As my first year of university was drawing to a close, I thought to myself "What's one more 'crazy' thing I can do before I have to trudge back home for the summer?". Over the course of the school year, I had gotten my belly button, lip and nose pierced, as well as gotten a tattoo. My parents weren't thrilled with any of it, but they were managing to function. I had caught the piercing bug and decided I wanted just one more; I looked at pictures and read experiences on BME.
At A Glance Author Megan Contact Megan@bme.anon When A month ago Artist Jen Studio Art Apocalypse Location Athens, OH After some research, I had it narrowed down between a tragus and an industrial. I thought about it and thought about it but still could not make a decision. I had a lot of time off that day, so I made a stroll up to Art Apocalypse, saying to myself that I wouldn't get anything done that day, just talk to Jen about each and maybe get guided a little.
In the ten minute walk to Art Apocalypse, I finally decided on an industrial. I wasn't sure what had prompted me to pick that over the tragus; I think I just thought it looked cooler.
So I walked into Art Apocalypse; the familiar buzz of the tattoo machines met my ears and the smell of antibacterial soap met my nose. (It is a very clean shop, and I'm quite sure they follow all the rules and regulations; and they are also all very friendly!).
Jen was sitting at the counter doing a crossword in the paper; when I came in, she looked up and said "Hi! Can I help you?". I said "Yes, I would like an industrial". She said "Ok, let me take a look of your ear and make sure its the right shape." She looked at my ear for what seemed like an eternity. I was starting to get worried that I wouldn't be able to do it! "Ok, it's fine, I just had to find a good angle. Come on back."
I followed her back to the piercing room; a small closed off room with a dentist chair covered with plastic. The room had lots of decorations in it: art pieces and figurines and whatnot, but still very clean and not cluttered whatsoever. I sat down and she began to prepare. She opened all the needles and jewelry from their packages and was getting ready to go.
This was when I started to get nervous. Up until then, I was all excited and pretty much blocking out all the accounts I had read where people wrote "It hurt so bad!" or "I screamed so loud!". Even though I was starting to get nervous, I was remaining pretty calm. Once Jen had everything all set, she said "Im going to go through the first hole. After that, we can take a break if you want. Ready?". I said "Yes" and took a deep breath. I clutched the arm of the chair and prepared for the worst.
All I felt was a small pinch. It hurt a little more than some of my piercings, but I would say it was pretty similar to my nostril piercing. She slid the barbell through a bit which stung a bit. She said "Need a break?". "Nah" I responded. She used a new needle and pierced the other part of my ear which didn't hurt anymore than the first. The only part that hurt a little was when she slid the barbell all the way through. She screwed the balls on and said "Ok, go ahead and have a look!". I jumped up and looked in the mirror. I loved it!
Jen then proceeded to give me a little bottle of cleaning soap and go over the cleaning procedures and give me a sheet explaining the care instructions. I tipped her and was on my merry way!
I love this piercing so much! It didn't hurt that much to get done, but taking care of it has been painful at times. The first night, my ear swelled up and turned bright red. However, the swelling went down relatively quickly. I clean it in the shower every morning and then once again at night before I go to bed. It's still a little tender and crusty, but it looks great! The one thing that does get on my nerves is that my hair tends to get tangled around the barbell. When it finally heals up, I'm going to get a barbell that isn't as long so it won't be such a problem. My parents don't like it very much, but they manage to joke with me about it; they call it a curtain or shower rod. My mom said she was going to find a little shower curtain I could hang from it!
Overall, it was not nearly as bad as I had expected. I won't lie and say it was painless, but if the thought of the pain is holding you back, don't let it! It's worth it.