I haven't had very many piercings (My tragus was only my second; third if you count getting my lobes pierced when I was 10) due to having absolutely no money, but since I finally managed to get a job, I've seized the chance to get all the piercings I've ever dreamt of – and believe me, there's a long list!
At A Glance Author Fjarskafinn Contact littleinnocentmagpie@gmail.com When It just happened Artist Simon Studio Tattoo World Location Trowbridge, UK My tragus wasn't the first ear cartilage piercing I'd had – I'd had my helix (top of the ear) done a few weeks beforehand. But still, I was nervous and excited at the prospect of having it done, just as if it were my very first piercing. I knew which studio I was going to get it done at (there are two in my town), and actually found out from the owner of Tattoo World that the place I got my helix done are not licensed piercers at all (I had been suspicious of this when a piece of unsterilized jewellery was put into my piercing). So this studio, Tattoo World, was definitely the place to be. They were well established in the town and so obviously had a good reputation.
I had to wait for the piercer to come back from where he'd gone out, and I was content to wait 20 minutes. I signed the necessary forms, had a look at the tattoo flash, saw nothing that took my fancy (not surprising – I like more unusual tattoos), and sat down on one of the seats. After a while, I got up and chatted to the owner for a little longer, and he told me some wonderful stories like when he discovered he was allergic to stainless steel! A rowdy young family came in asking for an ear piercing for the young son, and they too were told they'd need to wait. I was told that there was a sofa upstairs, so I went there, and looked at some Kanji flash, happy to be away from the noisy family. I stayed up there for 20 minutes, talking with two girls who were interested in getting some Japanese characters, before going back down to see what was keeping the piercer (it was getting rather wet and dark outside, and I was walking home afterwards).The family seemed to be getting restless as well, with the youngest child declaring angrily that he wanted a drink. Just as the owner was phoning the piercer, he arrived, and immediately asked who was getting the tragus, obviously aware at how long I'd waited. I smiled and said 'Me' and he led me upstairs to the studio.
The place was satisfyingly clean and tidy, and I was told to sit on the gurney. I started to get the intense feelings of nerves I got with my helix, but Simon was moving and preparing everything so quickly, I hardly had time to be nervous before he spoke to me. He asked me which side I wanted it on, while taking out a CBR in a little plastic bag and a new needle from a similar bag. He went straight and did it, telling me to breathe in and out, without any hesitation. "Well done, that's the worst over". I was so pleased, finally having my tragus pierced. All through the procedure, while he was putting in the jewellery, we chatted, and he made me feel very comfortable and welcome.
It hurt, I can't deny it, but I was a little disappointed at not hearing the crunch other people describe. I listened out for it, but all I heard was the friction on his gloves. It was all over and done with within 3 minutes, and I thanked Simon and left. As I was leaving, I saw the Kanji tattoo girls, and they exclaimed at how quick it had been done. I was feeling very happy so I brightly said goodbye to them, and wished them luck with their tattoos.
I'm sure healing the piercing is going to be fine and problem free, because already it's hurting far less than my helix did. Tattoo World is definitely a place I'll be revisiting as I fulfil my piercing wish list (and certainly when I can start getting tattoos), the people there are just so incredibly friendly and welcoming. I didn't mind having to wait, the customer service shown by Simon and the other artists just made all the difference.
I really hope this piercing is fine, because I now have such a nice experience to associate with it, as well as the dedication I've decided to give it – to a friend whose birthday it is. I like the idea of dedicating piercings, it gives them a meaningful value, similar to that of a tattoo, and this piercing definitely means a lot to me now.
Next step: Labret!