About a month after getting my eyebrow done I began to search for another piercing that appealed to me. After sifting through endless photographs I came across nape piercings and instantly fell in love with idea of getting one. The design I settled on was two surface bars creating a small diamond. The piercing didn't come to fruition until months later when a friend of mine mentioned he was having work done at Slave to the Needle. I decided to go along and get my nape pierced as a college graduation gift to myself.
At A Glance Author DC Contact DC@bme.anon When A month ago Artist David Studio Slave to the Needle Location Seattle, WA Slave has a well-deserved reputation for being one of the better tattoo and piercing studios in the country. Some have accused them as elitist, but having had poor work done before at a second rate studio with disastrous results I'll take the former any day. But I found nothing about the place elitist or condescending. The entire staff was very approachable and friendly, including owner Aaron Bell who complimented my piercing when it was done.
When I first arrived I spent about 20 minutes looking over the extensive tattoo and piercing portfolios. And they do have a fine art gallery that I found to be impressive. For anyone who enters Slave I highly recommend looking these things over, it's a showcase of some extremely beautiful work.
After approaching the receptionist about a nape piercing she introduced me to David. He listened while I explained what I wanted then asked if I had any questions. I was curious to know about the following:
1) Healing time: Approximately 6 months. If the healing goes well I can switch the discs out for beads or gems in 2 months.
2) Rejection: Napes have a lower chance of rejection than a lot of surface piercings but it's still a risk.
3) Swimming: I love swimming and didn't want to be out of the pool for too long. He said to wait at least two weeks and find waterproof bandages before hitting the water.
4) Cost: $150
Then David took about 5 minutes to make a sketch of the piercing. This was to ensure it was the right size and shape. After that we went back into the piercing room where he transferred the sketch to my neck. This process took about 15 minutes because, thankfully, he was very meticulous about placement. He let me look at his work in the mirror asking if it was where I wanted the piercing. David got it exactly right the first time – high up enough that it won't interfere with shirt collars and low enough that my hair line doesn't cover it. (I should also note that during this process David changed his gloves several times to ensure the process was sterile.)
With everything being ready I sat on the table as he explained what would happen. He showed me the jewelry and the tools he would use, then outlined the process: The clamps would go on, I would feel a slight prick on my skin as he lined up the needle, on an exhalation the needle would go through, then the jewelry would be put in. The needle might cause a slight burning sensation and it takes a second or two to slide the surface bar in.
I lay down on my stomach, head propped in my arms. David told me everything he was doing as he did it. This was nice because I found it a little disconcerting to feel all that was happening without being able to see it. The process went exactly as David had explained it. A little pinch told me the clamps were on and I felt the needle as soon as it touched my skin. After it went through the burning sensation didn't last long. On a whole the pain was tolerable, although I will admit there were some moments of squirming on the table. David frequently inquired how I was doing and offered a break after putting in the first surface bar, I declined.
Screwing on the discs didn't hurt. Quite the opposite in fact, it tickled! By that time endorphins were trickling into my system and I couldn't have been happier. The piercing itself only took about 5 somewhat intense minutes.
As soon as the last disc was screwed on I asked for a mirror. A little thrill went through me when I saw my nape. Initially it was red and there was some swelling, which went away quickly. It's been about 4 weeks now and the healing is progressing well. My neck still hurts on and off and swells occasionally if I sleep on it wrong. Parts of it remain a little tender but nothing unexpected has happened.
I've gotten positive feedback from a lot of people. A lot of complete strangers ask about it, wanting to know how the piercing was done. (Some don't even realize it's a piercing.) Interestingly, a lot of people's first impulse is to want to touch it. I'm cautious about letting them do this because it's still healing. Most importantly, I love the piercing. It's very 'me.' David did beautiful work and I think the results are stunning.