9 Emotional Stages Of Getting Your Nostril Pierced

Nostril and septum piercings have spent ample time in the limelight recently, so many new inductees to the facial piercing club are experiencing the emotional stages of getting a nose piercing. Of course, like most piercings go, committing to a nostril piercing is a pretty big leap. Its location is obvious on your face, and it can certainly have an effect on how others perceive you.

Unlike septum piercings, nostril piercings can be difficult to hide. Although clear retainers are available to minimize the visibility of your piercing, they're still fairly obvious. For most of us who have made the plunge, however, these piercings provide a beautiful, bold, sometimes subtle and elegant way to adorn our most central facial feature.

The tricky thing is, as with many body modifications, that the process of taking said plunge can be mired in emotional highs and lows. Surely, we set out with high hopes and expectations, brave and ready to face a new experience and visual chapter in our lives. Before that needle strikes skin, though, your mind will more than likely race, bounding from excitement to doubt and beyond.

If you're ready to embark upon the magical journey that is getting a new nostril piercing, here's a brief preview of what you might experience along the way.

1. Booger High!

OK, that's gross. For all intents and purposes, though, you're probably more than a little infatuated with your nose and everything in and around it right now. You've been researching piercing parlors, examining piercing trends, and maybe even marking off in the mirror where you think your nostril piercing will be best situated. As for the booger thing? Well, you'd better get used to the idea of 'em, because with a nose ring, they do become a bit obnoxious from time to time.

2. Inflated Confidence

You've got your best friend at your side (perhaps driving you to your salon of choice, which might not be a bad idea, if you're prone to high anxiety or fear of needles), and you're running down how many piercings or tattoos you've already potentially gotten, convinced that this could in no way be worse. You've got a smile on your face, knowing wholeheartedly that you're a super strong human and that nothing could deter you from your mission to achieve the addition of another hole in your nose.

3. Denial

Really, this is no biggie. There's no reason to panic, or even consider it much. It's cool. You've got this.

4. Shock

After meeting your piercer, discussing your intentions, and gaining their approval or professional advice, you've been lead into a sterile environment. As you sit, waiting for the action to start, you notice the tools of the trade on the tray next to you.

Wow. That's a big and very real needle. Wow.

5. Anxiety

Here it is, the part you've secretly been dreading, and on some level, even preparing for. Your palms begin to sweat, your heart is racing, and as your piercer leans in, a million thoughts are racing through your mind, most of which more or less boil down to: "This is really happening. Should this really be happening?"

6. Brief And Intense Pain

Yes, that was a needle being forcefully thrust through your nostril.

No, it did not feel good.

And what's this? Now you're adding jewelry to the equation? Gah! That was unpleasant.

Man, I hope this looks good, because I am not up for a redo.

7. Surprise

Once time returns to its usual pacing, however, you'll realize just how brief the whole process was. Now that your shiny new jewelry is secured within the safe haven of its nostril hole home, looking back briefly over the past 10 minutes or so, you might genuinely be surprised at how smoothly things went.

8. Relief

When all is said and done, you'll be grateful that you paid a little extra for a trained professional, instead of attempting to pierce your own nose, or trust your schnoz to your neighbor's brother's friend who sometimes pierces noses at parties. You're in good hands, and you're very glad you went through with it, because...

9. Pride And Satisfaction

Your new nostril piercing looks great. Already, you can hardly remember what you looked like without it, because somehow, this new piece of your identity just fits.

Obviously some piercing stories end in dissatisfaction, which is unfortunate. However, if you take the time to do due diligence around choosing a reputable, professional piercer, you're likely to have a genuinely rewarding experience and walk away with a piercing you'll appreciate for years to come.

Images: Jen Schildgen