I had wanted to get something pierced since I was about 13. Of course, my parents would never let me do it. So I just accepted the fact, and went on with my life. I told myself that when I turned 18, I would get my tongue pierced. Well, a couple of my friends went out and did it right before I was going to! I wasn't about to follow their trend. So again, I decided not to get it done for the time being. I've been anxiously awaiting the right time, though.
At A Glance Author Katie Contact Katie@bme.anon When It just happened Studio Club Tattoo Location Tempe, AZ I've since graduated high school, and started college a couple months ago. I'm originally from Alaska, but have moved to Arizona to go to art school. Now that I'm on my own without any parents, I decided this would be the perfect time to get pierced. I'd thought about it, and decided a nostril piercing would definitely be cute. All my friends agreed. So, one day at school, I decided I wanted to get pierced right then. Me and four of my friends ditched class early and headed for Club Tattoo in Tempe, AZ.
We got there, I signed all the paperwork, and headed into the piercing room (Nickie came with me). I sat on the doctors-like bench, and the piercer got all the necessary tools ready. Everything was new, sealed, and sanitary. It was actually more like a doctors office than a piercing place. Anyway, I asked how much this was going to hurt, and the guy said it would feel like a bunch of nose hairs being pulled out, and would make my eyes water a bit. I wasn't worried about the pain though. I'd just recovered from a broken ankle in three places, a dislocated knee, and 3 months in a cast. I am now equipped with a 5 inch long titanium plate and nine screws in my ankle. How's that for pain? I was preparing myself for the worst, but knew it wouldn't be quite so.
Anyway, back to the story. He cleaned the inside and outside of my nose with some Q-tips and sanitizer type stuff, and placed a purple dot on my left nostril. He asked for my approval, and I thought it was perfect. So I hopped back on the table, laid back, and another piercer came in the room. He was going to do the actual deed. He placed the receiving tube in my nose, and got the needle ready. He told me to breathe in, and when I released I was pierced! That was it? I was expecting much worse! My eyes did indeed tear up, and Nickie informed me that I bled quite a bit (I couldn't see what was going on). All was done and over with, and I was told how to clean and care for my new piercing.
We left the room and I paid for my new piercing. I was surprised at how inexpensive it was – only $40! Back in Alaska, piercings are at least double that.
This was done on Monday, and today is Wednesday. Even immediately after I was pierced, my nostril didn't swell, turn red, form crusties, puss, or anything. It's never been sore at all, actually! I clean twice a day with Satin soap (available only at piercing studios) and Q-tips. You need to be super careful when cleaning a nostril screw piercing, because it easily comes out when wet. Make sure you hold the outside in place while you clean the inside, otherwise it will slip out. Luckily this didn't happen to me (would have sucked if it did, though). I couldn't have wished for a more painless healing.
It's a bit tricky blowing your nose during healing. Be sure to clean well afterwards with Satin soap (or whatever it is you use). Other things to be careful of: watch out for your nose when taking off your shirt, careful drying off after showering, and don't scratch your nose subconsciously while sleeping (or when you're awake, for some of you)! I've been paranoid about doing these things – but luckily none of them have happened yet.
I've since talked two other people into getting pierced. One of my friends is going to get her eyebrow done, and another is going to have her lip pierced. They've both been pierced before, but saw how flawless mine went, and have since decided they're both about due for another.
All in all, if you're considering getting your nostril pierced, go for it. I wish I would have done this a long time ago. It doesn't hurt as much as you're expecting, and the result is absolutely fabulous. This was my first piercing (other than the ears), and definitely won't be my last! I'm actually thinking about getting my other nostril done, since this one was so much fun :)