I always loved the "look" of a rook piercing, but never had the guts to actually get one. A best friend of mine had gotten one done when we were in high school and I also saw them around different places. I had gotten my cartilage pierced and was told by a piercer that I had a "good ear" for a rook piercing and I should consider it. I knew deep down I wanted the piercing, but it had always looked so painful to me that I didn't want to risk it.
At A Glance Author Annie Contact Annie@bme.anon When Six months ago Artist Zach Studio Color Wheel Tattoo Location Reading, PA After a lot of careful thinking and research, as well as talking to others who actually had the piercing, I decided to go ahead with the procedure. I was excited and nervous, but I knew it was something I wanted and the pain would only be seconds long until I had the awesome piece of metal in my ear. I heard the piercing had a chance of migration, but that didn't stop me from getting what I wanted. I was determined to face my fear of the piercing and get it done once and for all.
I headed over to Color Wheel Tattoo (which is a neat shop located in Reading, PA) with one of my best friends for the extra support. It was best described to me from the piercer himself as a "glorified underground shop", meaning -- it's as cool as the underground tattoo shops, but clean and the work is excellent. I met my piercer, Zach, and he carefully examined my ear and detailed me through the procedure. I was told I would be lying on my back for the procedure and my head would be titled as he pierced the rook. I filled out the usual paperwork and went to the side area where the piercing would take place.
Zach showed me the jewelry and the needle he was going to use. He explained to me that he had to use a curved needle for the piercing because of the angle the jewelry needed to be in. He then told me to lay down and he prepared my rook for the piercing. He carefully cleaned and prepped the ear in a sterile fashion. He said I was going to feel a slight pinch and right then I felt the needle slip into my rook.
I'm not going to lie. It hurt! The procedure was a little slow because of the curved needle. It felt like the needle was in there forever! After what seemed like a while, the needle was removed and a CBR ring was put into its place. I preferred the look of a CBR ring to a barbell, but I was told those can also be placed into the rook. There was very little to no bleeding and it looked wonderful. My ear was extremely red and throbbing after the piercing, but one would assume after a giant needle is placed into the ear, that is only fairly normal. I paid for the piercing ($40) and was given extensive after care instructions. I felt pleased and confident about the entire procedure and left feeling satisfied. It was also nice having Zach as a friend on Myspace.com so I could message him about any questions I had, which he always took the time to give me proper information and took the time to help me.
However, the piercing itself was miserable to take care of. It was very sore for days, even weeks, after the initial piercing. I could not lay on it, talk on the phone on that ear, brush my hair properly, use a hair straightener near that side, or even bump it without wanting to cry. Cleaning it also hurt because it was so tender. I even formed a keloid formation which I had to buy a great solution called Tea Tree Oil, which can be found at a health food store, to help clear the problem up. I also used a mixture of water and sea salts in very hot water with a compress, which I applied to the piercing about 1-2 times a day, following an application of the oil. It's been about 6 months since I've had it and it's only now starting to feel at its best. I would recommend this piercing to anyone who is patient and knows how to properly care for a piercing. It is a piercing that needs plenty of TLC. I would also caution to use proper care in the shower and when towel drying your hair, because accidentally bumping this piercing during its healing time is extremely painful! I don't really see the piercing having a chance of migration. I think as long as it's properly taken care of, there shouldn't be a problem. Keeping it clean and safe is the most important care instruction to this piercing, as well as any other.