I've always loved body modification, I wear corsets, dye my hair and add synthetic extensions, have some scarification, and get pierced on a somewhat regular basis. It had been a while since I'd been pierced, seeing as I thought I had all the piercings I wanted already, and because I work in Starbucks Coffee, where piercings and bodmods are a no-go on the job. It has gotten to the point where working somewhere with a rule about no piercings or tattoos puts me off.
At A Glance Author DarkTigerLily Contact erynnelisabeth@hotmail.com Artist Wil Purnell Studio Classix Location York, England I'm trying to find a different job simply because they disallow body modification. Plus working in an English Starbucks is like working in McDonalds- I'm constantly asked why there are huge holes in my earlobes and why 'a pretty girl like me' would want to 'stick pieces of metal in her face'. I used to work in a studio, until I couldn't get enough hours to support my college education, the pay at Starbucks is pretty decent, but the amount of restrictions on bod mods make me insane!
I'd considered a septum piercing before, I thought it was interesting, and less 'teeny-bopper-ish' than the navel and tongue piercings everyone seems to be getting nowadays (piercings that I've had for a long time and have since added more to or stretched to remove myself from the 'trendy' population) Although after seeing a septum piercing on a girl in a Linkin Park video *shudder* I fear that even a septum ring will become commonplace in today's society. Strange how a few years ago people thought I was crazy for having my ears stretched to 10mm and now it is widely accepted. I'm not sure whether or not to be happy or disappointed. I think it's kewl that so many kids are getting into rock culture and fashion, but their reasons for getting into it can be just the same as the kids who spend their days listening to N'Sync and debating whether Nick from the Backstreet Boys is cuter than Justin from N'Sync, or whether or not Britney's DD breasts are real.
I used to work with the guy who pierced me. His name is Wil, and I'm sure he enjoys sticking needles in me to watch my expression. I've been involved with the body modification business for quite a few years now, and I've never met anyone quite so professional as Wil. I'm frightened by the sheer amount of unprofessional piercers in this country. I've seen ten-year-olds with navel piercings and even a twelve-year-old with her nipples pierced. A group of little girls came into my studio once and showed me their newly-pierced navels- which had a piece of paper towel taped over it. I can't stress enough my hatred for piercing minors- especially minors who should still be playing with Barbie dolls or G.I. Joes.
Unfortunately my jewellery choice was extremely limited. Because I work with food (and coffee) I was forced to start my piercing with a retainer *sigh* until it heals enough for me to just wear the retainer for work and a ring outside of work. Therefore, a lovely plastic barbell was to be fitted in my septum until I could buy my pretty titanium ring to put in when I'm not at work. Hopefully a new job will come my way so that I won't have to deal with the wonderful Starbucks rules, but when that will be, I don't know!
He used a PTFE barbell, and prepared me to feel quite a bit of pain considering the amount of skin in my septum was minimal- and piercing the cartilage might be his only option. I agreed. I braced myself for the most unbelievable pain I'd ever feel, and all I got was a pinch and a little water in my eyes. I was surprised how easy and quick the whole process was, and I hardly even bled.
It's been almost a month now, and the piercing is pretty much healed. If I had known how quick and easy the whole process was going to be I would have definitely done it sooner. To all those who are frightened by a septum piercing's pain factor (yes, even I was) - don't let it put you off. Find a good piercer and get it done. You won't regret it.
If you're looking for something unusual and beautiful, something that will scare old ladies, or just something to add to your metal collection, this is it. You can easily hide it away for weddings, job interviews, and visits home to mom and dad at Christmas and Thanksgiving. If you don't think it's feminine you can add jewels or just wear a small, dainty ring in it, and it looks fab. If you've contemplated it don't put it off, simply rush to your nearest piercer and do it! I've never been happier, and if you clean it and take good care of it, it will heal quickly.
Thanks for reading my rather short essay on my brand new septum piercing. You can also look forward to pictures of it and more ranting and raving about my other body modifications. Good luck. If you have any questions on the piercing, its healing process, or Wil Purnell's work and studio, please feel free to e-mail me at the address included.