First of all, I'd like to explain that one wonderful thing about having a vertical hood piercing is that it is hidden. You can be anyone... a mom, a piercing-enthusiast, a business woman or just a regular college student and still enjoy having this piercing. I am a college student, a good girl type, who's had a septum, cartilage, and tragus piercing. I've been thinking about getting a vertical hood piercing since I heard about it when I was in high school, but I kept putting it off until recently, several years later, I finally decided to just go for it and get it done.
At A Glance Author Mar Contact Mar@bme.anon When It just happened Artist Abbie Z. Studio Sting Ray Body Art Location Allston, MA I did plenty of research online about the healing time (four to six weeks), what the procedure is like and all of that because I don't know anyone (at least who's told me) that has one. Finally, I started my search for a piercer. I found several piercing studios online, and decided to go to Sting Ray Body Art in Allston, MA because I liked their portfolio, their location is very easy to get to and their prices are the best in the city. I didn't make an appointment (apparently it's not necessary), but I called and checked to make sure they knew I was coming in.
I went in on a Friday afternoon, brought my friend with me- yes we are that close- and did all the paperwork verifying that I was of age and a waiver. The people at reception were very nice, and made me feel completely comfortable that I was there for a genital piercing- which made a huge difference because it can potentially be a somewhat uncomfortable situation. The ambiance of the studio was very positive, clean and I felt overall really comfortable. They also do tattooing and have a retail store attached where you can get clothing, other jewelry- actually quite a cool little shop.
My piercer Abbie Z. was absolutely fantastic. She came out, got me and made easy-going conversation with me. She talked to me about how often she's done the piercing; and she even told me about her related piercings- which, again, made me feel a lot more comfortable that she could share her experience. Then, she walked me through the paperwork of how to take care of it (a very low-maintenance piercing if you're hygienic), what the healing time would be like, and then told me exactly how and what she was going to do.
So, then she asked if we could get started. I had to completely remove my pants and underwear, which was a little weird in front of someone I didn't know, but she was very professional. Then, I had to sit on the edge of the chair in a private room (it was covered with replaceable medical paper to keep it clean) with my legs spread open. My friend stood in the corner and just watched, asked some questions, but mainly just gave me moral support. Abbie cleaned the area delicately, and then used this small metal tube to go under my hood to see where to make a mark for where the piercing would be. After, she let me look at it in a mirror- to make sure it looked good, and once I gave the 'ok', then it was time to go!
She stuck the little tube under my hood again (the needle could go through it), and we counted to three, took a deep breath in and... AH! That's was it?
Oh don't get me wrong, you feel a bit of a pinch, but no where near the pain I expected. One important thing is try not to close your legs on your piercer when that happens, it's kind of an automatic response if you don't think about it. It really was easy because it is such a thin tissue, it is a relatively simple piercing to have done. It was kind of a shock initially, but really, not completely painful or something that would make you cry.
After she actually pierced it, she had to put the barbell in, which I thought would be even more painful, but it really wasn't at all. It only took a few moments to stick it in the hole and then screw on the little ball. Then we were done.
I paid with a debit card and made sure to leave a good tip. It's important to leave a tip if you feel your piercer took their time to explain to you what is happening, what to expect with it and if they make you feel comfortable, because not all piercers are like that.
I walked out of there with no problems. I didn't even feel it down there; no pain, no bleeding. Now, I've had it for a few days, and it has been so easy to care for. I just clean it in the shower every day, using regular soap (no salt water necessary! Sweet!) and that's pretty much it. It's important not to fiddle with it and touch it because it's still healing and your hands carry so many germs- that it could be easy to infect like any piercing. Anyway, I'm absolutely in love with it; it is super cute, small, sexy- and it's my little secret!
I would totally recommend getting one to someone who's interested. It's like wearing sexy underwear- no one knows about it... but you know, and it just makes you feel sexier because you have it on.