent secondary infection. The studs must not be removed for six
weeks. Invite the client to return to the salon after the six - week period for you to
remove the studs. Remind the client always to wash her hands before cleaning the ear area.
(If someone else is going to clean the ears, she also must wash her hand with soap and
warm water before touching the clients ears.) The ears should be cleaned twice daily,
using an eau de cologne or surgical spirit. The lotion may be applied as
directed by the manufacturer. If surgical spirit is used, this should be applied to clean
cotton wool, and the cotton wool squeezed to allow the surgical spirit to run around the
stud, at the front of the
ear and then at the back. Whilst the ears are being bathed with the
cleansing solution ,the stud should be rotated by holding by holding
it firmly at the front.
|
HEALTH & SAFETY : ANTISEPTIC LOTIONS
Remind the client that if an antiseptic lotion is applied to the ear area, it must be
diluted as directed or skin burning may occur. |
|
HEALTH & SAFETY : SECONDARY INFECTION
If the client's ears become slightly red, indicating a possible infection, she should
cleanse the area more frequently. |
|
TIP |
|
If the client has fat lobes, explain that the studs may feel a little
tight. |
Even if the cleanses her ears effectively, infection could still occur
in other ways. These include the following:
- Long nails harbour germs. Infection of the ear can occur whilst
the client is turning the stud.
- The client may touch the stud and ear at times other than
when cleaning the ear.
- Shampoo and dirty water may collect around the ear whilst
shampooing the hair. Remind the client to rinse the ear
thoroughly with clean water after shampooing.
- The client should protect her ears when applying hair laquer or
perfume to avoid sensitising the ear.
- Following the removal of the studs, the client should only
wear gold earrings. Cheap fashion earrings should be worn
only for short periods of time, or allergic reactions and ear
infections may occur.
TIP |
To avoid anxiety to the client, pierce the second ear without hesitation, yet safely. |
After oral instructions have been given, the client should be provided
with an aftercare leaflet containing these instructions.
|
TIP |
|
Allow the client to sit still for a few minutes following the treatment.
Offer her tea or coffee, Some clients may be
very anxious and need time to relax. |
|