The Least Painful Piercings: Comfortable and Stylish

Article published at: May 8, 2025
pijnschaal met lage score voor minst pijnlijke piercings

The 5 Least Painful Piercings

Want a piercing, but worried about the pain? You're not alone!
For many people, pain is the biggest hurdle when getting a piercing. Fortunately, there are plenty of options that feel surprisingly gentle. In this blog post, we'll list the five least painful piercings , including a pain score and a brief explanation of each. This way, you can make the right choice for you, without unnecessary worry.

How painful is painful?

Pain is incredibly personal. What feels like a slight prick to one person can be quite sensitive to another. Factors like tension, adrenaline, previous piercing experiences, and even your state of mind at the time of the piercing play a major role. Some people naturally have a higher pain threshold, while others react more sensitively to even mild stimuli. The location on the body and the thickness of the tissue also influence how intensely a piercing is experienced. While pain perception always remains subjective, pain scores based on common experiences do provide a useful indication. For example, some piercings are perceived as remarkably mild by most people.

1. Earlobe piercing (Lobe)

A classic piercing, and so popular for good reason. The earlobe is the softest and least sensitive part of the ear, making it ideal for beginners . Whether you want a single hole or several next to each other, an earlobe piercing is always a safe place to start.

  • Pain score: 1/10
  • Healing time: 6 to 8 weeks

2. Nose piercing (Septum)

While the septum piercing looks a bit bolder, it's less painful than you might think. The piercing is placed through the thin layer of skin just beneath the cartilage (also known as the "sweet spot"). If placed correctly, you'll barely feel a thing—and the result is a striking, stylish piercing.

  • 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 during the summer months. Because it involves soft tissue, the piercing feels more like a slight pinch than a real sting. With proper care, it's a beautiful and painless option.

  • 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's becoming increasingly popular in stylish ear setups. The piercing is a bit sharper than an earlobe, but still very manageable. This piercing is ideal if you want something more striking without the pain.

  • Pain score: 3/10
  • Healing time: 3 to 9 months

5. Conch piercing

The conch piercing is placed in the center of your auricle, in the firmer cartilage portion (not as thick as a helix!). It sounds daunting, but in practice, the pain is actually quite manageable. Thanks to its popular placement, it offers a wide range of options, 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 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 quick and accurate placement, minimizing pain. Read more about All Perfectly Pierced's approach 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 to reduce the experience of pain.

Make an appointment

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Raquel Huijgen van Weenen, owner of All Perfectly Pierced

Raquel Huijgen 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 piercing and styling. With an eye for detail, safety, and personalized service, she helps clients every day find a piercing that not only looks beautiful but also suits them. Through her blog, Raquel shares her knowledge on piercing care, trends, and everything you need to know before getting a piercing.

Follow her tips for a stylish, responsible and above all perfectly pierced look.

Article published at: May 8, 2025