Following the recent boom in popularity of piercings and tattoos in the UK, a lot of new piercing studios have sprung up in the last few months, all varying in quality from a barber with a couple of needles to state-of-the-art studios that resemble something out of a medical drama. I was lucky (and smart) enough to go to one of the studios resembling the latter, Chaebol in Glasgow. OK, so a nostril piercing isn't the most adventurous or unusual of piercings, but you have to attach the same level of care and discretion to getting anything pierced, from a triangle to a navel, right? I'd been thinking about getting my nostril done for a while, meeting the usual arguments from my parents ("you'll look like a tart", "horrible looking thing" etc.) and the usual doubts with getting a job (a lot of part-time places don't like facial piercings of any sort, some make it a company policy)
At A Glance Author Rozi Contact Rozi@bme.anon Artist Kelly Studio Chaebol Location Glasgow, UK But, despite the opposition I eventually decided, bugger it, I'm getting it done. After looking round some of the, ahem, cheaper places in the city I found Chaebol, and got it done that day. The staff were very helpful, and at no point was I treated like an idiot or a complete novice, and the form you have to fill in is sensible and thorough without being too bureaucratic. After hearing horror stories of people staggering into piercing studios drunk or high demanding their nipples or whatever done, it seems a sensible policy. They also ask for ID, and won't accept anyone for piercing under the age of 18 without a parent's consent, or anyone at all under sixteen, again sensible. It's a bit disconcerting to see kids in primary school with piercings, and not very sensible. After agreeing that I knew what I was doing and wasn't under the influence of anything, I was introduced to Kelly, the most heavily tattooed and pierced man I had ever met, and one of the most professional and helpful.
After discussing the piercing and deciding on a position for it, he then explained to me exactly what he was doing at every stage, as well as every procedure used to sterilise every piece of equipment. He showed me that he was using a fresh needle by taking it out the sterile seal in front of me, and showed me the autoclave, and explained to me how it worked. He also told me what to expect pain-wise at every point, and how I could make it easier and less painful, which made me completely comfortable and relaxed. During the actual piercing, he told me that the tissue there was relatively strong, and that extra force had to be used to get it through. I shudder to think what having it done with a piercing gun would have been like. He was right about the fact that your eyes water when the needle is inserted, and took time to explain that this is due to the body sensing a foreign object in the sinus area, and seeking to wash it out. The tears are a result of this. It was details like this that kept my relaxed and reassured in his abilities and experience as a piercist. It was all over relatively quickly and painlessly, and I was congratulated on "not bleeding too much". I was given an aftercare sheet and some extra tips, and given a small can of soda and chocolate bar from the fridge in the studio, which I was told would prevent the body going into shock later on, which considering my bad delayed reaction to my navel piercing the year before, was comfort indeed. You have to like the mixture of professionalism and humour in the studio, and the extensive and beautiful range of jewellery available. It's worth paying the extra for a nice piece of jewellery to live with and great service. I'd recommend Chaebol to anyone.
The piercing itself has done well, and has been well looked after. Regular cleaning with a saline solution has meant that it has been infection-free, apart from just after Christmas when it went a bit crusty, but that only lasted a few days. It healed relatively quickly, and I was able to change the jewellery without too much hassle with a few weeks. Even though I take it out when I'm going to a gig, it still accepts the fairly thick-wired stud without too much difficulty or pain after a few hours free of jewellery. Six months on and it's absolutely fine, pain-free and looking gorgeous. The studs used in Chaebol are usually titanium, which suits anyone allergic to base metals (like me), and come in a range of colours and styles. My stud is quite small and subtle without resembling a "glitter spot" look that some tiny, thin-wired studs have. Even my parents like it now, though they still prefer all my other piercings. You can't please everyone!