Earrings or a tattoo?

I (17) really want to overcome my fear of needles and get my lobes pierced, but I'm awfully scared and the thought alone makes me cry. Even the vaccine I theoretically need some time in 2026 makes me cry already.

I've wanted my lobes pierced for a few years now, and my parents even say they want me to. I know for a fact we would only go to a jeweler though - meaning it'd be a piercing gun.

Now, the thought of getting a tattoo doesn't scare me as much for some reason. Maybe it's because it's not as deep nor do you really see the needle.

Either way, I'm unsure if I should risk crying hysterically and getting yelled at for earrings, or if I should wait and rather get a tattoo first to get a feeling for it. Or maybe one of you has gotten piercings/ tattoos despite having the same issue.

I know that if I cry or speak my fears my parents will scold me and tell me to just not get earrings then, before asking if I'm not embarrassed for being afraid. Does any of you have advice on how not to cry, maybe? I've only heard bad about piercings guns, but it's my only option.

I'd appreciate any advice, no matter how subjective, and also any experiences with getting earrings.