Most people would have never expected me to get anything pierced. All throughout high school (and my life, really) I was always very straight-edged, risk-averse, etc. I had my ears pierced as a baby and then got my right ear double pierced when I was 13 but that I thought would be the extent of my piercing adventures.
At A Glance Author Barbara Contact Barbara@bme.anon When Three months ago Artist Erin Duff Studio Chameleon Location Cambridge, MA This summer was a tough one for me. I was going through a really bad break up with a guy I had been dating for almost four years. It was also a different summer for me because I stayed on campus and attended Harvard Summer School. I met a lot of interesting people including this awesome girl from Canada who had a nose piercing and a couple of tattoos. I had briefly toyed with the idea a couple of years back but when I saw it on her I automatically wanted one because it looked so nice. I also wanted to change myself as a way of reclaiming my own identity after such a long relationship.
I went out with her one night and talked about it. And then I finally decided to do it so we went to Chameleon the next day. When I got there I was so nervous. I went to the Jewelry Gallery first to pick my jewelry (an 18k gold screw with a gem) and to fill out the forms. My hands were shaking as I signed the release. So many things were going through my head (what would my family, friends, ex think?)
I went to the waiting room and Erin called me in soon after. I didn't even wait 10 minutes. I automatically liked her and trusted her. She was so sweet and so nice. We also engaged in some funny conversation. I was concerned about the pain factor so I asked her if it hurt more than bikini waxing. She said she pierced her own genitals and that hurt less than bikini waxing. Phew I felt better.
I was also very aware of everything she did and I can say Chameleon is probably cleaner than some doctor's offices. She soaked the screw in disinfectant, cleaned my nose inside and out with Betadyne, and wore gloves the entire time. When I saw her open the needle I got so scared! She noticed so she talked to me and told me to take deep breaths and as she pierced me told me to take a really deep breath. It was so quick and the pain was so brief! It's really the fear during the few minutes before that kills you.
After that, I was kind of sitting there in a daze and my palms were sweating and I felt really cold to the touch. Erin was afraid I was going to pass out and offered me glucose pills (yes they have those!). I was fine, just a little overwhelmed but very pleasantly surprised at their emergency preparedness. Overall it was a good and mostly painless experience.
Healing was also a breeze. I followed the instructions down to a tee and I had no problems. (Wash with baby soap twice a day and saline rinse 2-3 times a day). Until about two days ago that I decided to take out the jewelry to clean it (don't do it! Wait much much longer). I could not put the screw back in! I freaked out and after fruitless attempts at putting it in and bleeding I decided to go to Chameleon the next day. Owen, the other piercer was there and he unbent the screw a little and put the piercing back in. He also gave me some good tips. I was so happy I gave him a hug!
Some things I have learned from my experience: 18k gold is great for nose piercings. It's pricey but well worth it because it does not irritate the skin at all. Also nostril piercings have a tendency to want to close up constantly so taking out the jewelry before like 6 months is not advisable even if it seems fully healed. Also, Owen gave me this tip: If my screw ever comes out again and I can't put it back in I should put in a straight stud to prevent the piercing from closing up in the time it takes me to go back to the parlor. Nose screws are kind of a pain in this sense bc they're hard to put in but they're still the best type of nostril jewelry in my opinion because they just don't slip out. Oh, and if you have allergies don't worry. I have the worst nasal allergies and I actually got a cold soon after I got my piercing. Just keep the area clean with saline and you should have no problems.
I LOVE my nose piercing. It looks incredibly cute and I loved my experience at Chameleon. I'm so lucky they're right on campus. They really are the best parlor in the Boston area, a little expensive but well worth it. I want to go back soon to get a VCH with Erin. Hopefully you'll hear about it soon.