Thanks to alternative, chic celebrities like FKA Twigs, septum rings along with other piercings have become a popular trend, evident around the NYU campus. The variety of body jewelry one can have ranges from earrings to nipple rings and even more, and while they are no doubt a source of fun and style, piercings are endeavors that require research and care, even for those with several piercings already.

For a piercing with fashionable flair and versatility, the key is to take the sophisticated route, making the accessory a jewelry piece rather than a rebellious statement. In the 1990s, the accessories were associated with grungy teenagers, but for 2015, think simple and discreet.

With any piercing, make sure to go to an official salon so as not to risk having a friend infect you. Do some research on piercing salons to find the ones with the best reviews and recommendations. A couple trusted locations are New York Adorned in the East Village on 2nd Avenue and Elite Jewelry Co. on St. Mark’s Place. Both parlors are known to be hygienic and professional, offering beautiful results.

Gallatin sophomore Camila Ferreira recently had her nose pierced, citing her inspiration as coming from Indian wedding videos on YouTube. Ferreira added that paying more ensures better quality.

“I would rather pay more and have a professional do it, than have a nose that’s twice bigger than my fist,” Ferreira said. “I paid $120 because the stud was $80 and the service was $30, and then plus tip.”

All things considered, a piercing is an investment, which is definitely something to contemplate as a college student. While Ferreira went to Elite Jewelry Co., there are many places on St. Marks that are that are cheaper, but still clean and trustworthy.

The client should be attentive to whether the person piercing them is using a sterilized needle that is coming out of a sealed plastic wrap or a hospital grade disinfected needle. It is easy to ask if the needle is clean and check thoroughly before moving forward. Never get a piercing done with a gun because they are not delicate enough and can be imprecise.
To clean the piercing, parlors usually suggest using a saline solution once or more per day, and soap several times a day. Ferreira notes that she washes her face twice a day with facial wash and cleans inside her nose and that is enough. The most significant aspect is to ensure that the piercing itself is somewhere you feel comfortable and safe.

Email Karen Kandelman at [email protected].