I hadn't wanted nipple piercings as long as some other mods (besides three holes in each lobe, I have one in my navel and a surface piercing below my navel which was retired due to rejection), but once I decided I would eventually have them I knew they'd be next. After a particularly ugly breakup and as my eighteenth birthday approached, they seemed to be the perfect way to proclaim confidence in my body and love for myself despite the ridiculous things that were going on. I've also never had as much sensitivity in that area as I'd like, so the potential benefits attracted me just as much as the aesthetic value. Of course, when I presented the idea to my mother, I used the first reason to persuade her and kept the second to myself. She consented, but for various reasons the piercings never happened.
At A Glance Author Tiana Contact Tiana@bme.anon When It just happened Artist Nate Studio Goodfellas Location North Ridgeville, Ohio That was November. Fast forward to Saturday, July 14th and I had still-unpierced nipples but was planning on traveling down to Columbus on the upcoming Friday to get pierced at Piercology (a great shop with four APP-certified piercers) and visit a friend. I realized that day after a quiet, contemplative date at the beach with my boyfriend, Ben, how silly it was to waste the gas driving down to Columbus when I already had to pinch pennies to come up with the money for the piercing and there were two great, APP-certified piercers at Goodfellas just twenty minutes away. I called my mother to make sure that she wouldn't have a fit if I came home with metal in my nipples (I am eighteen, but as my parents are paying for my college education, I try not to do anything they don't approve of), and it was a go. I was finally getting my piercings.
Ben dropped me off at home so I could grab something to eat and call the shop to ask if they took Visa (which they do). He went to Subway to get a sandwich and cool off a bit. I should take this opportunity to tell you that Ben is seriously terrified of needles. He spent the car ride to the shop in near-complete silence, opening his mouth only to say he felt like he was going to throw up.
When we got to Goodfellas, I told the girl behind the counter why I was there. She went off and got Nate, who checked my ID and handed me paperwork to fill out. When I gave it back, he asked if I wanted to buy their aftercare package which included a bag of non-iodized salt for soaking and a little bottle of Satin for cleaning (and, as I discovered later, a gum ball, which I thought was incredibly cute). It was only $5 and more convenient to buy the salt and soap there rather than go looking for them, so I did.
Nate led me and the still-silent Ben to the piercing room, which was small, clean, organized, filled with pictures, and purple. I was comfortable because it was very doctors-office-esque but still welcoming. Nate asked me if I'd like him to step out while I got undressed, but I told him no, it was fine. I hung my shirt and bra on a hook on the wall and took a seat on the table (the sort you see in an exam room at the doctor's).
Nate disinfected the area with Satin, walking me through the procedure the entire time. He nearly never stopped giving me information and telling me what he was doing, which made me very comfortable given that he had a soft voice and obviously knew what he was talking about. I was, at this point, pretty hyped up with adrenaline and anticipation and nerves, so I don't remember everything that was said as he marked the entrance and exit holes and had me check that they were okay. I lay back on the table and grasped Ben's hand. He looked a little green.
Nate did clamp my nipple (starting on the left), which was a bit uncomfortable, of course, but didn't hurt. He had me take a deep breath in, hold it, and then let it out, another deep breath in, hold it, and as I let it out he pushed the needle (only 14 gauge—I have pencil eraser-sized nipples) through. Obviously it hurt—it's so hard not to stare at people when they ask such a silly question—but it was only for a fraction of a second. Once the needle was through, it ceased to hurt. I felt only a small bit of pressure during the jewelry insertion.
He repeated the same procedure on the right side. On the subject of which hurt more, I'd say that it seemed to be the second, but I believe that's only because you know what's coming and are a little more grounded compared to the first time when you're so hyped up that everything's a blur.
When it was all finished, Nate actually asked Ben if he was okay before asking me; I was obviously fine but Ben had watched the entire thing! That made Ben laugh and he finally relaxed and asked a couple of questions before we walked to the front, said goodbye, and left.
On the way to the car Ben commented on Nate's professional manner, and I definitely agreed. Nate looked into my eyes when he spoke and all but ignored the rest of me until he absolutely had to look (during the marking and piercing), which I thought was great but was especially important to my very protective boyfriend.
The piercings have been completely pain-free since with the exception of a couple times I've bumped them, and then they just sting a bit to remind me that they're there. I wash them once in the shower with the Satin they gave me and I do a five- to seven-minute sea salt soak once or twice a day. I feel as though I can look forward to an incident-free healing, but if that isn't the case I'll do a follow-up experience detailing any problems.
I would and will definitely recommend Goodfellas to anyone for piercing. I'd also recommend nipple piercings for any woman comfortable enough with herself and with a little bit of pain—they are sexy, liberating, and a fun little secret.