At A Glance Author Sarah When It just happened Artist Brian Studio Jinx Proof Tattoo and Body Piercing Location Washington D.C.
I've wanted to get my bellybutton pierced since I was about 14, but my mom always said no. I did a lot of research, and attempted to persuade her, but it never did work. So, I figured I might as well just wait until I turned 18. Well, 18 came and went and I kind of forgot about it.
So, a couple of months ago I started thinking about it again. My birthday was coming up, and I figured that would make a great present from my fiancée. I told my mom I was going to get it done, and she was still less than thrilled about the whole thing, but I finally got her approval. Not that I was going to let her stop me anyway...
Next on the agenda was trying to find a good place to get it done. I just recently moved from Atlanta to D.C. and had no idea where I should go, so I grabbed the phone book and started checking places out. Unfortunately, there weren't very many options close to where I live, and I started asking friends and people at work where they had their tattoos and stuff done. Almost everyone told me they went to Jinx Proof and that they were really happy with them, so I decided to go there.
I had planned to go on my birthday, but I wasn't feeling well that day or the following, so I had to put it off for a couple of days. Finally the day came, and as soon as my feet hit the floor I got nervous. I'm so terrible with needles it's ridiculous; my doctor probably despises me. Anyway, I had some errands to run first, and I wanted to get something to eat before I went so I wouldn't be that one idiot who passed out, and I was on my way.
I started to get really nervous in the car, and then I realized we were there. Once I went inside, I immediately felt more comfortable. It was very clean, and the people there were really friendly. Unfortunately, it seemed that everyone had the same idea I did that day, and I had to wait in line for about 45 minutes. I finally made it to the front desk and picked out my jewelry, filled out some paperwork and gave the guy my ID. Then, I had to wait about another 45 minutes and I started getting nervous all over again, but it was too late! Before I knew it the piercer (Brian) was out front calling for me.
So, I gave my fiancée a hug, and went back. The room where Brian took me was really small but it was very clean and had really cool paint and decorations on the walls. He told me to lie down, and he disinfected my belly button and told me to stand up. I got up, and he told me he was going to make the marks. He changed them a couple of times before he was happy with it, and asked me if I liked the placement. I said "yes" and he told me to lie back down. Then, he put the clamps on, which I have heard many people say that part hurts really bad, but it didn't bother me a bit. Then he explained what he was going to do and all that stuff, and told me to take a deep breath in and let it out. The next thing I knew he said "done!" I couldn't believe how painless it was. All that worrying for nothing! It only took about one second and it was over.
Then, he finished tightening my jewelry (I got a 14g barbell) and went over all the after-care information. I went back to the front, paid the $75 and gave Brian a tip and I was out of there. Afterwards I couldn't even feel it, and it wasn't red or anything like that at all. It also didn't bleed. Today is my second day with my new piercing and it still isn't red, doesn't hurt and I can move around freely without it bothering me. The only thing that kind of sucked was the first time I had to clean it, I felt like I was going to pass out. I'm still not really sure why because it didn't hurt or anything but I got very lightheaded for whatever reason. After that, cleaning it hasn't been a problem, though.
Anyway, if you're thinking about getting it done, I would say go for it! Everyone is different, but it didn't hurt me at all, and I'm the biggest wuss ever. If I had to do it over, I'd go right back in and get it done again.
Also, if you are in Washington D.C. and want a piercing or a tattoo I would definitely recommend going to Jinx Proof Tattoo! Their awesome, clean, and make you feel really comfortable about being there!! Hope my story will help you out, especially if you're feeling scared about getting one! Do it, you'll be so happy you did! Happy piercing everyone!!!