I was talking to a friend the other day and the subject of piercings came up (as also did breast enhancements). I know a little about getting a piercing having had many myself. So here are a few random thoughts and questions people ask.
Will it hurt? Can you do it without a needle?
Look, someone is sticking a needle through your skin. It may hurt. It may not. It’s different for different people. If it does hurt, it will be a tiny fraction of a second.
No, you have to use a needle. If the piercer start bringing out a piercing gun, even for ears, leave immediately. Go to a professional place where they will use sterilised needles and all their years of skill and experience.
Can I do it myself? Can my friend do it with a sewing needle?
Sure you can. You may be lucky and have some success. Most probably, it won’t be done correctly, you could cause bleeding or other problems, you may get an infection or it could just look an absolute mess. You may be scarred for life.
Don’t. Just don’t. Find a local professional piercer, tell them what you would like, they will advise on suitability, jewellery etc, they will measure it up for you until it’s better than you could ever get it looking in a mirror and all, they will have sterilised equipment, it will be over in a flash, there will be aftercare advice and they probably won’t charge you a fortune (ask beforehand if it’s important).
How do I choose a piercer?
Look for someone local.
Look for someone with lots of experience, a studio that has been around for years.
Look for a piercing specialist, rather than some random assistant in the corner of a grocery store.
Word of mouth. Personal recommendation.
Not reviews.
Any even half-decent piercer will have a ‘proper’ website, or at least a professional looking on-line presence. Look at their portfolio. See something similar to what you want? Then you’re 90% of the way already.