Ever since I got my helix pierced in Tokyo this summer, I've been thinking about another piercing, and I've always thought the tragus was cute. I had to wait, however, until my helix was completely healed, because I wanted to get it done on the opposite side and I wanted to be able to sleep on at least one side.
At A Glance Author Sarah Contact Sarah@bme.anon When It just happened Artist Tom Studio Addiction Location New York, New York So, today I'd just gotten back home from work when my friend called me—he'd wanted to get his lobe pierced for awhile. So he dropped by and we set off to find a good studio.
I live in the Union Square area, so we set off toward the Village—namely St. Mark's, which is notorious for its kitschy tourist shops and multiple tattoo-and-piercing parlors. I already have, aside from my helix, two in each lobe, bellybutton, and a small tattoo, so I knew what kind of place I was looking for. We checked out about ten different places, with prices ranging from $80 to $20. Eventually I decided that I liked a little shop called Addiction, which seemed to be selling primarily glass pipes and hookahs, and had a fairly full tattoo-and-piercing studio in the back. The piercer's name was Tom, and he himself had several tattoos and piercings—always a good sign, in my opinion. He also gave off a very relaxed and knowledgeable air, unlike the other guys I'd talked to, who were more interested in my getting a piercing immediately at their shop, rather than answering my questions.
So, I found myself at Addiction, with barely enough time to freak out as I signed the release form and he led me to the back. I was nervous, and my friend couldn't come in with me, which was new—someone had always held my hand through my other mods. The room was small, but sterile, and I was pleased that he showed me how he cleaned everything. Then I started freaking out—I have a terrible fear of needles, and am notorious for passing out whenever I get a shot or have my blood taken. Piercings and tattoos are different, I suppose, in that the needle is not in you, but through you.
I'd heard the tragus had hurt a lot from some of my friends. However, I'd heard that mostly from guys who'd gone and watched their girlfriends get it done, so that wasn't necessarily a good source. However, my fear of needles coupled with the fact that the tragus is a fairly thick little piece of cartilage, made me believe that it wasn't going to be a painless process. Well, my piercer chuckled, told me about how long he'd been piercing (over a decade) and told me there was nothing he could do to alleviate my fear except get it over with. He told me I'd probably hear it, but I'd mostly feel the clamp he was using.
And then it was time.
I didn't hear it. It hurt, very little, and very briefly. Less than my helix, and much less than my bellybutton. It was quick, and almost painless—I'd of course hyped myself up so much about the pain that it couldn't ever have lived up to it. Then he put the jewelry in, cleaned it, and set me on my way. I was so excited! It was possibly the most comfortable piercing process I have ever experienced, and I was so impressed! I let him know, extensively, how impressed I was—and all I can say to you is, if you're thinking about getting your tragus pierced, go for it!
It definitely did not hurt as much as I expected it would—in fact, I would even go so far as to say it didn't hurt nearly at all. It bled a little, but I figured that was to be expected, and now, several hours after it was done, the pain is very minimal. I never experienced the usual hot-throbbing feeling (although I still may), and I just generally feel very comfortable about the entire experience. Unlike my helix (which I was, for some reason, very worried about), I feel that I won't have many problems with this. Part of that, I'm sure, comes from how comfortable I was with the piercer. Although it cost a bit more than most of the places (around $60, including jewelry), I can honestly say that I think it was worth it. If you ever find a piercer that you know you are comfortable with, use them! It will make the entire experience so much better, even if you have to pay a little more for it.
Also, if you're ever in New York City, Addiction is a little shop on the east end of St. Mark's place (at 8th Street and 2nd Avenue) and I cannot even begin to tell you how much I recommend it.