The 5 Most Painful Piercings
Thinking about getting a new piercing, but wondering how painful it will be? You’re not alone. For many people, pain is the biggest hurdle when getting a piercing. Some piercings are known to be extra painful , mainly because of their location on the body or the structure of the tissue. In this blog, we list the five most painful piercings for you — including a pain score and an explanation of why these piercings are experienced as the most painful on average. This way, you can make an informed choice.
How painful is painful?
What is experienced as painful varies greatly from person to person. One person may only feel a short prick, while another may experience the same piercing as intense. Your pain threshold, stress level, previous experiences, and even your mood all play a role in how painful a piercing feels. The location also plays a major role: places with thick cartilage or many nerve endings are generally experienced as more sensitive. Although pain remains subjective, common experiences give a good idea of what you can expect.
1. Genital piercings
Genital piercings , such as clitoris or penis piercings, are almost always listed as the most painful piercings. These areas contain a high concentration of nerve endings, which significantly increases the pain intensity. However, the experience varies from person to person. Always choose a specialized piercer and a sterile work environment when considering an intimate piercing.
Pain score: 9/10
Healing time: 3-9 months
2. Nipple piercing
The nipples are sensitive and rich in nerve endings. The pain is often described as sharp and intense, but fortunately the moment is short. Many people still choose this piercing because of the powerful, aesthetic effect.
Pain score: 8.5/10
Healing time: 3-9 months
3. Industrial piercing
An industrial piercing consists of two cartilage piercings in the upper ear, connected by one long bar. Because this piercing goes through solid cartilage, and twice, it feels more painful than a single helix. The healing also takes a bit longer, but the result is cool and unique.
Pain score: 8/10
Healing time: 3-9 months
4. Rook piercing
The rook piercing is placed in the narrow cartilage fold above the ear canal. Due to the firm structure and difficult accessibility, the placement is relatively painful. Nevertheless, this subtle piercing is very popular among connoisseurs who want something special.
Pain score: 7.5/10
Healing time: 3-9 months
5. Daith piercing
The daith piercing goes through the thick cartilage on the inside of the ear. Due to its location close to the ear canal and the density of the cartilage, it can be experienced as more painful than other ear piercings. However, the unique placement makes for a striking and stylish look.
Pain score: 7/10
Healing time: 3-9 months
Pain is temporary, style is forever
Although these piercings are among the most painful, that does not mean they are impossible. Many people consciously choose them because the look is completely worth it. With good preparation, an experienced piercer and the right mindset, you can also get through a tough piercing just fine. Don't be put off by the pain score : pain is temporary, but your stylish look remains.
Tips for a comfortable (and less painful) piercing experience
Whether you’re considering one of the most painful piercings or are just curious about what to expect, there are ways to make the experience as comfortable as possible. With the right approach, you can significantly reduce the intensity of the pain. Consider these tips as you prepare:
Choose an experienced piercer : A professional will work quickly, accurately and hygienically, which will limit pain. Read more about the working method of All Perfectly Pierced here
Follow aftercare instructions: Good care prevents complications and promotes rapid healing.
Stay relaxed: Calm breathing and a positive attitude help your body cope better with pain.
Make an appointment
Ready for your new piercing? Simply book an appointment at our professional piercing studio.
✨ All Perfectly Pierced – Your piercing, perfectly placed. 📍 Located in Rhoon 📆 Easily make an appointment 📱 Follow us on Instagram for inspiration & new styles
Raquel Huygen van Weenen
About the author: Raquel Huijgen van Weenen is the owner of All Perfectly Pierced and a passionate piercing expert with years of experience in setting and styling piercings. With an eye for detail, safety and personal service, she helps clients every day to a piercing that not only looks good, but also suits them. Through her blogs, Raquel shares her knowledge about care, trends and everything you want to know before getting a piercing.
Follow her tips for a stylish, responsible and above all perfectly pierced look.
The 5 Least Painful Piercings
Want a piercing but afraid of the pain? You're not alone! For many people, pain is the biggest barrier to getting a piercing. Fortunately, there are plenty of options that feel surprisingly mild. In this blog, we list the five least painful piercings for you, including a pain score and a brief explanation per piercing. This way, you can make a choice that suits you, without unnecessary worries.
How painful is painful?
Pain is incredibly personal. What feels like a small prick to one person can be quite sensitive to another. Factors such as tension, adrenaline, previous experiences with piercings and even your state of mind at the time of piercing play a major role in this. Some people naturally have a higher pain threshold, while others react more sensitively to even light stimuli. The location on the body and the thickness of the tissue also determine how intense a piercing is experienced. Although the experience of pain always remains subjective, pain scores based on common experiences do provide a useful indication. For example, there are piercings that are experienced as remarkably mild by most people.
1. Earlobe piercing (Lobe)
The classic among piercings, and not for nothing so popular. The earlobe is the softest and least sensitive part of the ear, making this piercing ideal for beginners . Whether you want one hole or several next to each other: the earlobe piercing is always a safe start.
Pain score: 1/10
Healing time: 6 to 8 weeks
2. Nose piercing (Septum)
Although the septum looks a bit tougher, it is less painful than you might think. The piercing is done through the thin piece of skin just below the cartilage (also called the “sweet spot”). If it is placed correctly, you will hardly feel anything — and you will have a striking, stylish piercing in return.
Pain score: 2/10
Healing time: 2 to 3 months
3. Navel piercing
This piercing goes through the skin above (or sometimes below) the navel, and is especially popular in the summer months. Because it is soft tissue, the insertion feels more like a small pinch than a real sting. With the right care, it is a beautiful and painless choice.
Pain score: 2/10
Healing time: 3 to 9 months
4. Helix piercing
The helix is located at the top of your ear and is a cartilage piercing that is increasingly seen in stylish ear setups. The prick is a bit sharper than an earlobe, but still very doable. This piercing is ideal if you want something more striking, without having to suffer pain.
Pain score: 3/10
Healing time: 3 to 9 months
5. Conch piercing
The conch piercing is placed in the middle of your ear, in the firmer cartilage part (not so much thicker than a helix!). That sounds exciting, but in practice the pain is very bearable. Thanks to the popular placement you can go in many directions with it: from minimalist to beautiful statement pieces.
Pain score: 3/10
Healing time : 3 to 9 months
Tips for a Comfortable Piercing Experience
As you can see, there are plenty of beautiful piercings that you can get without worrying about severe pain. Remember, the experience is subjective and varies from person to person, but with the right choice and preparation, you can enjoy a new piercing with minimal discomfort.
Always consider the following tips when making your choice:
Choose an experienced piercer : A professional will ensure fast and accurate placement, which will minimize pain. Read more about the All Perfectly Pierced method in our blog.
Follow aftercare instructions : Good hygiene and care will promote rapid healing and reduce discomfort.
Stay relaxed : Deep breathing and a relaxed posture can help reduce the experience of pain.
Make an appointment
Ready for your new piercing? Simply book an appointment at our professional piercing studio.
✨ All Perfectly Pierced – Your piercing, perfectly placed. 📍 Located in Rhoon 📆 Easily make an appointment 📱 Follow us on Instagram for inspiration & new styles
Raquel Huygen van Weenen
About the author: Raquel Huijgen van Weenen is the owner of All Perfectly Pierced and a passionate piercing expert with years of experience in setting and styling piercings. With an eye for detail, safety and personal service, she helps clients every day to a piercing that not only looks good, but also suits them. Through her blogs, Raquel shares her knowledge about care, trends and everything you want to know before getting a piercing.
Follow her tips for a stylish, responsible and above all perfectly pierced look.