I had never imagined (nor had anyone that knew me) that I would ever get anything as exciting as a nose piercing, but I did. I fell in love with them after seeing them on a couple of my friends and I soon starting imagining myself with a piercing as well. I assumed that my mom would never allow me to do it and her permission was very important to me and not only because I wasn't old enough. I began to talk about the idea and was surprised that my parents were alright with the idea although they still preferred I'd change my mind.
At A Glance Author Anna Contact Anna@bme.anon When A year ago Artist Jon Studio New Tribe Location Toronto, Canada The next step was choosing a proper salon I mentioned this to a friend of mine and she informed me that the safest and most recognized place in Toronto is New Tribe located in the downtown trendy area of Queen Street West. For a nervous freak like me this was very reassuring and so was their website which was neat, informative and had a long list of awards they won. So finally the big day came I dragged along the same friend and my mom to sign the form because I was only 15 at the time and not yet at the 16 years old requirement.
When I arrived I was pleased to note that the studio was clean bright and relaxed. There were displays of tattoos of the wall and a large glass cabinet with piercings displayed. I was pleased to be assigned to Jon who is the head piercer and he was even able to calm my mom down when he listed the safety precautions taken. My mom was still hopping that I'd change my mind.
Next came the piercing; I was allowed to bring one guest into the room. He sat me down on what looked like an operating table and began to list cleaning instructions because he knew I wouldn't be in the mood to listen after the piercing. He was very calm and joked around a lot because he could see how nervous I was. He showed me my piercing and that it was in a sealed package. He also showed me that my needle was brand new. He drew on where the piercing was to be placed and the position was perfect. He then cleaned my nose while joking around the entire time. He then instructed me to close my eyes so that the tears caused by my sinuses wouldn't bother me. I did not feel the needle going in at all, I only knew because my friend loudly proclaimed "Ewwww the needle is inside you". I admit I felt a slight stab of pain when the needle came out but again I did not feel the piercing go in. Before I knew it my friend was telling me that it was inside me and done.
I was shocked and amazed at how quick and painless the experience was and let me tell you I don't handle pain well at all. I then paid and was even provided with a booklet that listed cleaning instructions.
The first week was the strangest because having a nose screw initially feels like you have a booger in your nose that you just can't pick. My nose was also a little bit hot and itchy during the healing period but I was lucky to have little blood. After that I couldn't take my eyes off it, it looks amazing. I also have extremely sensitive skin and have always had trouble with piercings in the past and my nose was no different. It would get infected every once in a while (just minor red bumps) but the advice they gave for cleaning the piercing was so good that I continue to use it for all my piercings now. They advice holding it in iodized salt mixed with hot water for 5 minutes and this remedy works wonders. After the first couple of times my nose settled down and just looks great.
It has now been a year and almost two months since my piercing and it was been amazing. I regularly receive compliments on it. New Tribe also encourages drop in visits for check ups which is perfect for those that worry about everything and they also remove piercings if they get infected and change piercings for those that are scared to do it themselves. They will even help you with problems relating to a piercing that you may have done at another salon. New Tribe is always available for a consultation and will not pierce areas they feel are too dangerous.
It was an amazing experience and the staff there are amazing to, if you're in the Toronto area the BEST place to get pierced is New Tribe. The location is great the people are great and for scardy cats like me they are perfect.