The
structure and function of the lobe:
The external ear collects sound waves (and directs) these to the inner ear. The part of
the ear that is commonly seen pierced is called the pinna, which comprises the helix and
lobule. The helix is composed of cartilage, which does not heal quickly and can form lumpy
scar tissue, it is therefore considered unsuitable for piercing. The lobule, in contrast,
consists of fibrous and fatty tissue with no cartilage, and is therefore suitable for
piercing.

Reception
When making an appointment for this service, allow 10 minutes to pierce two ear lobules.
Although ear piercing is completed quickly, time must be allowed to explain the procedure
and to give clear concise aftercare instructions.
If the client is under 18 years of age, it is necessary for a parent
to give consent for the ear piercing.
Contra- indications to ear piercing should be checked for. If the area for piercing is
unsuitable, politely explain to the client why this is so.
Explain the simple treatment procedure. Most clients will be interested to know what to
expect – usually the clients first question is ” Will it hurt?”
Prepare the equipment required for ear piercing, and show the client the range of studs
available.
Some receptionists are trained to carry out this service. This is
practical: many clients will be acting on impulse and will not have
made an appointment.

CONTRA-INDICATION
In certain circumstances, you should not carry out the ear piercing treatment. Use your
professional judgement to assess the suitability of each client.

• If client is particularly nervous, it would be inadvisable to pierce her ear – she might
  faint or jump whilst the treatment was being carried out, causing incorrect placement of
  the
  earring.
• Nose piercing should not be carried out in the beauty salon, for reasons of practicality
  and hygiene. Nose piercing should ideally be carried out by the plastic surgeon.

If any of the following are present, do not proceed with ear piercing:

• Diabetes – the skin is very slow to heal, so infection of the area would be a strong
  possibility.
• Epilepsy – the stress before the treatment and the possible shock incurred during it
  might induce a fit.
• Skin disease or disorder.
• Hepatitis B or HIV-though the client may not know that she is
  a carrier, or may choose not to disclose the fact if she does (hygienic
  practice is vital, for this reason).
• Inflammation of the ear.
• Open wounds, cuts or abrasions in the area.
• Moles or warts in the area.
• Circulatory disorders, such as high or low blood pressure.
• A predisposition to keloid scarring – lumpy scar tissue ( black skin often forms keloid
  scar tissue following skin healing).

Where there is any contra – indication to ear piercing, the client must seek written
permission from her physician before treatment can be carried out.
Children may receive this service only if approval has been given in writing by the parent
or guardian, and the disclaimer form signed.

Equipment and materials
You will need the following equipment and materials:

• CAFLON ear piercing gun – one that can use regular as well as mini size ear studs
• CAFLON studs – a variety of styles and designs to accommodate differing client
  preferences. These are made from nickel free surgical grade stainless steel plated with 24
  
  kt gold. CAFLON earrings are always supplied in sealed and sterilised blister
  packs.
• Pre – packed alcohol tissues (2) or cleansing solution – used to cleanse the ear area.
• Surgical spirit – for cleaning the gun after use.
• Clean cotton wool – apply the surgical spirit.
• Disposable rubber gloves – to ensure a high standard of hygiene and to reduce the
  possibility of contamination
• Waste bowl.
• Pedal bin ( with liner).
• Head band (clean) or clip – hold the hair away from the ear during ear piercing.
• Hand mirror (clean) – to show the client the proposed placement of the earrings, after
  marking and after the ear piercing.
• Client’s record card.
• After care instruction leaflet – for the client to keep

Sterilisation and sanitation
The working area should be kept clean. The floor covering should be such that the surface
can be cleaned with a disinfectant and hot soapy water: work surfaces likewise should be
washed regularly with hot soapy water and wiped with a disinfectant.