Piercing Piercing Experiences Ears Rook Piercing

I got my rook pierced about 2 weeks ago. I wasn't going to waste everyone's times with the minor details of it though since my experience is fairly similar to the other rook experiences already on here.

I had been anticipating this piercing since I started coming to BME and originally discovered its existence. The day finally came when I managed to scrounge up enough pennies for it, then attempted to convince my parents to sign the papers for me due to being under 16. It took about 2 hours for them both to fully give in (that's a lot less than the 6 years it took to convince them to let me pierce my eyebrow. Although I am now glad that they didn't give in when I was 8 years old and began the constant pleading).

That same day, about an hour later, I was headed off to Bee Cool. There was no question in my mind as to what studio I was going to choose since I had gotten pierced there before, along with my friends, and was very pleased with the results. My dad and I walked in to be greeted by Liz who was behind the counter, followed by Rob peaking around some display cases. My dad was a tad taken back when he saw the amount of piercings covering Rob's face and ears, most likely thinking, "oh no, this is what my daughter will look like in three years!"

Rob walked up to me with a smile and I told him that I wanted to get yet another ear piercing. He looked at my ears, then said with a chuckle, "where?" (I already had 14 ear piercings done prior to this). I told him my rook. His smile grew wider and he said, "alright, just let me pierce this other guy first, then it's your turn."

With the help of Liz, I picked out a small purple ball (since it matches my hair) to go along with my 16 gauge 3/8 SSS CBR. By the time that was done Rob was finished with his last customer. We sat down on the couch for awhile and chatted as he proceeded to tell me his horror stories about his 'double spiral rook mishap'. He then told me a bit about the pain factor of this piercing. After seeing a girl I know get it done, and hearing him rant about it, I was expecting to be in excruciating pain.

I talked to him for a good half hour then he lead me to the back room. I sat down in the "dentist-like chair" as he marked the spots on my ear. He told me that I probably wouldn't be able to see the dots very well due to the placement of the rook on the ear. I told him that I'd just take his word for it that it's placed right since I trust him. He laughed and thanked me for the pressure I just induced on him.

Rob then told me the basics of what he was going to be doing then said that I'd feel a slight pinch when he put the receiving tube there for the needle. I laid in the chair, felt the slight pinch, and waited for further instruction. He then is like, "oh yeah, the jewelry is in already," as he began to clean up the blood pouring out of my head. My jaw dropped, as I was thinking, "yeah right, he's got to be joking." Then he held up the mirror and there I saw it; complete. My response was "wow, that didn't hurt at all!" From that point on he thought I was just a complete loony. Rob then gave me a reminder as to the aftercare involved. After all that I paid $50 for it (apparently I got a discount because Rob loves my hair). I said my good-byes, then I left.

All was well the rest of that day, no pain or anything unless it got bumped fairly hard. By the next day the entire right half of my head was swollen which I was a bit concerned about but it went down in no time. The rook piercing got banged pretty badly in gym class a few days later. I followed that incident with religiously cleaning the piercing with bactine and sea salt soaks twice a day, which caused it to heal wonderfully. I've cut back on the cleaning now that it isn't throbbing and my ear is back to its normal color and all is still well.

Most people end these things recommending the piercing to everyone else who happens to cross their path. I think I'll somewhat follow in their footsteps. I wouldn't recommend this piercing for EVERYONE, although I instantly fell in love with mine. It heals better for some people than others, and the pain factor differs from person to person. If you like it, then go for it. There is only one way to find out how your body will react, and that is to try it out for yourself. If there is anything I've failed to mention in here that you're curious about, feel free to drop me a line.
-Jacqui