It took me quite awhile to decide that I wanted a piercing other than the standard lobe piercings. (I already had 2 in each ear) I had originally gotten a boring cartilage piercing a few months ago because I was anxious and didnt want to wait, so I had my mom take me to the mall. etc etc, pierced with a gun, bad idea. So it got infected and I had to take it out and let it close up after two months.
At A Glance Author Laura Contact laura_baldassarre@hotmail.com When A week ago Artist Jason Sweet Studio Goodtimes Tattoos Location Manchester, NH I immediately started researching new piercings because I was turning 18 the week after and my mom said "Whenever you're ready, go ahead and get it re pierced." So I decided that I wanted something a little more daring, but still low key and edgy. I found BME through a friend and started looking at photos and other experiences. This was a great idea. I fell in love with the forward helix piercing and decided that I just HAD to get it done. I also decided on it because the cartilage is still thin enough that I thought it wouldn't be too unbearable for pain, and it's in a place that is in plain view but still uncommmon. It's easily the best decision I could have made regarding piercings. Anyways - I turned 18, had decided on a forward helix, and dragged my best friend downtown to Goodtimes Tattoos/Smokeshop.
I'm one of those people that completely over reacts and just psyches themselves out because they're nervous. I almost didn't go through with it...but thanks to the patience and kindness of the piercers at Goodtimes, I finally made it.
As soon as I walked into the room, the piercer behind the counter (who would pierce my ear)looked at my nervous self and said "Let me guess, you want a piercing, but you're nervous." He asked me what piercing i wanted and I pointed to my ear and said "forward helix." He laughed at me. That was reassuring. He wanted to know why I was so worried, and that it was a very simple piercing. He also looked at my ear and said it was going to look REALLY insane which made me even more determined to go through with it.
He let me look around and ask my two thousand questions about sterility and autoclave usage and jewelry etc. After I was satisfied, and after I filled out the forms, he reassured me again not to be nervous. Did I forget to mention the woman in the front of the store said her ten year old daughter got her ears pierced here and that they were the best? Well of course I had to show up a ten year old. I decided to wait an hour or so and go eat something before I decided to go back and do the piercing. I promised him I would be back before the day was out because I couldn't let myself chicken out. He said no pressure, and that they would be here until midnight. GREAT.
I was nervous about the pain because it would be my first professional piercing done with a needle. Honestly, it was NOT THAT BAD. I definitely worried about it way more than I should have. He sat me down on the table/bench/chair thing and I proceeded to almost pass out. After some water and some reassurance from both piercers in the room (I'm not sure why.) I decided to just get it over with. He was very clean (he changed his gloves at least 6 times)and VERY VERY patient with me, which made me feel so comfortable and sure that I wanted him to do it. He marked my ear and I had him move it because I thought it was too high up on my ear. So after he marked it again (perfectly) I told him that I was going to do it and there was no turning back now. I ended up laying down for the piercing, and after telling me to take a deep breath, he pushed the needle through.
Not terrible pain, totally bearable, and I'm by far the worst with pain EVER. I did feel a little pop as the needle went through but it wasn't bad. I didn't even feel him put the jewelry in, I only felt him twisting it to get it into place. (18g TI. CBR) It is gorgeous. I LOVE IT. It is definitely well worth the minimal pain. Its been a week, there is almost no pain, and it's healing wonderfully. It is so cute and edgy. Before I left the room, he said that he usually pierces his helixes higher up (where the first mark was made) but now after looking at the one in my ear, he said he liked the placement much better and was going to start piercing them there instead! I'm a role model.
If you want to get this piercing, go for it. Absolutely. And if you're in the Manchester area go to Goodtimes and get pierced by either Jonah or Jason(Lumpy) They're so professional and patient and they definitely helped me out.
I'm so happy with it, and everyone else I've talked to has loved it too.
GO FOR IT. MINIMAL PAIN. TOTALLY WORTH IT!!!!