I've been wanting my belly button pierced for some time now and finally about a month ago I did it. It was on a Friday and I was off work for a change. So, it was now or never. I consider myself a spontaneous person.
At A Glance Author Taryn Contact Taryn@bme.anon When A month ago Artist Brandi Studio Purple Haze Location Greenville, SC My friend Ashley rode with me to Greenville to the piercing place called Purple Haze. I was somewhat nervous but everyone I had asked said that it barely hurt to get it done. Either way, I was not backing out. I think I have a kind of high pain tolerance because I have gotten stitches so many times. The pain of the needle they use to numb your skin is awful! Therefore, I knew I could handle this piercing. It took us an hour to get there. It's a nice place and larger than it looks on the outside. I was a dork when we went in. I had Ashley talk for me cause I was "shy." The person at the desk got my info and copy of my ID and was nice. There was almost a hitch when I could not find my ID. I almost cried and then it appeared in my abyss of a bag. You can't get pierced without a picture ID that has your birth date on it. You are supposed to have eaten before you get pierced or tattooed but I did not. I would advise that a squeamish, weak stomach person eat first otherwise, you might pass out. I picked out my jewelry. They had all colors of barbells and some with the gemstones too. I was glad they used a barbell instead of the CBR (captive bead ring) I had read about. Then the wait...
I probably waited 10 minutes because there was another woman in front of me getting something pierced. It seemed like forever and I was getting anxious. We looked around at the collection of body jewelry while we waited. They have so many designs and charms; its amazing. I was so glad to have someone there with me. It helped that Ashley had already had her belly pierced a year or so ago. She had kind of eased my mind earlier concerning the pain.
Then, it was my turn. Ashley went in there with me for support. The piercing room was white and very clean. I don't know if they have others but that day Brandi was the piercer. She was extremely nice and explained the procedure. I would describe her as professional but laidback too. She even said I had the perfect belly button for piercing when she measured my navel. I felt really at ease. She marked my navel and let me look at the placement. I was satisfied and it was back in the chair for the piercing. By this time, I was just full of excitement and all the fear was gone. With my navel clean and marked, she got ready to pierce me. The forceps are very uncomfortable and borderline painful. I closed my eyes for the needle part. She told me to take a deep breath and on the exhale, the needle went in. It was a big pinch and that's all. Hurts less than a stubbed toe or biting your tongue, I promise. The jewelry I had chosen was a dark blue curved barbell. I looked in the mirror and immediately started smiling. I loved it. I watched her throw the needle away and aftercare was explained to me. And then I was sent on my merry way with a care sheet. I would definitely go to Purple Haze for another piercing. The piercing itself does not take long at all. It's the talking beforehand and cleaning that takes up time.
Of course, I did not tell my mom about the piercing before I got it. She does not like it but she doesn't hate it either. She's kind of old fashioned about those sort of things but it's all good. (Side note: I already had a tattoo and she thought that was enough.)
I love my navel piercing. I follow the instructions she gave and so far its doing well. You are supposed to just leave it alone and only clean it twice a day at most. It's very tempting not to play with it and pull on it but so far so good. In my opinion, navel rings are as common as pierced ears. So, if you are thinking about; just do it. I cannot wait until the summer so that I can show off this piercing (on flat abs) and of course switch up the jewelry. I am ready to get something else pierced now. Because of work and school I am restricted on what piercings I can have but I WILL get something else and soon.