Demystifying Piercing Pain Levels by Location

Pain threshold is something very subjective, a petite girl may be brave enough to get an elaborate tattoo done and a well-built man may be petrified of needles. Also, perception of an individual's pain plays a crucial role in determining pain. And one other thing that is equally important in assessing pain while getting a piercing done is the location of the piercing. A tattoo will not be as painful on the arm as much as it will be on the sternum. 

Piercing also follows the same principle. Science states that some areas are more painful than others. The logic is that the fewer nerves in an area, the less pain a piercing or tattoo will cause. 

Multiple ear piercings have evolved into a must-have accessory for trendsetters. It offers endless ways to showcase creativity through unique locations and personalised combinations. These piercings serve as the ideal accessory to elevate your work-from-home appearance, making an impact during Zoom calls or virtual meetings—even if you're pairing them with pajyamas.

Unlike more permanent forms of body art, such as tattoos or semi-permanent makeup, ear piercings involve less long-term commitment. You have the freedom to keep them for years or let them close up temporarily if desired.

One thing to bear in mind here is with options like medicated painless piercing available, do not get tempted to go with the seemingly quick and easy gun piercing, Always choose needle piercing for precision piercing and faster healing . Let us break down ear piercings on the basis of their pain quotient.

I. Least Painful 

1. Standard Lobe Piercing
It’s no wonder that standard lobe piercing ranks low on the pain scale, with most people rating it around 3/10. The initial sensation is brief—many describe it as a quick pinch when the needle goes through. The most uncomfortable part tends to be the pressure or slight ache that follows immediately after.

This is one of the most common piercings people get done as it is the stress-free and most beginner-friendly choice. It usually takes about 1-2 months to fully heal. It's essential to use a needle rather than a piercing gun, as needles are both less traumatic to the tissue and more hygienic.

If you are a beginner, and are looking to get your lobes pierced then mySunar should be your go-to choice for painless ear piercing.  With safety at the helm, mySunar uses the traditional needle piercing techniques that have been a part of the Indian culture for centuries now.

For those already having a single lobe piercing, a double lobe piercing is the perfect next step, offering a similar pain level and healing time as the first one.

2. Transverse Lobe Piercing
A transverse lobe piercing goes straight through the lobe instead of from front to back. Normally, a barbell is used for this piercing, with both ends visible on either side of the ear. The anatomy of the earlobe plays a key role in determining how this piercing is done and what will be the end result.  

On the pain scale, a transverse lobe piercing stands around 4/10. Since it’s still a lobe piercing, most people find it less painful than cartilage piercings. Healing time for a transverse lobe piercing typically starts at 2 months, but it can take up to 10 months, depending on your boy’s healing capacity.

II. Pain Level: Mild to moderate.

1. Helix Piercing
A helix piercing is placed on the upper outer rim of the ear, where the cartilage is thinner, making it one of the least painful cartilage piercings.

It generally ranks around 4-5/10 on the pain scale and requires 3-6 months to heal entirely. However, if you're opting for numerous piercings, such as a double or triple helix, the pain may differ on the basis of the specific area of the ear and the area of cartilage being pierced.

2. Forward Helix Piercing
The forward helix is also a cartilage piercing located just above the tragus, on the outer upper ear near the hairline. Similar to a standard helix, you can build on this piercing with double or triple placements over time.

The forward helix tends to be slightly more intense, scoring around 5-6/10 on the pain scale. The healing time for this piercing can take between 3-9 months, but once healed, it is a low maintenance piercing.

3.Orbital Piercing
An orbital piercing consists of two piercings connected by a hoop, typically placed on either the earlobe or the lower part of the outer ear (helix). It's similar to an industrial piercing but the pain is less and the healing time is faster.

Depending on the location, the pain usually rates around 4-5/10, and healing generally takes about 2-3 months.

4.Tragus Piercing
The tragus piercing, located on the cartilage over the ear canal, is a popular choice among celebrities.  

This piercing scores relatively low on the pain scale, with most people rating it at around 4/10, comparable to a helix piercing.

However, caring for the piercing can be a bit tedious, as the tragus is sensitive to irritation from devices like phones, earphones, or earbuds. To avoid infections, it's important to keep these items away from your ear during the initial healing period of 6 to 12 months.

III. Moderately Painful 

1.Daith Piercing
The daith piercing is placed in the innermost fold of cartilage in the ear and is fabled for its potential health benefits, particularly for chronic migraine sufferers. The term "daith" is derived from Jewish culture, meaning "knowledge" or "knowing." While there is no scientific evidence to confirm its effectiveness, the piercing targets an acupressure point, which might contribute to its reported benefits.

In terms of pain, the daith piercing can be more intense than a helix or lobe piercing due to the thicker cartilage in this area. Expect a dull pain, usually around 5/10 on the pain scale. Healing typically takes between 6-9 months. After a few months, you should be able to sleep on the side with the daith piercing.

2.Conch Piercing
The conch piercing is a cartilage piercing located next to the ear's curve. You can select an interior conch piercing, situated on the flat cartilage inside the ear and typically bejewelled with a stud, or an outer conch piercing.  It is a common choice for creating a curated ear look.

This piercing tends to be more painful due to the fatness and shape of the cartilage. It usually rates around 6/10 on the pain scale. The healing process is around 3-9 months, and it's important to avoid sleeping on the pierced side until it is fully healed.

3. Flat Piercing
True to its name, the flat piercing is positioned on the flat section of cartilage below the upper outer rim of the ear. Although it's best to start with one, you can pick multiple flat piercings to embrace the ear constellation trend to craft a bespoke look. This type of piercing typically requires a stud or flat-back earring.

Due to the thicker cartilage in this area, the pain level for a flat piercing can be relatively high, generally rated around 6-7/10 on the pain scale. Healing time varies, taking approximately 3-10 months to fully recover.

IV. Most Painful

1.Industrial Piercing
An industrial piercing involves two cartilage piercings on the upper ear connected by a barbell. This type of piercing is known for its high pain level due to the thickness of the cartilage and the uneasiness from having two piercings done all together. On the pain scale, it typically ranks around 7/10. Healing can take between 4-6 months, though some cases may extend up to a year.

It's worth noting that "industrial piercing" can refer to any two holes on the ear joined by a barbell. Because the ideal placement depends on your ear shape, it’s advisable to consult a professional to determine whether the traditional setup or a different configuration is best for you.

2. Rook Piercing
The rook piercing is situated on the upper ridge of cartilage on the inner ear. Though less common than the daith or tragus piercings, it offers a unique twist to a curated ear. The rook piercing involves puncturing a thick layer of cartilage, which can be quite uncomfortable, generally scoring between 6-8 on the pain scale.

However, some people find the rook piercing less painful compared to daith or tragus piercings, as pain perception can vary with individual anatomy. The healing process for a rook piercing usually spans 6-12 months.

3. Snug Piercing
Also referred to as the anti-tragus piercing, the snug piercing is located along the inner ridge of cartilage, adjacent to where an inner conch piercing would be. Its suitability  depends on the shape of your ear. Known for being one of the most painful ear piercings, it generally ranks around 9/10 on the pain scale.

Despite the intensity of the pain, it is still relatively minor compared to other forms of pain, like a paper cut. Healing time for a snug piercing ranges from 4-6 months, though it can take up to 12 months for complete recovery.

How to Minimize Ear Piercing Pain?

Selecting the right piercer is key for minimising pain during the procedure and preventing post-piercing complications. Conduct thorough research to find a well-trained and skilled professional, especially for trickier cartilage piercings or placements where your ear's anatomy impacts the piercing process.

Staying calm and deep breathing before and during the piercing session can significantly help manage pain. Ensure you eat and drink something before your appointment to avoid feeling lightheaded. If you tend to get nervous, plan distraction techniques, such as listening to music or chatting with a friend.