When students are looking for a creative way of expressing themselves, everyone has a different outlet in mind.
Some choose to dance, some choose to draw and some choose to design clothes, but a consistently popular form of body expression amongst college students is piercings.
Whether it is simple studs on the earlobes or something more extreme, N.C. State students are finding innovative ways to stand out.
Lauren Stone, a freshman in animal science, is truly happy with her belly button ring.
“I decided to get it this summer,” Stone said. “I thought it would be cute.”
Many women spring for a bellybutton ring to stand out amongst the many bathing suits during summertime. Stone, however, believes that piercings are great additions for all seasons.
“They’re fine as long as you take care of them and you don’t let them get out of control.”
Piercings are rarely restricted to girls; N.C. State guys are proud of their body additions too. Alex McNeilly, a senior in graphic design, has always wanted the cartilage and lobe piercings that he now has. “It was just something that I always wanted to do,” McNeilly said. McNeilly, who got his ears done his freshman year in Raleigh, is happy to recommend local piercing places. “I got mine done at Warlock’s and Blue Flame. I really liked Warlock’s,” he said. Despite the relative temporary effect of piercings, it is recommended by both students and professionals to plan out the piercing rather than making a rash decision. Before committing to a piercing location and a piercing studio, make sure to research both extensively. Choose a piercing that is a level of maintenance you can handle and that will be compliable with your future plans, such as traveling or swimming. When deciding on a piercing studio, word of mouth is the best judge. Ask friends where they have gotten pierced; do not patron a place that is unknown to your peers. Despite college students’ inclination to select a studio based on price, General Manager Seth Cameron of the popular Hillsborough St. Pro-gress Body Piercing says that this is one decision students cannot be stingy on. “Many places that offer cheap piercings have bad quality jewelry which could lead to infections,” Cameron said. He added that asking questions is a foolproof method for finding a perfect place. Since there is no certification necessary for Wake County piercers, it is recommended that students make sure that the piercer has taken educational seminars and that he or she is continuing to update themselves and check for training certificates if possible. Hygiene-wise, Cameron said that students should always check if all utensils have been sterilized, and to also check to see if the salon has a clean environment sans smoking, eating and general dirt in the piercing area. Despite the relatively fickle trends from clothing to music, piercing has always been an integral part of college expression. Cameron said that many college students pierce on impulse, but end with a real story.
“Sometimes it’s just because they think it looks cool, or it’s a bonding thing with their roommates,” Cameron said. ”Even if it doesn’t mean something at first, it will mean a lot down the road.”
