Do Piercings Hurt?

Short answer: A piercing gives a quick but sharp pinch. Most people describe it as shorter and more sudden than tattoo pain. Pain depends on the area, the person and the method: the earlobe is usually the mildest, while cartilage, the navel and some facial areas are considered more sensitive. The real discomfort lasts a few seconds during the procedure; during healing you may feel tenderness and pressure.

The needle is what people fear most about piercings. But the procedure is over very fast. To manage the pain, it helps to know what affects it.

What affects the pain

• Area: Cartilage, nerve-dense areas and thin skin are more sensitive.
• Personal sensitivity: Pain thresholds vary from person to person.
• The piercer's experience: An experienced, quick piercer reduces the pain.
• Method: A sterile needle at the right angle goes through more cleanly and quickly. Using a piercing gun on cartilage can cause tissue damage and more pain.
• State of mind: Being tense and scared makes it hurt more.
• Preparation: Showing up hungry or short on sleep can make dizziness more likely.

General pain level by area

This ranking is a general average; it may not be the same for everyone.

• Earlobe (lobe): General pain level: Mild · Note: The easiest spot
• Helix, flat: General pain level: Moderate · Note: Cartilage, a quick pinch
• Conch, tragus: General pain level: Moderate to high · Note: A feeling of pressure
• Daith, rook: General pain level: High · Note: Sensitive, curved area
• Industrial: General pain level: High · Note: Two holes
• Nostril: General pain level: Moderate · Note: Watery-eye reflex
• Septum: General pain level: Moderate · Note: Fairly mild in the right spot
• Eyebrow: General pain level: Moderate · Note: A sharp pinch
• Lip (labret, medusa): General pain level: Moderate · Note: Goes through thick tissue
• Tongue: General pain level: Moderate to high · Note: Quick but a strange feeling
• Navel: General pain level: Moderate · Note: Goes through thick skin
• Nipple and genital: General pain level: High · Note: Very sensitive areas

For more on the ear: Ear Piercing Types and Names. For the nose: Nose Piercing Styles.

What does getting pierced feel like?

• Before: The piercer cleans and marks the area. This part doesn't hurt.
• During: A short, sharp pinch as the needle passes through. It lasts a few seconds.
• Putting in the jewelry: A slight feeling of pressure and pulling.
• Right after: Burning, throbbing and warmth, which can last a few hours or days.

Ways to reduce the pain

1. Choose your piercer: An experienced, calm person reduces pain and stress.
2. Come fed and rested: It lowers the risk of dizziness.
3. Skip the alcohol: It can increase bleeding and slow down healing.
4. Breathe: Slow, deep breaths help you relax.
5. Bring a friend: If the studio allows it, it's good support.
6. Numbing creams: Some people consider them, but they can affect your skin's reaction or the quality of the procedure; ask your piercer, and your doctor if needed, before using one.

Tips for your first piercing

• Start with an easy spot like the earlobe.
• Talk to your piercer and share your fears.
• Learn about the jewelry and aftercare in advance.
• Be patient during healing. How to Take Care of a New Piercing

Pain during healing

During healing:

• Mild tenderness and pain when touched are normal.
• Increasing, throbbing pain, swelling, redness and discharge can be signs of infection.
• Lying on it while you sleep can make it hurt more.

If in doubt, see your piercer or a doctor.

Choosing where to get pierced

The quality of the piercer plays a big role in managing pain. In the TattooVerseCo Artists and Studios sections, you can compare places that do piercings by reviews, gallery and hygiene information.

Frequently asked questions

Does a piercing hurt more than a tattoo?

A piercing is a shorter but sharper pain; a tattoo is a longer, more spread-out pain. It varies from person to person.

Does a nose piercing hurt?

It causes a short, sharp pinch and a watery-eye reflex. Most people find it tolerable.

Does a belly button piercing hurt?

Moderately; since it goes through thick skin, you feel some pressure.

Does a tongue piercing hurt?

The procedure is quick but feels unusual, and swelling follows. The piercer's experience matters a lot.

How long does the pain last after a piercing?

There's tenderness in the first few days, and it eases over time. For pain that lasts or gets worse, get professional help.

The pain is brief; a beautiful piercing lasts. Find safe places to get pierced in the Artists and Studios sections on TattooVerseCo.