New Piercing Studio Opening March 7 In Suburban Square

ARDMORE, PA — A new piercing studio is coming to Ardmore's Suburban Square in March, offering only hypoallergenic earrings done by licensed nurses.

Rowan is set to open March 7 at 85 Coulter Ave. in Ardmore.

This location will mark Rowan's 70th outpost nationwide and second in Pennsylvania after founder and CEO Louisa Serene Schneider created the company in 2027.

"I wanted a piercing experience that was as safe as it was celebratory for my daughter," she said in an email to Patch.

What sets Rowan apart from other piercing studios, she said, is all piercings are performed by licensed nurses using only hypoallergenic earrings.

"We prioritize safety above all else, but we also believe in making the experience fun," she said. "Our vibrant studios are as joyful as they are hygienic, creating a welcoming space where everyone can feel comfortable."

Ear-piercing necessitates expertise, skill, and a keen understanding of hygiene to prevent adverse outcomes like infection and tissue damage, according to Schneider.

Coupled with stringent guidelines and training of the Rowan Clinical Piercing Standard, Rowan nurses ensure that ear-piercing is safe, hygienic, and worry-free.

Rowan offers two piercing methods: needle and hand-pressurized device.

Needle piercings are performed with a single-use, hollow bore sterilized needle. It can be used for any piercing placement in the ear and utilizes flat backs specifically designed for optimal comfort and healing.

Device piercings are performed with a hand-pressurized device, which is in complete control of the nurse’s hand to guide, position, and pierce safely. Unlike a piercing gun, which uses a spring to pierce, this piercing method can be used for any placement along the outer perimeter of the ear and uses butterfly or bell back earrings.

Rowan's nurses will work with customers to determine which method is best for their ear anatomy.

After the piercing, Rowan's team provides customers with detailed aftercare instructions, so new piercings will stay healthy.

Nurses are trained to meticulously clean and sterilize their equipment, which minimizes the chance of bacterial transmission during ear-piercing.

The Rowan Clinical Piercing Standard align seamlessly with a nurse's professional ethos, making it an optimal choice for those seeking a safe and hygienic ear-piercing experience, Schneider said.

Sterilization takes place in-house to ensure safety, and all piercing earrings come pre-sterilized. The single cartridge, hand pressurized device is sterilized both before and after each piercing. Most materials used in the piercing, including but not limited to gloves and needles, are disposable and single-use.

Exceptions include stainless steel hemostats and tapers, both of which are reprocessed after a sterilization process which includes several rounds of chemical disinfectant cleansing.

Piercing stations, including chairs and trays, are sterilized between each client, as well.

Rowan will offer both needle and device piercings in the ear lobe and helix. Eventually, Rowan will offer needle piercings in more unique placements, like the Tragus and Forward Helix.

The selection of hypoallergenic piercing jewelry available is dependent on the piercing method chosen. Potential customers can browse Needle Piercing styles and our Device Piercing styles online here before their visit.

All of Rowaa's Needle Piercing styles are flat backs and all of our Device Piercing styles use bell backs or butterfly backs.

Ear-piercing can definitely be nerve-wracking, which is why Rowan employs licensed nurses for the job. With their extensive training in bedside manner, they’re uniquely equipped to help ease nerves and walk customers through every step of the process.

Appointments are encouraged, but walk-ins are welcome. Book a piercing appointment online here.

Rowan will employ eight to 10 people at its new Ardmore studio and be open Monday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., and from noon to 6 p.m. on Sundays.