💫 Piercing Pain Guide: Which Piercings Hurt the Most (and the Least)

One of the most common questions I get asked in the studio is:

“Does it hurt?” 😅

If you’ve ever Googled which piercing hurts the most, you’re definitely not alone. Everyone’s pain tolerance is different, but understanding what to expect makes the process feel a lot less scary.

So, if you’re thinking about getting a new ear piercing in Worthing, this guide will walk you through which piercings hurt the most (and the least), and what you can do to make healing quick and comfortable.

At by Rachel Jade, I specialise in safe piercings in West Sussex, using gentle techniques, sterile equipment, and implant-grade jewellery to keep you calm, clean, and confident every step of the way.

💎 How Piercing Pain Works

Piercing pain isn’t as dramatic as people imagine. The sensation only lasts a second or two — it’s quick, sharp, and over before you even process it.

The level of discomfort depends on:

• Location: Areas with thicker cartilage (like your rook or daith) tend to sting more than soft tissue (like your lobe).

• Your body: Everyone’s pain threshold is different!

• Your piercer: A skilled, confident piercer makes a huge difference.

🌸 Least Painful Piercings

If you’re new to piercings or a bit nervous, start with one of these:

🩵 Earlobes

The classic starter piercing — super quick, minimal pain, and easy to heal. Most people describe it as a tiny pinch.

💫 Helix (Upper Ear Rim)

Still low on the pain scale. You’ll feel a short, sharp sensation but it fades quickly.

✨ Flat or Conch

These are slightly thicker areas but still manageable, especially when done with a precise needle instead of a piercing gun.

💡 Fun fact: At by Rachel Jade, I only pierce with needles — it’s cleaner, safer, and much less painful than a gun.

🔥 Moderate Pain Piercings

These might feel a bit more intense but are totally worth it:

🌙 Tragus

Because the tragus is a thicker piece of cartilage, it can feel like a firm pressure. It’s quick though — over in seconds.

💎 Daith

A bit more pressure than pain! It’s one of the most unique and stylish piercings but requires patience during healing.

💋 Nose

A quick sting and watery eyes — completely normal. It’s over before you know it and heals beautifully with proper care.

❤️ The Most Painful (But Still Doable!) Piercings

These are for the bold — but don’t worry, they’re still manageable with an experienced piercer.

💎 Rook

It’s a deeper fold of cartilage, so you’ll feel more pressure. Still over in seconds and absolutely worth it for the look.

🔥 Industrial

This one combines two piercings connected by a single barbell, so it’s a little longer and can be more tender while healing.

🌸 Navel

Not painful for everyone, but the healing time is longer — up to 9–12 months.

💧 How to Minimise Pain and Heal Quickly

The secret to a smooth piercing experience is good aftercare.Here’s what I recommend:

• Keep it clean with saline spray twice daily.

• Avoid sleeping on the piercing or snagging it with clothing.

• Don’t twist or touch the jewellery.

• Use high-quality jewellery — implant-grade titanium is the best choice for comfort and safety.

For more detailed steps, check out my full Piercing Aftercare Guide or visit my piercing studio in Worthing for tailored advice.

✨ Final Thoughts

Everyone’s pain tolerance is unique — what’s “ouch” for one person might be “barely felt it” for another. The good news is, with a gentle, professional approach and the right technique, piercings don’t need to hurt much at all.

At by Rachel Jade, my goal is to make every client feel safe, calm, and confident during their piercing experience — whether it’s your first or your fifth.

💎 Book your appointment today and discover how comfortable (and addictive) safe piercings can be.