A few months ago I was looking around BME to decide on my next piercing project. I was looking for something very interesting and unique that my parents wouldn't freak out about. The industrial instantly became my first choice... but of course my parents said no. I'm sure you can guess my response to their answer—I'll do it anyway at all costs. After all, they won't find out... right??
At A Glance Author Michelle Contact blinkchic1826@aol.com When It just happened Artist Chris Studio Alch's Tattoo/Piercing Studio Location Baltimore, MD One of my friends (who will remain anonymous)asked if we could go together to the piercing parlor. She wanted a tattoo or piercing that I won't mention... (haha). After several failed attempts to go to the piercing parlor, we finally went to Alch's Tattoo/ Piercing Studio. I did everything that a person getting a piercing should do... check for cleanliness, make sure your piercer is reputable, etc. Alch's perfectly fit my criteria. (I recommend them highly—Ask for Chris!!)
I explained to Chris approximately where I wanted the barbell. He explained the basics to me about how he would pierce my ear and what I should expect. (Bleeding was one of them.) Thankfully he seemed to know what he was doing so I said I was ready for him to start. He measured my ear, marked where he would actually pierce my ear, and chose the correct size for my barbell. I sat down and anxiously waited while he prepared to pierce me. (Always check to see if your jewelry/needles are packaged and sterilized!! Don't go through with the piercing or tattoo if you don't feel confident that everything is clean and completely sanitary.) In a few minutes Chris said that he was ready.
I took a deep breath and before I knew it Chris shoved the needle through my ear. He never counted to three or told me when he was going to pierce my first hole... I didn't want to expect it. I felt a sharp pinch on my ear as he pierced my ear. The pain was bearable but I realized that he was only halfway done. He asked if I was okay and I said yes. He then shoved the needle through the other side of my ear. The pain wasn't any worse than the first time.
Next, Chris got the chosen barbell and put it through my newly pierced ear. I felt the same pain as before... it felt like he was almost re-piercing my ear. Still, the pain was nothing I couldn't handle. He had some trouble screwing on the end because the barbell got caught on my hair. I could feel some blood running down my ear and another piercer that was present handed me a paper towel. Chris finished with my piercing and I couldn't have been happier. It was done in just a few minutes... my friend and her mom weren't even aware that Chris had even started to pierce me. I looked in the mirror across from me... it looked perfect. My ear was a little sore but I expected a good amount of pain of course. Chris did a great job and I must have thanked him a million times. I think he was surprised that I didn't even flinch. (Don't ever feel reluctant to get a piercing because you're afraid of the amount of pain! Of course its going to hurt but believe me, it's worth it!)
He told me to clean my new industrial with a multi-purpose saline solution (the stuff you use to clean contact lenses) and bactine to help numb the pain. (Clean it 3 times a day! Infection is the last thing you want to happen.) I also use liquid Dial soap once a day. I wouldn't recommend using alcohol or peroxide... it hurts like hell and actually slows down the healing process. Saline works just as well, if not better. Another alternative you might want to use is a salt soak dissolved in warm water. It helps make the soreness go away for a while.
So far I have had no problems with my industrial. I wasn't able to sleep on it the first two nights after I was pierced but my pain is minimal now. I make sure I clean it at least 2 or 3 times a day to prevent any infection. Industrials aren't a very popular piercing (in my area at least) so make sure that your piercer has some experience doing them. Otherwise, you're going to end up with a very strange looking industrial... My parent finally found out about it and needless to say they were pissed off. I wouldn't recommend going behind your parents' backs... they'd find out about it eventually. I think they're over it now—until my next piercing!! If you have any questions about getting an industrial, feel free to send me an e-mail or IM. (blinkchic1826@aol.com)
Thanks again to Chris!!