I had wanted an eyebrow piercing ever since I was fourteen or so. When I had brought the notion up to my parents; my father commented that he thought they looked cool and would not have a problem with taking me; albeit, my mother happened to be on the opposing side and refused to allow me to do such until I was of legal age. I would have to settle for my multiple ear piercings until then.
At A Glance Author Lillith Contact Keyakku@aol.com When Three months ago Artist Carla Studio Lark Street Tattoos and Piercings Location Albany, NY After graduating from high school, and moving forwards to my first semester at college, the idea of getting a body piercing resurfaced. I had forgotten about it temporarily, as I knew it would have never happened when I was living at home. I was now eighteen years and some months old, and had found a few friends who wanted a body piercing as well.
We researched piercing information, as well as local piercers. I was well prepared, buying all after-care products in advance so I would not have to scramble for them later. One of my best friends had her nose pierced, therefore I took her advice to invest in antibacterial soap and bacitracin.
A week ahead we called to make an appointment at Lark Street Tattoo and Piercing in Albany, NY. We were told that Carla, the piercer arrives at 5 PM, therefore anytime after that would be fine. They had an online coupon which we were all able to print out and receive ten dollars off of our piercing as well.
That evening, we ate dinner at the cafeteria. Excitedly, Kristy, Stefanie and I walked to the bus stop to wait for the 22 that would take us to Albany, which was only about a five minute ride away. During the ride, I began to become more nervous and excited as Stef rambled away about the piercings. Each of us had our ears pierced, but this would be our first time with a body piercing. Kristy and Stefanie wanted their navels pierced, while I opted for the eyebrow that I had waited to get done for so long.
Arriving on Lark Street, we walked a few blocks down to finally rearch the Tattoo and Piercing parlor. We had decided I would go first, seeing I was not bad around needles. I'm on a medication that requires blood to be drawn every few weeks or so to be tested. Of course, our lineup changed when Carla, our piercer, wished to do the navel's first. It looked like I would be going last.
Stefanie went first, followed by Kristy. I watched as both got pierced, and as my turn approached I began to get increasingly nervous, which you could tell by my clammy palms.
After disenfecting the area and pulling down a new sheet of paper over the piercing table (much like that of a doctors office) I was told to sit down. I chose my left eyebrow to be pierced, seeing it has a better shape.
I asked about using a barbell, as I had wanted it more than a capture bead ring. Carla explained that she could pierce with a barbell, but warned me she didn't know how much I would swell, therefore reccomending the capture bead ring. She told me it wouldn't take long for the piercing to heal if I took proper care of it, so I could come back and get it changed in four weeks. I agreed to this, figuring her judgement was best.
Putting on new gloves and taking out sterilized equipment, she disinfected the area and marked my brow how she thought the placement would look best. I took a glance at it in the mirror, and agreed as well - I was worried they would try to pierce me too low along my eyebrow ridge, as I've seen a few people in my highschool having such (droopy eyebrows don't go so well with the piercing! It looks like it's falling off.). But I was very pleased and gave her the go ahead to continue.
She clamped my eyebrow next, which was like a small pinch, if even. Telling me what she would be doing, I was to close my eyes while I would breath in deeply, and on the exhale she'd pierce me.
Kristy and Stefanie stood to the side, watching. I took a deep breath, knowing there was no turning back now. As I exhaled, I felt the needle go through. I barely flinched by what Kristy and Stef tell me. If you've ever plucked your eyebrows, waxed them, or had them threaded (I've done all three with mine), that hurts ten times worse than getting your eyebrow pierced.
She inserted a 16 gauge, 3/8 inch CBR and closed it, and I had my piercing. I took a look in the mirror and loved it! We paid her (fifty dollars with the discount), listened to the after care instructions, and were ready to go.
On the way back home, Stef couldn't stop pulling her shirt up to look at her belly ring. It was like we were with a five year old!
I had no trouble with my eyebrow. I cleaned it twice a day with antibacterial dial soap, and occasionally used bacitracin at night if it looked too dry. After a week, I moved down to cleaning it once a day, and over the month period slowly weened myself off of it. After having it for about three months now, I'll clean it thoroughly with dial every so often.
Sleeping on it was no problem either. I could barely feel the ring, and swelling was minimul to none.
When people see me, the piercing is rarely noticed right away. I pointed it out to a few of my friends, and they thought that I had had to all this time! I'm glad that it works well with my features and does not stand out horrendously. If I had not liked it, I most likely would have taken it out by now. My reasoning is, you only live once so you might as well go for it if you want it.
A month later I returned to get a barbell. It looks absolutely wonderful! I've gotten many compliments on it, and have added other styles and colors to my barbell collection by now. I have a few arcrylic ones, some stainless steel barbells with jewels, and some others. I even was able to change into a green one for Christmas this year to get into the holiday spirit.
I plan on returning this upcoming semester to get another 'brow piercing (I'd like two in the same eyebrow), and I've been thinking of my tongue as well. I'd like to go for more even after that. I am becoming addicted to piercings. :)
As for my mother, she was tentative when she saw it for the first time during Thanksgiving break, but confessed she could do nothing now that I was over eighteen. A few of my family members teased me over the piercing, but everyone has gotten used to it now. My grandmother did give us a laugh, as she admitted she thought that when I had told her over the phone I got my eyebrow pierced, she believed it to be my Eyelid, and couldn't imagine how that could be comfortable.
As I conclude my experience, I shall put in my two cents, and say that if you wish to get your eyebrow pierced, go for it. It's a great piercing and has not done me any wrong yet. I've been upfront with my employers, that I see it as a way of expressing individuality as well as a nice aesthetic addition to my body. They had been understanding, and don't enforce me to cover up my piercing. Being a rather liberal person, I would have been upset to be told I must wear a Band-Aid over the piercing, and probably would have quit to find a more suitable working environment that would accept me for who I am.
I hope this has helped anyone in their decision with the piercing. :) Feel free to Email with with any questions or comments.