Winter break was almost over, I had money to spend, and I wasn't quite 18 yet. My decision: get my ears pierced. I had already had my ears pierced several times over the years; a few in the lobe, (up to 3 at one time), twice in the cartilage, and except for the second cartilage piercing (which my friend did using a 16 g. taper,) they were always done with a piercing gun. I had also stretched my lobes to a 6 g., where they now stay, held by a constantly changing collection of neat-o plugs. (Note to those who are thinking of stretching: Stretching is addictive. I remember not too long ago when I was a 14 gage saying, "I am not going to stretch them anymore. This is the right gage." Well, Here I am at a 6-gage thinking about a 4. Anyway, Stretching is an absolutely beautiful process, and should not be rushed.)
At A Glance Author serah Contact saraslug@yahoo.com When It just happened Artist Marilyn Studio Electric Tattoo Location 6th and Macvicar, Topeka KS
My cartilage piercings had never worked out- they were always way too painful, took too long to heal, and eventually, they always rejected. However, the one time I got pierced with an actual needle, I loved it. I hardly felt any pain. Just a lot of pressure, and of course, the buzzed feeling afterwards when adrenaline is pumping through your body. This was the reason that for these ear piercings, I was going to a tattoo and piercing parlor to get it done the right way.
I went out early that Friday to check out two places: Fine Line was the first and Electric tattoo and piercing was the second prices. I chose Electric not only because an old, cool friend of mine worked there, but also because the cost was just right, the jewelry was nice, and the all-around vibe of the place was comfortable and safe. I decided to get them pierced with a 14 gage needle, and I decided to get sterling silver captive ball hoops for my new piercings.
At 5:30 that evening, I returned with my mother, her photo I.D., my photo I.D., my birth certificate and filled-out paper work signed by a notary (this all due to me being under 18) Though this may be considered a hassle to some young adults, it was comforting to me to know that they went to such lengths to make sure everything was in order. After a short wait (and a "before" picture taken by my boyfriend, Jack,) Marilyn took my mother and I into a back room. It was small, purple, tastefully decorated, and comfortable. As she got prepared, we all laughed as we talked about the can on the shelf of Prince Albert Tobacco, and the origin of the name for the piercing. Marilyn informed us that the real Prince Albert was rumored to have the piercing that was named after him. He was also rumored to be quite the ladies man. I sat at the chair ( with my back to my mother, who wasn't too keen on watching the process) while Marilyn explained to me the entire process, including procedu re, after care and any problems that might arise. She asked me if my mother or I had any questions, and the only thing I could think of asking was what the small purple puddle of liquid was on the tray next to me that was holding the needles and such. (She explained that it was to mark my ears) After answering me and my mother's questions, she continued to mark my ears with the purple ink stuff on the end of a pointed, wooden stick, (taking a her time to make sure they were perfectly in line, and letting me check for myself in the mirror) and then put a clamp on my ear. Marilyn then asked me to take a deep breath in, and then breathe out. As I breathed out, she pushed the needle through swiftly and announced "You're pierced!" It didn't hurt hardly at all, and soon it became numb and blissfully warm. She then proceeded to pierce my other ear, which hurt a little more than the first, but all in all, the piercings were only a 1 on my ouch-o-meter. (and let it be known- I did n ot even flinch once! You question me? I had a witness!)
Marilyn at Electric Tattoo made me feel welcome and comfortable. She was incredibly sanitary (changing her gloves after touching anything to avoid any cross-contamination) and was quick to answer any and all questions in an intelligent manner that satisfied my queries. I highly recommend Electric Tattoo and piercing for any of your body- mod needs.
And so with this, I shall forever say good bye to the piercing gun, and hello to my new friend, the needle! ...I think next time I might need to get a tattoo...