This is my experience in getting a vertical hood piercing. I have had this piercing now for close to 3 years and figured it was my time to share my experience since it was such a positive one. I hope you enjoy reading it.
At A Glance Author MissK Contact MissK@bme.anon When Two years ago Artist James Studio Black Sun Location Montreal The idea to get this piercing had long been in the back of my mind, however I was so shy and self-conscious about dropping my pants in front of a stranger that I would always dismiss any kind of interest in actually getting it done. The pain didn't scare me, just the "being naked and kind of vulnerable" part, which is funny when you stop and think about it.
But then, the more I thought about actually having the piercing and how sexy and strong I would feel with it, I liked the idea more and more each day. So I talked with a friend that had a similar piercing and asked about her experience. I decided to go for it after lots more consideration and overanalyzing. I contacted James, who was doing his apprenticeship with Pierre from Black Sun Studio about setting up and appointment. I figured, if I was going to step out of my comfort zone, might as well try a new piercer too! And I did have complete faith that James would do a good job as he had pierced friends and did get the best mentor you could want.
I got an appointment on a Saturday, early in the afternoon. I went alone, I didn't tell anyone I was getting that piercing done. I got there and talking with both Pierre and James, and signed the usual paper work. James asked me to step in the piercing room and confirmed that I wanted a vertical hood and we decided on jewelry. I wanted to have a CBR, with some type of shiny, and wanted to have a titanium ring as I usually heal better with that material. I
James asked me to strip down so that he could check if a CBR would suit my anatomy and decide on the proper size. I was surprised as I didn't feel that self-conscious being naked from the waist down. James was professional and caring, he made me feel at ease. I sat down on the paper covered chair, laying back with my legs apart. He put on some sterile gloves and looked at my hood, and confirmed that I was ok to get a vertical piercing. We decided on a 16ga; I have a small hood. He also said he would make the ring oval, that way it would not stick out as much and be more comfortable. It took me for ever to choose the bead that I wanted. There were just soooooo many different types and colors! In the end, I decided on a hot pink gem. Very pretty and shiny, I was very excited about my decision.
While the Statim cycle was running with my CBR and all the tool needed, I got dressed again and hung out in the waiting room. And then ... I was piercing time !
I took of my pants and undies once again and sat/laid back down on the chair with legs apart. James put in the receiving tube under my hood. Not the best sensation in the world, but it was ok. After a couple of tried to be aligned correctly, he said he was ready. He told me to take in 3 deep breaths and on the third exhale he would piercing.
I was so nervous. As promised, on the third breath he pierced my hood. Holy. Ouch. Batman. The pain was so sharp and strange. I became very tense and did yell OUCH wich is not like me, I never yell when I get pierced. I did my best to relax and the ring went in, which didn't hurt at all. He put in the bead and handed me a mirror.
So pretty ! I fell in love instantly. I got dressed, and really didn't feel a thing. No pain, nothing. Wow ! I paid and thanked both James and Pierre about another dozen times and went home with my aftercare sheet. I couldn't believe that I had been so scared of doing this for years, this was a piece of cake.
Honestly, this was the easiest piercing to heal ever. No pain, no ache, no bleeding... The perfect piercing. I did sea-salt compresses 2 or 3 times a day for the first week or so. The second week I sort of slowed down to once or twice a day. After that, I just forgot about the aftercare, since it was just healing perfectly and seemed already fully healed. It is still one of my favorite piercing 3 years later. It may be time to change the bead though... ;)