First, James cleans Alley’s high nostril area to make sure it’s sterile and ready to be pierced. This step is the same for every piercing, but always so important! Next the holes for the piercing are mapped out. James explains that he’ll be drawing a few dots to line up the piercing. This helps professional piercers ensure accuracy, and gives the client a chance to see exactly where their jewelry will go. Next, James inserts a receiving tube into Alley's nose for protection. After a deep breath from Alley, James inserts the needle into her nose. Alley laughs because only one of her eyes waters up - the side she's being pierced on. James places a cork on the end of the needle to prevent any accidental pokes, and then slides Alley’s new nose stud into place.

Alley decided to get two piercings done today, so James repeats the entire process on the other side of her nose. Again, only one of Alley's eyes waters up, so James cleans up her (very few) tears with a cotton swab. Both Alley's high nostril piercings are good to go!

Initial Jewelry: 18 gauge 1/4" Clear 3mm CZ Gem Steel L-Shape Nose Ring

Healing Time: 2-6 months

Body Candy: Hi Alley! What piercing did you get today and what made you want to get it?

Alley: I got my double high nostril done today. It's something I saw on someone a few years ago and just fell in love with. 

BC: Can you describe your experience at the shop today?

Alley: James was super professional and clean as always. He made sure that I knew exactly what was he was doing every step of the way. I appreciate that he takes the time to let me know of everything that's about to happen, from a small amount of pressure to the big pinch of the piercing. I left with exactly what I wanted.

BC: What made you want body mods or what do you love about being a modified individual?

Alley: I always knew that I wanted to be modified... I actually had my earlobes pierced at six (6) weeks old. I just think it's a beautiful way to accentuate your favorite things about yourself and a great way to express yourself to others. Piercings have also helped me embrace my "flaws." I didn't used to like my ears... But now my lobes are stretched and I love them! 

BC: On a scale of 1-10, how painful was your piercing?

Alley: Not too bad, maybe a three (3). My eyes watered, but not out of pain. I thought it was funny that only one eye watered at a time and it was specific to the side I was getting pierced on.

BC: What kind of jewelry are you planning to wear in the future?

Alley: I have plans to ask our gold department to make me a pair of our 14k rose gold and genuine diamond nose studs with a fishtail backing. I love fishtails because I can take them back to James to have them custom fit to my nose.

I'm also a big fan of labradorite, so I might order a pair of those in 14k white gold. I might also try out a disc style nose bone once I am fully healed. So many options!