I have been wanting to get my belly button and nipples pierced for years but had so many questions and of course I was afraid of the pain. Finally, I decided to go ahead and do it. I called many shops, but Eyreth (e) actually took so much time with me on the phone and explained every detail of what would happen, what the aftercare was, what to expect that I chose to go to Stranded Ink to have it done. I've had a few tattoo's done over the years, and I have to say walking into this shop was a whole new experience. It was so clean and professional. Everyone was so nice and made me feel so comfortable. I was still nervous but E walked me through every step. They were running a little behind and she sat and talked to me to ease my anxiety. When I was taken back she was so careful about marking me, and did it 4 or 5 times to make sure that the markings were exactly where they needed to be. She did my belly button first and while it did hurt, I didn't cry or even whimper. She talked me through exactly what she was doing and when it came time for the actual piercing she told me to take a deep breath in which I did, and by the time I let it out it was done. So quick. Next were my nipples and the process was repeated. She took the time to mark it and redid it a couple times to make sure that they were exactly where they needed to be. Again, 2 deep breaths in (1 for each side) and it was done. I love the way it all looks and it makes me feel so sexy! I had no pain after the procedure at all until about 24 hours in. Then the pain was bearable but I noticed it was there. Tonight (about 36 hours in) the pain was enough that I did have to take a pain reliever. I would say it's more itchy than actual pain. Like when you have a cut and it starts to heal and you get that itchy feeling. But E took the time to go over after care instructions with me carefully. And unlike most shops where I've always felt like they were just trying to sell me their product, E explained my options. I did end up buying their aftercare product, but didn't feel at all forced into it. It just felt so good when she put it on that I wanted that particular product. I've had no bruising to any of the areas that I had pierced even though E said I might have some. I'm grateful that I had it done by such a professional. Although it was about $20 more expensive than some of the other places I checked out, the care was so worth it.
The only suggestion I could make was that when you are having these type of piercings done, I would suggest they keep you in the shop for 15 - 30 minutes afterwards. While I did great during the piercings about 20 minutes after I left my whole body began shaking. I don't know if it was from the adrenaline wearing off, or just from the slight trauma of having a needle passed through such sensitive places. The shaking passed after about 5 minutes and I had no further issues.
Overall, it was a great experience and I can't wait until my husband finishes drawing our tattoo's. I will definitely be going back to Stranded Ink for those as well! I just can't say enough great things about this shop! Thank you so much for making it such a great experience! read more