Which Ear Piercing Hurts The Most to Least?

Getting a piercing for the first time or deciding to pierce a new area of the ear can be daunting but fear not, we have created an extensive list to help you navigate the pain thresholds.

1. Snug Piercing – 9/10

The snug piercing is known for being one of the most intense and painful ear piercings. It passes through the inner cartilage, horizontally from the inner part to the outer rim. Since it targets thick cartilage and has a unique placement, the snug can cause a sharp pain followed by ongoing soreness. Because this piercing is in a more rigid area of the ear, it can also be a bit trickier to heal, requiring extra attention to avoid bumps or infections.

2. Rook Piercing – 8/10

The rook piercing goes through the fold of cartilage in the upper ear and can be quite painful. The cartilage in this area is thick and layered, so the needle needs to pass through tough tissue. Many people describe the initial piercing as a sharp pinch, followed by a lingering soreness that lasts for a few days. Healing can also take a while, as the area is prone to irritation if bumped.

3. Industrial Piercing – 7/10

The industrial piercing is essentially two piercings connected by a single piece of jewellery, typically a barbell, which makes it more painful than standard piercings. The barbell stretches across the ear, usually from the helix to the forward helix, which means you’ll experience two separate piercing points through the cartilage. The double whammy of pain can be intense, and it takes longer to heal due to its complex nature.

4. Daith Piercing – 6.5/10

The daith piercing is located in the innermost fold of cartilage in your ear, near the ear canal. While it sounds painful due to its location, many people say it feels more like pressure than sharp pain. The thick cartilage here can make the piercing process feel longer, but the pain is usually brief. Some daith enthusiasts even claim it can help reduce migraines, though that’s still up for debate.

5. Flat Piercing – 6/10

A flat piercing is placed on the flat part of your upper ear, just below the helix. This piercing is through cartilage, so the pain is definitely noticeable but typically not unbearable. It’s often described as a sharp pinch that subsides relatively quickly. The healing process can take a few months, as cartilage tends to heal slower than softer areas like the earlobe.

6. Conch Piercing – 6/10

 

The conch piercing goes through the middle part of your ear, often called the “shell,” which gives this piercing its name. While it involves cartilage, the conch is known for being moderately painful. It might feel like a quick, sharp pinch followed by some pressure. Healing can take a bit of time, especially since the conch is located in an area that can easily be bumped or irritated.

7. Anti-Tragus Piercing – 5.5/10

The anti-tragus piercing sits opposite the tragus, above the earlobe. While the pain is similar to the tragus piercing, the anti-tragus can be slightly more sensitive because the cartilage here is thicker. The initial piercing may feel like a sharp sting, but the pain typically fades quickly. Healing can take a few months, so patience is key.

8. Tragus Piercing – 5/10

The tragus piercing is done on the small flap of cartilage that partially covers the ear canal. While the cartilage here is tougher than in other parts of the ear, the piercing itself isn’t too painful. Most people describe it as a quick, sharp pinch that fades into a dull ache. It can take some time to heal due to the location, as it’s easy to bump or irritate.

9. Helix Piercing – 4/10

The helix piercing is one of the most popular cartilage piercings and is often the first for those venturing beyond the lobe. Located in the upper ear, the pain is typically mild to moderate since the cartilage here is thinner. The sensation feels more like a quick pinch than a sharp pain, and the discomfort usually doesn’t last long. Healing time can vary, but with proper care, it’s a relatively low-maintenance piercing.

10. Lobe Piercing – 2/10

The classic lobe piercing is the least painful of all. Since the earlobe is soft and fleshy, it’s much easier to pierce than cartilage, and most people experience little more than a quick pinch. Lobe piercings are typically the first piercing people get, and they heal quickly, usually within a couple of months.

With each piercing, the key to minimising discomfort is proper aftercare and patience during the healing process! That’s why the unel piercing pillow is loved by so many customers.