From nose piercing to helix piercing: These are the body piercings that hurt the most

Thinking of getting your rook pierced? Our team shares insights on the pain levels associated with each piercing and the expected duration for a smooth recovery

Credits: Getty
Credits: Getty
Share this article

In a world where self-expression reigns supreme, piercings have become more than just metal inserts. In fact, they are seen as a way to express one’s individuality and personal flair. While some frown upon some piercings, many of us, adorn our bodies with piercings as we see our bodies as an evolving canvas that reflects our own stories, passions, and moods.

Sure, you might be thinking, “It’s just a piece of jewellery,” but beyond that, some of us see it as a form of expression. Whether it's a subtle nose stud, an ear constellation, or a bold septum ring, piercings have become the go-to medium for many especially for the young to rewrite the rules of conformity.

Contemplating a fresh piercing to give your look a makeover but feeling unsure about the pain factor? We've got you covered. In this article, we uncover the different types of piercings and reach out to our team to gather insights and personal experiences on various piercings, shedding light on the pain levels associated with each piercing. This way, you can gain a better understanding of the potential discomfort before diving into some fresh new bling.

Lobe

Credit: Getty
1/7

Known as one of the most common (and versatile) ear piercings, lobe piercings are positioned on the fleshy bottom part of the ear. What’s great about these piercings is that it’s easily customisable and you have a wide variety of jewellery options for you to choose from such as studs or hoops. On top of that, the lobes are often the first choice for those new to body modification as it’s simple, heals quickly, and doesn’t hurt as much.
"On a scale of 1 to 10, my lobe piercing was probably a 1 for me. It's not painful at all, it's very much like an ant bite." - Cheryl Lai-Lim, Features Writer

Helix

Credit: Getty
2/7

A helix piercing involves piercing the upper cartilage along the outer rim of the ear, offering a distinctive and stylish look. Positioned along the curve of the upper ear, it can be adorned with hoops, studs, or rings, providing a customizable aesthetic. Popular for its fashionable appeal, the helix piercing requires proper aftercare for a smooth healing process, making it a sought-after choice for those looking to enhance their ear piercings with a unique and eye-catching element.
"4 out of 10. Surprisingly, it wasn't as painful as I thought it would be but of course, like your other piercings, it does hurt for the first few hours after getting it pierced. It took me about six months for it to fully recover." - Shazrina Shamsudin, Senior Digital Writer

Conch

Credit: Getty
3/7

A conch piercing is a type of ear piercing that targets the inner cartilage of the ear, specifically in the central bowl-shaped area called the conch. This piercing can be situated in either the outer or inner conch, allowing for variations in style. Typically adorned with a stud or hoop, the conch piercing adds a bold and unique statement to the ear. While healing times may vary, proper care is essential to ensure a comfortable and smooth recovery. Known for its versatility and eye-catching aesthetic, the conch piercing is a popular choice for individuals seeking a distinctive and fashionable addition to their ear piercings.
"I would say my conch was a 7 out of 10. Initially, it was really painful, but it the pain subsided after a few hours. The only gripe I have about the conch piercing is that I couldn't use my headphones or sleep on my side for the first few months when it was healing. It took me about 6 months for it to fully recover, but I took a year before I switched out my stud, just to be safe." - Shazrina Shamsudin, Senior Digital Writer

Rook

Credit: Getty
4/7

A rook piercing is a distinctive type of ear piercing located on the inner cartilage fold above the ear canal. Situated between the daith and the upper edge of the ear, the rook piercing is known for its unique placement, offering a subtle yet stylish look. Typically adorned with curved barbells, captive bead rings, or studs, the rook piercing enhances the ear's overall aesthetic. While healing times may vary, proper care is crucial to ensure a comfortable and smooth recovery. Renowned for its individuality and ability to complement other ear piercings, the rook piercing has gained popularity among those seeking a chic and unconventional addition to their piercing repertoire.
"I would give it a 4 out 10. But it's fine because it hurt for the first hour but after a while, the pain subsides. But taking care of it is troublesome. It's been 5 years since I got my rook piercing and it healed fine but there are times when I do play with my piercings and it gets infected, so I highly recommend that you avoid playing with your piercings." - Cheryl Lai-Lim, Features Writer

Nose

Credit: Getty
5/7

A nose piercing is a popular and versatile form of body modification that involves puncturing the skin or cartilage of the nose to create a decorative opening. Positioned in various locations, such as the nostril, septum, or bridge, nose piercings offer a range of style options to suit individual preferences. Typically adorned with small studs, hoops, or rings, nose piercings are known for their ability to add a subtle or bold statement to one's facial appearance. While healing times may vary depending on the specific location, proper aftercare is crucial to ensure a comfortable and trouble-free recovery. As a timeless and culturally significant form of self-expression, nose piercings continue to be a fashionable choice for those looking to enhance their style.
"For my first nose piercing, they used a threaded needle, it was a lot faster but I feel like the hole was quite big. For the second piercing, however, they used a threadless needle, I felt like that was more painful, and usually for your nose, when you pierce, there are more nerves there, and you will instantly tear up. But they did it very well, so the healing process for my second nose piercing was a lot faster and most of the pain subsided the day after." - Cheryl Chan, Digital Editor

Nipple

Credit: Getty
6/7

Nipple piercing involves the perforation of the skin or cartilage surrounding the nipple, creating a stylish and intimate form of body modification. This type of piercing can be done on either or both nipples and is typically adorned with circular barbells, captive bead rings, or studs. Known for its sensual aesthetic, nipple piercings have gained popularity for their ability to add a touch of individuality and allure. Healing times vary, and proper aftercare is essential for a comfortable recovery. Nipple piercings have become a celebrated form of self-expression, offering a discreet yet captivating way for individuals to showcase their personal style and confidence.
"It's an 8 out of 10 for me. For me it was painful but the pain goes by very fast. I was quite nervous and the guy took awhile to get the positioning right, but when he finally did it, I felt the sharp pain but that was about it. But it did take me a year for it to fully heal." - Cheryl Chan, Digital Editor

Navel

Credit: Getty
7/7

A navel piercing, also known as a belly button piercing, involves perforating the skin around the navel to create a stylish and popular form of body adornment. Positioned either above or below the belly button, this type of piercing is typically adorned with curved barbells, captive bead rings, or decorative studs. Navel piercings are celebrated for their versatility and ability to accentuate the midriff, making them a favoured choice for those seeking a trendy and eye-catching addition to their body art. While healing times can vary, proper aftercare is crucial to ensure a comfortable and seamless recovery. Navel piercings continue to be a classic and fashionable expression of individual style and confidence.
"I have to say, choosing a trustworthy place and piercer is important when it comes to getting piercings especially when it comes to sensitive areas like your nipples or your navels. I made the mistake of going to a sketchy tattoo studio in Bali to get my belly pierced. As a result, my piercing came out slanted and there was no way I could undo it. In terms of pain, I would give it a 6 out of 10, but it would have probably hurt less if I went to a better piercing studio that had the proper equipment for it." - Shazrina Shamsudin, Senior Digital Writer

Share this article