Which Piercings Hurt More?

Keeping with these weeks’ theme of Valentines Day, we thought we’d spread the love to all of the Vivid Ink community. As you may have noticed, this blog mostly focuses on the art of tattooing. Of course, this is not the only version of body art and modification practised within the Vivid Ink walls.

The studios are also home to an array of incredibly talented piercers. While we have a general overview of what to think of when it comes to body piercings here, today we thought we’d dive a little deeper into which piercings hurt less, and which a little more.

Evidence is purely anecdotal. Just remember — pain experience is highly individual, and it’s only momentary. Also, its the good kind of pain (as far as there is anything like that…).

What piercing should you get next?

Did you ever spot an incredible looking piercing on someone and wonder how much it would hurt to get one? Or maybe you have done the ‘usual’ spots and looking for what to do next but concerned about upping the intensity too much? Just as with tattoos, different areas of the body will hurt more or less to get done. Let’s take a look at some of the more popular piercings — and their pain scale. 

Skin vs cartilage

Generally speaking, the thicker the area the piercer needs to get through — the more painful the experience is likely to be. The more cartilage needs to give way, the more pressure you are likely to feel. This means that the most commonplace piercings, such as the earlobes, eyebrows, nostrils, and even belly button, are fairly painless. No big surprises there. Even bridge piercings don’t hurt much as the needle only passes through skin. 

Tongue piercing not as painful as you might think

What may come as a shock to those who have not had it done though, is that getting your tongue pierced is supposedly one of the least painful places. With an experienced piercer, all you will feel is a quick pinch, and then the procedure is done. However, there may be a bit of an after-pain-process, as it is nearly impossible not to move the tongue about in the mouth. Meanwhile, tongues heal really well, and it should pass fairly quickly. 

Nipples are highly individual

Nipple piercings will depend entirely on how sensitive yours are. For women, it can vary depending on which time of the month you are getting it done. If you know that they are more tender on certain days, its a good idea to schedule your bejewelling for a different date. The actual piercing is like a quick bite or pinch, only lasting a second or two. However, there will most likely be some aching or throbbing for a day or two. 

Inner ear cartilage tough and tricky to get to

The more uncomfortable of the more mainstream piercings are the ones involving the thick cartilage of the ear. For instance, daith piercings, which hugs the inner cartilage of the ear, or rook piercings, which go in an even trickier spot at the uppermost ridge of the inner ear.

Conch piercings also need to pass through some heavy cartilage, so the pressure can be a bit more intense, whereas helix piercings have a relatively thin wall to get through. But remember, in either case, it is just a few moments for a lifetime’s piece of art to carry with you at all times.