It was almost a week ago now, since I popped over to Manchester with my friend Jen to further decorate my ear with metal!
At A Glance Author louie aubergine Contact incu_muse@hotmail.com When A week ago Artist Marcus Studio Holier Than Thou Location Manchester, UK I knew exactly what I wanted - I was starting an ear project after already having my lobes done twice, my helix and my nostril pierced. I always loved the look of a snug more than say a daith or a rook. I had read up on snugs for months beforehand so I knew exactly what I was getting myself into - a painful piercing that can be pretty problematic to heal! I figured it would be worth it.
I'd been to Holier Than Thou before and I believe it to be the very best piercing studio in the North West of England at least! It's wonderful - they'll do almost anything because their techniques extend so far. I entered the shop, all bright and full of wonderful body jewellery, and showed my friend Jen (who'd never been there before) around the shop. When it was my turn I asked for a snug and the shop assistant (with the most gorgeous scarification and bright pink hair) put me down on the list and gave me the usual forms to fill in.
Because it was a Saturday it was busier than usual, and there was a nipple and a navel before my snug. This didn't take long though, not when you're browsing through portfolios. Finally Marcus came out with his smiley face and said "snug?". I followed him into the studio (Jen had decided to stay in the shop) which is always bright, clean and comfortable, and I can honestly say I'm not nervous any more before a piercing. I think the adrenaline gets me so much that I don't panic.
I asked him about the jewellery, he said he would be using a titanium curved barbell/bananabell type piece, which would be slightly too long to allow for swelling. This was exactly what I wanted anyway, and it would be pierced at 1.6mm (14ga). He complimented my ear shape and said how much he also loved snugs...but pointed out that they're still quite unusual which makes them more interesting to look at.
He marked my ear where he thought it would be best for healing and it was in the middle of my ear right where I wanted it. I nodded and sat back down, placing my hands on the padded seat in case I needed to squeeze! He did the "breathe in, breathe out" routine and I'd be lying if I said it didn't hurt - it did. I could feel the needle going through one side right to the other...it took slightly longer than my nostril because there was more cartilage and it was done freehand. I'd say it was roughly twice as painful as my nose, but with my nose I barely felt a thing. So my snug was also a completely bareable sensation. I didn't feel the jewellery go in either which was good.
When it was done I was so happy. It looked beautiful - subtle but very noticeable at the same time. Marcus asked if he could take a photograph for his portfolio because I had such a "prominant ear shape for a snug". I was flattered and said yes. He took the photo and it looked great!
After thanking Marcus repeatedly, I returned into the shop part of Holier Than Thou where Jen was waiting. I felt fine and already my ear was giving me no stinging or pain. She looked at it and approved of it very much! I paid the lady with the bright pink hair (£20 which I think is a fantastic price) and left in complete happiness.
I will continue to go to Holier Than Thou - it has a great atmosphere about it. Even though the general type of person that goes in there is very heavily modded, it is not at all intimidating like I'd have thought 3 years ago when I was 14. It's actually quite beautiful and very interesting. I love seeing other people's piercings and tattoos.
Well, it has been almost a week and I can say Miss Snug has settled into the family perfectly! She has not swelled up at all and gets minimal crusties. I have avoided banging my ear and I haven't slept on the snug side either. I do sea salt soaks once or twice a day with drops of tea tree oil in - works a treat!
At the moment my snug, notorious for causing problems, has been the least problematic of ALL my piercings. And I'm not complaining either! :D
If you like this piercing and think it would fit in well with the structure of your ear (because that is important for successful healing - the deeper it can go the better) then I say go for it! It's so pretty. All my friends have complimented it.