I was considering a nostril piercing for a long time. The thought had been crossing my mind for years, and I was seriously considering it for about six months. The pain of piercings doesn't bother me at all, but I was worried about what my father would say if I got my nostril pierced and that put the decision off a little.
At A Glance Author Kaleigh Contact Kaleigh@bme.anon IAM smiley When A month ago Artist Owen Studio Chameleon Body Arts Location Cambridge, MA While this may seem a little ridiculous given that I am 19 years old, I really had to think about my dad in this situation because he helps me pay for school, and I would not be surprised if he stopped helping financially if I did anything that he objected to. What made the situation with him even worse was that my idea for the piercing had changed. While he may have been ok with a single nostril piercing, I had decided I wanted to get two piercings next to each other on my left side. I personally thought it would look much better with my nose, and I wanted something different. I knew this would be just a little too different for him. The first time I approached him and brought up the subject, I just said I wanted to get my nose pierced, that I had been thinking about it for a really long time (that it was not an impulsive decision in any way), and that if he really objected and didn't want me to do it, I wouldn't. Luckily the fact that I completely left it up to him worked in my favor, and he said it was ok, even though he didn't like it.
I though getting him to agree to having the double piercing done would be a different story. I figured he would see right through my plan and just be upset. I formulated a lengthy argument involving the added risk of having to deal with aftercare two separate times, how I wanted this piercing to be personalized and this was what I truly wanted, etc. I told him all of this when I was down the street from the piercing parlor, and the time crunch made him agree! I was ecstatic and finally going to get my double nostril piercing!
I have been pierced at Chameleon before, and it is a great shop. Everyone who works there is really friendly and helpful, and the quality of the piercing or tattoo is always their first concern. I asked the cashier about getting two nostril piercings next to each other on the same side, and she said that I should check with the piercer who was there that day, Owen, to make sure it wouldn't be a problem. He said that it wouldn't be a problem at all, so I paid and signed the forms.
Actually having the piercing performed was a little different from the piercings I have had in the past, which were all on my ears. Not worse, just a different overall experience. Owen placed two dots on my nose and had me check in the mirror for placement, and I said I would like it a little farther back. He took his time in placing the new dots, making sure there was enough space between the piercings and that they were positioned to make a line that complimented the shape of my nose. The placement may have taken longer than the piercing itself!
Finally the placement was just right, and Owen warned me that my eyes would water with each piercing. While he was preparing the needles and jewelry, we chatted a bit. He told me that it was exciting to do something that was a bit of a variation from the standard nostril piercing, and that was exactly what I was going for. Owen is really personable, always good to have in situations that can be nerve-wracking. I hadn't been nervous at all, but sitting on the table with the needles laid out in front of me, my heart was suddenly racing. He had me breathe evenly a few times, then counted to three, and the first piercing was done! Putting in the nostril screw hurt a little more than the needle had, but that has been true with all of my piercings. I went through the same motions with the second piercing, and this was pretty much the same as the first except putting the jewelry in hurt a bit more, I think my nose was getting sore already. Even though I didn't think the piercings hurt that badly, my eyes were like waterfalls! I'm glad I was forewarned about that.
I looked in the mirror, and my nose was beautiful! It looked even better than I had imagined, and I haven't regretted it for a moment. Aftercare has been pretty easy, using gentle soap on the outside twice daily and spraying with H2Ocean a few times a day. I got a bit of a cold, and having a new nostril piercing makes blowing your nose an interesting feat, but it is healing wonderfully after about a month. I am looking forward to switching in new jewelry soon.
I have had a wonderful experience with my nostril piercing, I definitely recommend it to anyone who is thinking about it. It is beautiful and worth any momentary pain.