I have always thought nose piercings are very pretty. When I was in middle school, I had a teacher from India with a nose pierce and had admired hers and others. This past schoolyear, I taught Spanish at The University of Oklahoma. Many girls had their noses pierced and I again admired how they looked. Another instructor that I worked with also had a nostril pierce. She and I visited often in the office, and I asked her about her piercing. She said she liked it and had it for several years. I also talked with a few of my students who were pierced. They all really liked their noses and encouraged me to get mine done.
At A Glance Author Caryn When It just happened Artist Jason Studio 23rd Street Body Piercing Location Oklahoma City, OK I had a few reservations about getting my own pierce:
1. I felt like nostril piercings were a little "trendy" with so many people having them now (although the percentage is probably less than 10% where I work, and even less where I live--outside of the city).
2. I really had this fear of being TOO OLD to get my nose pierced (everyone I talked to said I should do it--especially since I wanted to). Plus, I have two young children of my own.
3. The atmosphere at the University was perfect for a pierced instructor, but I knew that I wouldn't be staying there forever. I knew that I would eventually return to the public school system, and I wasn't too sure if a facial piercing would be acceptable, especially for an elementary school teacher or principal (I had completed a Master's degree in Education Administration the previous year, so one of my career-goals is to serve as a public school administrator).
I had actually tried to get my nose done while I worked at OU. I found a place in Norman on campus corner that did piercings and went there one day. I knocked on the door of the place when nobody answered. A guy with several visible body mods unlocked the door. He seemed very friendly and told me that the piercer should be in within 30 minutes. I went to read and wait in my car. I waited about 15-20 minutes and really had other things I needed to do, got scared, second-guessed the piercing, and talked myself right out of it. My craze faded out for about six months...but soon returned.
I don't know exactly what re-ignited my fire. Maybe the fact that the principal at my new school has an ankle tatoo bracelet that is visible when she wears a skirt (which she often does). I think that was one of the deciding factors for me. Plus, I already have a job, so I don't plan to have any job interviews until at least May at the earliest and by then I can take it out for a few hours if I need to. Plus, I have had some family, marriage, and other personal stuff happen fairly recently, and I think I just have kind of a "Hey, start some shit with me." and "I don't really care what you think." kind of attitude.
I started doing some research on the piercing, and fell back in love with the beautiful simplicity of a small, shimmering stone on a face. I'm glad I learned a lot about the experience of many others. It made me confident and eased my fears about the possible pain. Anyway, I decided that Wednesday would be a perfect day to get mine. A friend was supposed to go with me but couldn't make it. So, I went alone.
23rd Street Body Piercing has a great reputation. My sister and many others have done their piercings there, they advertise, and the people have always been nice to me when I called before going to ask a variety of questions. So, I walked in and asked to see some nose jewelery. I was impressed and relieved to see how dainty and pretty the tiny studs were. The counter guy showed me the jewelery they had in stock and I chose a white CZ. I gave him my ID, filled out the paper-work,and he went over some nice procedures/after-care information. I purchased the sea salt and "Provon" soap from him along with my jewel and piercing cost.
I then waited a few minutes on a comfy couch until a nice-looking tatooed, pierced, long dark haired guy called my name. I went to the back with him. We talked. He asked me if I had any questions and explained what he was going to do. I really had to think hard again when I found out that I should not wear makeup on my face for three months after the piercing to reduce the chance of infection. I decided I could do that. I also found out that this is also a really good time of year for me to get a piercing because it should be totally healed by May and I like to swim during the summer, but it is not recommended that one gets in any large body of water during the healing process (not even a bath).
After cleaning my nose inside and out, Jason marked my nose in the spot I had envisioned. By this time I was a little nervous and shaky. Jason just kind of dismissed my fears and kept talking (that was good). Anyway, he showed me the receiving tube he was going to use and also my jewelery CURVED. I could not believe how long the part that was going to go up into my nose was. Jason put the tube in my nose and said to breathe. Before I knew it, my beautiful jewel was in. There was no pain WHATSOEVER! Just a very quick pressure and he got the jewelery in so fast, too! He was really good.
I have completed four saline soaks since my piercing (which was about 36 hours ago). I went to work this morning and of course all of my little girls commented on my nose. Most said they like it or smiled, but a few said it looked ugly and wanted their "old teacher back". It took most of the boys several hours to notice or say anything (I am not sure which). Only one teacher said anything today, and that was because the girls made sure she saw it. She said she thought it was cute. I think the principal looked at it when I was in the office, but she didn't say anything. If she tries to give me hell, Jason and I decided I should say, "Now wait a minute, Popeye!" Oh, and he seemed pretty impressed that I was a 2nd grade teacher. He even came out and told the counter guy as I was leaving.
I had just a little discharge from the site today and very little swelling, if any. The piece that goes up into my nose feels strange, but most of the time I don't even notice it. I like my new piercing. I think it adds something to my beauty as well as my confidence. For ANYONE who has thought too long and too hard about a nostril pierce: just get it done. It does not hurt and you will love it!