Just recently, my spark for piercing took me on by surprise this summer, after a year of getting my second lobes (poorly) done last April. Personally, because my second lobes were done badly by Claire's, I wanted to get my second right lobe re-pierced (because I had taken out the earring during healing due to the pain, plus I thought it wasn't aligned with my left anyway), as well as a cartilage piercing on the same ear, but of course at a different facility. Eventually after asking friends and researching, I came upon Zebra, which is located on Telegraph Avenue in Berkeley, CA.
At A Glance Author j. When A month ago Artist Tim Studio Zebra Location on Telegraph Ave. in Berkeley, CA On August 8, I meant to only visit Zebra to examine the place and ask a couple questions. But the lady who I was speaking to was very nice and encouraged me to get pierced. They were having a two studs for $20/$25 thing... perfect for getting my second lobe redone and my upper ear. But the thing was that... I never mentioned to her about my second lobe. The thought of having two upper ear piercings made me squeal and squirm, so I went with it. I filled out the consent form, got a short lecture on aftercare and a reference sheet, sea salt and paid up front.
They were pretty busy that day. I was probably standing around for a good 45min-1hr there. There were tattoos being done and about 7ish people waiting in line before me to get pierced. You could automatically tell that Zebra was a very clean and professional facility. Employees were constantly cleaning the glass counters (which held the jewelry) with Windex and there were no fingerprints to be seen. The piercing room is also very clean and neat, a dentist chair (for navel piercings etc, I guess) and a stool for regular ear piercings. So fast-forward to my turn.
They call my number, so I walk all the way to the back and I can feel shivers all over. I walk in slowly, examining the room and saw Tim standing at the back table, getting the needle, earrings, and other materials ready for me. He greets me, and asks me to sit on the stool.
By then, I had no idea what the heck I was getting myself into. I remember I only wanted to come and look around... I totally wasn't expecting to get my piercings done the same day. So anyway, Tim cleans off my ear, numbs it (I think, I don't really remember that), and marks it, asking me if this is where I'd like them. I take a look in the large, saran-wrapped mirror, and told him it was fine. I've never been pierced with a needle before (my seconds were done by some plastic gun crap and I got my firsts when I was a baby), so all that was running in my mine were, "OH SHIT." and yeah.
So he pushes the needle through my cartilage... I felt a sting, but I was absolutely, insanely impressed that I wasn't rolling around the floor in pain. And apparently, it felt like he only pierced me once, I totally didn't feel the second one go through. Then he slips in my two earrings, and I hear the back of them click, and I knew it was over.
I was honestly expecting to be put through more torture than that, I came in and left, just like that (despite all my waiting, but it was worth it!). He also complimented me about being "tough" the whole time... seriously, I didn't budge or make any noises through the whole procedure. It was amazing (for me, anyway). He gently rubs another cotton ball (of alcohol?) before I left, and I was done. I took a look in the mirror, and I couldn't help but think wow.
It's been half a month to a month now, and so far my piercings haven't given me problems yet. I've been doing a sea salt soak two times a day, every day (but sometimes I don't do mornings, 'cause I'm always showering). It's only gotten irritated once, about a week later, when I didn't have enough time to soak it one morning. But it's definitely doing great. I really can't wait until it heals up and I'm able to change my earrings. I love the placement, and I can imagine all the cute little earrings I could put there.
For anyone who is in the Berkeley/east bay or maybe even the SF bay area, and wants to get pierced (or get a tattoo), check out Zebra on Telegraph. Their website is mrzebra.com. I personally recommend getting pierced by Tim. He's in (according to his card), on Saturday, Sunday and Monday... or you can get pierced by the other two piercers, in on their respected days. My experience here has been an experience to remember, and I would definitely come back.