I had wanted and eyebrow piercing for a little while, since someone I worked with had it and I was a bit envious. I made plans to get it done and decided I wanted to go to Zebra, since it's a very established place and I wanted to hang out on Telegraph Avenue anyway. I took a couple weeks to save up some money and made the necessary plans in order for a smooth delivery. I also checked out this website for a lot of the information about piercing, and it was a big help.
At A Glance Author Stina Contact Stina@bme.anon IAM mercurius_anima When A month ago Artist Tim Tolle Studio Zebra Location Berkeley, CA I went on a Saturday with my friend Liz and her baby Chuy. I could not decide whether I wanted to get it done as soon as we got there or to eat first, so I stalled and ate first anyway. I almost wanted to dilly-dally around before we got it done but she said I should get it done first since I was so nervous. I agreed, even though I was hesitant.
We walked to the place, and I had a little trouble finding it. The doors were small but there was a big sign above it that my friend pointed out. When we got there the place was extremely packed. I felt kind of embarrassed because I was new to this and did not know what the protocol was. Anyway, the staff was helpful, and even though I read about a bargain on the website they said it was out of date. Oops. I purchased the jewelry, payed in advance, and I was led to the back room almost immediately. I didn't bring enough money with me so I used my atm card instead. That's how I ended up blowing about one hundred bucks that day instead of just fifty. Oops yet again.
The guy who did the piercing didn't really introduce himself nor did he explain things much, but then again I didn't ask many questions. I was too nervous to know what was going on. I was talking to Liz about which side I should do it, and we decided on the right. Then he asked right to confirm, and I told him yes. He put some white marks on my eyebrow after asking which one I wanted done, and we talked about the placing a little bit. Then he did it.
At first I thought the needle was already in, but it was just a clamp (I think). He pushed it in, and as I sucked in my breath he asked me where I lived and what my name was. Then it was over! It did not really hurt, not extremely badly anyway. It hurt as much as putting a needle through your skin would hurt. But honestly it was not very intimidating. I was very pleased with the results and gave him a tip.
Afterwards I got such a rush from all the adrenaline and hormones flooding my system that I needed a smoke. Liz went outside with the baby since it was really loud in there and he was getting cranky. Anyway, it's a good thing they sold cigarettes there also. Mm, Djarum Specials. I also bought the necessary cleaning solution, some sea salt, and a t-shirt to commemorate the experience. It's pretty cool, since I like red, and I also like pirates. A combination of the two is just spiffy. I might go back there again if I want to get some new jewelry, and also pay them to sanitize it and put it in. It's better to be safe than sorry.
I hadn't told my mom I was going to do it beforehand so I was somewhat nervous as to how she would react, but all she said was that it looked weird and she wanted to know if it hurt. Just goes to show, it's better to tell afterward than to get the yelling beforehand. Some of my friends felt kinda iffy about it, other people wanted me to do it, and a lot of people I didn't know said I looked very pretty without having to get a piercing, but when I got it done most of them were cool with it, and after a while nobody really noticed it as something out of the ordinary. All it is is decoration, anyway.
It's been only a while and it's healing pretty well. The sea salt helps a LOT. There's barely anything to clean at all. I highly suggest soaking with sea salt, just to be on the safe side. I got lazy and stopped soaking after the first two weeks, but I guess it's mostly important in the initial stages of healing.
I was thinking about getting my nipples pierced, since the eyebrow was surprisingly exciting. But that will be another story. :) Hurpty blurkinsnorf!