Thinking about a nipple piercing but a bit nervous? Will it hurt like crazy? Will it heal? And what about pregnancy or breastfeeding later on? Totally normal questions. Here’s the honest, no-nonsense guide, plus how we make sure your nipple piercing is placed right and heals well.
A quick bit of history
Nipple piercings aren’t new. Legend says Roman soldiers wore nipple rings as a sign of courage, though there’s no real evidence for it. In the 14th century they became fashionable among women, and in Victorian England they had a brief comeback. In the second half of the 20th century they moved from subcultures into the mainstream, helped along by rock stars like Lenny Kravitz and Axl Rose.
Why do people get their nipples pierced?
Mostly because they look great and feel empowering. Many people also say their nipples become more sensitive. For some, a piercing can help bring out small or inverted nipples.
How is a nipple piercing done?
Worried it ends up crooked? We mark the spot carefully with you first. The piercing goes through the nipple itself, as close as possible to the areola (the coloured skin around it). Usually horizontal, but vertical or diagonal is possible too, and so are multiple piercings in one nipple. On guys the nipple is often smaller, so the piercing may sit slightly through the areola for better healing. We pierce with a sterile, single-use hollow needle.
Does a nipple piercing hurt?
Honestly, you’ll feel it. It’s a sharp, quick pinch and then it’s over. Most clients say the nerves beforehand were worse than the piercing itself.
Which jewellery is used?
We start with a straight barbell (a short bar with a ball on each end). After healing you can switch to a ring or a bar with a decorative piece. For a fresh piercing titanium is the very best. Gold is possible too, but we usually go for a titanium bar with a gold top. Our gold jewellery has a titanium internal thread, and in the studio we work with internally threaded jewellery: safer, because no thread scrapes through your fresh hole. Good to know: 24K PVD is gold-plated titanium, 14K and 18K are solid gold. Check out our first jewellery in titanium and gold or the 14K/18K gold piercings.
How long does a nipple piercing take to heal?
Nipples take their time: usually somewhere between 6 months and a year. Some light bleeding in the first days, or even a few days later, is normal. Don’t change your jewellery yourself until it’s fully healed; we’re happy to do the first change in the studio, including a shorter bar once the swelling has gone down.
Please note: all times mentioned are an indication. Healing is very personal: for some people it goes faster, for others it takes a little longer.
Aftercare for your nipple piercing
- Clean twice a day with the AphraHeals wipe (our favourite: practical, sterile and safe) or the AphraHeals spray and pat dry with a clean tissue.
- Wear a soft, clean cotton top or sports bra so nothing snags.
- Only touch with clean hands, and don’t twist the jewellery.
If your piercing stays inflamed or becomes inflamed, contact your piercer or a doctor.
Want to keep it easy? Spray the AphraHeals aftercare spray on your nipple piercing twice a day. On the go, at school, at work or while travelling, the AphraHeals cleansing wipes are super handy: a quick dab and done. AphraHeals is salt-based and made for piercings only, not for tattoos.
Swimming in clean sea water is fine, just rinse your piercing with fresh water afterwards. Skip pools, saunas and hot tubs for the first weeks.
Want it all in one place? Download our aftercare instructions.
Nipple piercings, pregnancy and breastfeeding
During pregnancy your breasts grow and get more sensitive. Swapping to a longer or flexible bar can make it a lot more comfortable; pop in and we’ll help. A well-placed piercing usually doesn’t get in the way of breastfeeding, but take your jewellery out for the whole period you’re breastfeeding, not just during feeds. Your breasts are extra sensitive during this time, and it also means your baby can’t swallow or choke on a loose ball.
Removing a nipple piercing
Nipple piercings can shrink surprisingly fast, even if you’ve had them for years. Some people can put their jewellery back after a while, others can’t. If you take it out and want it back, come to us. Don’t force it yourself. No reason to remove it? Then just don’t.
Curious about the history of piercings? Visit our free online Piercing Museum.
Nipple piercing FAQ
How old do I have to be for a nipple piercing?
You need to be 16 or older. We don’t do nipple piercings under 16, not even with a parent.
Can I get both nipples pierced at once?
Yes, many people do. Healing both at the same time is totally fine with good aftercare.
Can men get nipple piercings?
Absolutely. Placement is sometimes slightly different, and we’ll explain why.
Is it okay to work out with a fresh nipple piercing?
Yes, with a well-fitting sports top. Shower and clean your piercing afterwards.
Why get your nipple piercing at Piercings Works?
- Worried about infection? We were the first GGD-certified piercing studio in the Netherlands and get re-inspected every 3 years. We use sterile, single-use needles and materials.
- Scared it ends up crooked? We’ve been piercing since 1998, and we’ve been at Reguliersbreestraat 46 in Amsterdam since 2004. We always check your anatomy first.
- No time to wait? We’re open every day from 10:30 to 22:00. Walk in, or book a fixed time.
- Questions in your own language? Our team speaks 6 languages.
- Age? We only do this piercing from 16. More on our minimum age page.
Ready for your new nipple piercing? Book your appointment here or just walk in.
VIP with us is pure benefit, zero risk: join for €50, €100 or €200 a year and get the same amount back as a gift voucher, plus 10% off for as long as your membership runs and free piercing changes.
From Ira, with love
Ira Lutvica is co-owner of Piercings Works, which she runs together with her husband Mensur Lutvica: since 1998, and since 2004 at the same spot on Reguliersbreestraat 46. Ira writes the books herself and runs the piercing course (in Dutch), where she has trained 100+ piercers. Want to know more about this topic? Read her e-book Confidence After a Nipple Piercing. Also read Piercings Works in the media.