After deliberating for a week or so, I got the chance to get my left nostril pierced. For anyone thinking about this piercing, I'd say just do it. It didn't hurt much at all after the initial sting of the needle, and after an hour or so I forgot I had it.
At A Glance Author Spencer Contact Spencer@bme.anon When It just happened Artist Jake Studio Sacred Art Piercing Studio Location Level 1/301 Hunter St, Newcastle 2300 I'd had my septum pierced in the past, but didn't quite like the way it looked on me. I did however want something in my nose, so a nostril ring it was.
I had been researching piercers in the Newcastle area, and from what I had been told first hand and read online, it seemed Jake was the best.
I knew which block the store was located in, and with little trouble thanks to the sign out the front, I found it and went inside. If you didn't know what you were looking for, you might miss it though - hidden above a DJ shop with loud doof doof music, upstairs.
Upon entry I was impressed, very clean looking. No dust on anything, and I hadn't even entered the piercing studio itself.
I was warmly welcomed, which when entering a new studio for the first time is nice to hear. After I explained what it was that I wanted, Jake pulled out a couple of different gauges of rings to show me the difference between sizing, and I chose 14ga, when originally I wanted 12ga, but I figure I can always stretch up later. In retrospect, I think 12ga might have looked a little large on me, because of my small nose.
I was very pleased with his set up, he was the most professional piercer I've ever had. He did the usual consent forms, aftercare procedures, talked me through what gauge I wanted and why some were different than others (we spoke about ring migration, which I was impressed about) and then after he set up for about 5 minutes, he called me in.
The room was a very sterile environment, and I was pleased when he used a couple of different pairs of gloves to even just set up the equipment, to avoid cross contamination.
He marked a point on my left nostril, after double checking which side I wanted it on, and told me to check it out in the mirror and it could be moved any which was I liked.
It was precisely where I wanted it, so he put new gloves on and got to work.
The piercing itself was much less painful than my septum, but about the same as my lip. It didn't bleed, and he explained each step as he did it.
The tube for the jewelry felt foreign in my nostril, however he quickly replaced it with a 14ga CBR.
I was well warned about when the actual piercing was taking place, whereas in the past I've sometimes been taken by partial surprise.
So far, the piercing has caused me little grief (I've had it for almost a day) and for the most part, I have forgotten about it. Except for the occasions in which I've knocked it.
Jake was exceptionally friendly and very interested in seeing a follow up of my piercing so a photograph could be taken. He went through aftercare with me once again after we were done, and off I went.
It seemed he really cared about the client, not the money, which is what I like to see. Some piercers can act pretentious, and make you feel as though you're just another buck, ushering you out whenever they get the chance.
Another thing which is pressed into my mind is the large amount of printed (and free) information on a range of body modification topics he has for display in his store. The standard aftercare procedure is available to anyone, even if they aren't getting a piercing as is information on stretching properly amongst others. The stock in his store is also impressive, with plugs and tunnels in a range of sizes and well known brands, displayed clearly.
All piercings are pierced with SSS and gold/titanium is also available at an extra fee. I found in comparison to the shops around Newcastle, for a piercing specific studio, the prices were the same if not lower on some occasions.
The selection of SSS jewelry he had available was extensive. A piece of good grade SSS jewelry will set you back only around $10 with professional installation to boot. Good deal.
Even though the shop is rather small, Jake made no attempt to rush through the experience at all, even after it was actually done he still had a chat with me (mind you, no one was waiting).
Overall, I'd highly recommend Sacred Art Piercing Studio to anyone, it's the only piercing-specific premises in Newcastle as of right now, and it's well worth the effort to pop in for friendly and completely professional service.