Does It Hurt to Get a Piercing?
Pain Levels Explained by Type
Thinking about getting a piercing but worried about the pain? You're not alone. One of the most common questions people ask before booking an appointment is:
"How much will it hurt?"
While pain is subjective, there are general trends based on anatomy, location, and nerve endings. In this ultimate guide, we break down the pain levels for the most popular types of piercings, give you a realistic idea of what to expect, and offer expert tips to manage discomfort.
Whether you're getting your first earlobe piercing or you're planning something more advanced like a dermal or genital piercing, this guide will help you feel more confident and informed.
What Determines Piercing Pain?
Before diving into specific piercing types, it helps to understand what factors influence how much a piercing hurts:
Nerve density: More nerves = more sensitivity
Tissue type: Softer tissue (like earlobes) generally hurts less than cartilage or dense tissue
Needle size and technique: A skilled piercer using a sharp, sterile needle can significantly reduce pain
Your mindset: Anxiety and tension can heighten your perception of pain
Aftercare: Inflammation caused by poor aftercare can prolong discomfort
💎 Earlobe Piercing Pain Level: 1–2/10
What It Feels Like:
A quick, sharp pinch that lasts less than a second. Most people describe it as mild and tolerable.
What to Expect:
Earlobe piercings are the least painful of all. The area has soft tissue with few nerve endings and heals quickly, usually within 6–8 weeks.
Best for: Children, first-timers, and people with low pain thresholds
Healing Tip: Clean with saline solution twice daily and avoid twisting the jewellery.
😛 Tongue Piercing Pain Level: 3–5/10
What It Feels Like:
A quick stab followed by swelling. Most clients are surprised by how painless the actual piercing is.
What to Expect:
The pain is minimal, but swelling kicks in a few hours later and may last 3–7 days. Eating, drinking, and speaking may be temporarily affected.
Healing Tip: Stick to soft foods, drink cold liquids, and rinse with non-alcoholic mouthwash after meals.
🌟 Facial Piercing Pain Level: 3–6/10
What It Feels Like:
A sharp pinch with slight pressure. Pain varies depending on location — nostril and eyebrow piercings are often mild, while septum and bridge piercings may feel more intense.
What to Expect:
Most facial piercings heal within 6–12 weeks, though swelling and initial sensitivity are common.
Examples: Nostril, septum, bridge, eyebrow, and medusa (philtrum) piercings
🔘 Navel (Belly Button) Piercing Pain Level: 4–6/10
What It Feels Like:
A strong pinch and pulling sensation, often followed by mild soreness.
What to Expect:
Navel piercings are a popular choice and typically involve a fold of skin rather than muscle or cartilage. Most people find it moderately uncomfortable but not unbearable. Healing can take 6–9 months and requires careful aftercare.
Healing Tip: Avoid tight waistbands or high-waisted clothing that can irritate the area.
🔗 Cartilage Piercing Pain Level: 4–6/10
What It Feels Like:
A sharper, more intense pinch with pressure and sometimes a "crunch" sensation.
What to Expect:
Piercings like the helix, tragus, conch, rook, and daith go through cartilage, which is denser and more sensitive. While the initial pain is short-lived, cartilage tends to ache for several days and can take 3–9 months to fully heal.
Tip: Avoid sleeping on the pierced side, especially in the early weeks.
🧷 Surface Piercing Pain Level: 6–8/10
What It Feels Like:
A more prolonged sensation than other piercings, with a tugging feeling during insertion.
What to Expect:
Surface piercings (like nape of the neck, hip, or chest) can be more painful due to skin tension and pressure. They also have a higher risk of rejection, so proper placement by an experienced piercer is crucial.
Healing Tip: Avoid friction, tight clothing, or direct impact on the area.
💠 Dermal Piercing Pain Level: 6–8/10
What It Feels Like:
A quick sharpness followed by pressure as the anchor is inserted beneath the skin.
What to Expect:
Dermals (also called microdermals) involve inserting an anchor under the skin with a single visible point. Healing typically takes 1–3 months but varies by location and skin type.
Common areas: Cheekbones, chest, collarbone, lower back, and hips.
👩❤️👩 Nipple Piercing Pain Level: 7–9/10
What It Feels Like:
An intense, sharp pain lasting a couple of seconds, followed by a throbbing sensation.
What to Expect:
Nipple piercings are one of the more painful types due to high nerve density. Healing time can range from 6–12 months. Some people find the sensation exhilarating, while others find it overwhelming.
Aftercare Tip: Wear soft, breathable clothing and avoid impact or pressure on the area during healing.
👙 Genital Piercing Pain Level: 7–10/10
What It Feels Like:
Highly individual. Some clients describe a sharp, intense pain that subsides quickly; others experience a warm, throbbing ache.
What to Expect:
Genital piercings vary greatly by type (e.g., Prince Albert, clitoral hood, labia, etc.), anatomy, and individual pain tolerance. Healing is often faster than people expect, with some areas healing within 4–8 weeks.
Important: Always choose a reputable, experienced piercer for intimate areas. Privacy, hygiene, and anatomical understanding are key.
⚖️ Piercing Pain Comparison Chart
Piercing Type Pain Level (1–10) Pain Duration Healing Time
Earlobe 1–2 Seconds 6–8 weeks
Tongue 3–5 Short-term swelling 4–6 weeks
Facial 3–6 Seconds 6–12 weeks
Navel 4–6 Pinch and soreness 6–9 months
Cartilage 4–6 Minutes to days 3–9 months
Surface 6–8 Prolonged sting 3–6 months
Dermal 6–8 Short but sharp 1–3 months
Nipple 7–9 Seconds + ache 6–12 months
Genital 7–10 Seconds 4–8 weeks
👩🏫 How to Reduce Piercing Pain
Eat a light meal beforehand to prevent dizziness
Stay calm and take slow, deep breaths
Choose a licensed, experienced piercer using sterile needles
Avoid alcohol or caffeine before your appointment
Follow your aftercare instructions to prevent inflammation and infection
🔍 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I know if a piercing is infected?
Look for signs like redness, swelling, pus, warmth, or pain that worsens over time. If in doubt, contact your piercer or a healthcare professional.
What type of jewellery is safest for healing?
Implant-grade titanium is hypoallergenic and ideal for new piercings.
Can I get multiple piercings in one session?
Yes, but we recommend no more than 3–4 at a time, depending on placement and healing ability.
Is a piercing gun safe?
No. Guns can cause unnecessary trauma and are impossible to fully sterilise. Always opt for needle piercings.
🌟 Book Your Piercing with Confidence
Choosing the right studio can make all the difference. At Amore Enhancements, we make safety, hygiene, and client comfort our top priorities. Whether it’s your first piercing or your next addition, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Book now or visit us in Oldham to start your piercing journey with confidence
🏠 Safe, Professional Piercings in Oldham
At Amore Enhancements, we provide a calm, sterile, and professional environment for all types of piercings. Our clients trust us because:
We use Grade 23 titanium jewellery — safe for sensitive skin
We offer needle-only piercings for safer, less traumatic procedures
We have expertise in children's piercings, ear curation, dermals, surface, and full body piercings
Located at: 43 Ripponden Road, Oldham, OL1 4EW