Why do you have to use a hollow needle for piercing?

Answer 1

ummm they use that because the piercing has to be big and has to stay open so you can have A BETTER HOLE FOR THE PIERCING

no, you idiot. i have quite a few piercing, 7 on one ear 8 on the other, nose, tongue, snake bites, navel(bellybutton) and hips.

the needle must be hollow because then when they have pierced it, they put the bar of the jewellery in the end, and when they pull the needle the rest of the way through, the jewellery will go into the hole. all they must then do is screw on the ball.

Technically both previous answers were correct (even the rude one). Due to the size and the fact that you are cutting the skin and leaving a precise hole a hollow needle is less traumatic than a sewing needle. The hollow end is also convenient as you can slip the piece of jewelery through the fresh hole as the needle exits. Your piercer should always be using a hollow needle, if you see a gun (even for ears) LEAVE!