Does it hurt? It's the number one question when you're choosing a piercing. The honest answer: it depends on where you get pierced, your own pain threshold and the experience of your piercer. But some spots on the body are generally more sensitive than others. Here's a handy pain chart, from mild to intense, so you know what to expect.
Mild: usually easy to handle
- Earlobe (lobe)
- Septum (when it's placed correctly!)
- Tongue (short but intense)
- Navel (with relaxed skin)
These piercings usually feel like a quick pinch.
Medium: a bit more sensitive
These spots are a little more sensitive, mostly because of cartilage or thin skin:
- Helix / upper ear
- Nostril
- Tragus
- Lip (labret / vertical labret)
- Nipple (can vary, and often more nerve-racking than painful)
These can give a sharp pinch and feel a bit warm or burning afterwards. Good breathing helps a lot.
Intense: these can be pretty spicy
- Industrial (a double cartilage piercing in the ear)
- Daith / rook
- Dermal piercings (implant style)
- Genital piercings
The pain is short but intense, and cartilage especially needs extra aftercare. Planning several ear piercings? Read Would you like to get several ear piercings at the same time?
Tips to make it easier
- Eat and drink well beforehand.
- Come in relaxed and try to avoid stress.
- Breathe deeply and slowly while you're being pierced.
- Get pierced by an experienced professional.
At Piercings Works we always take the time to guide you calmly through it. Pain is temporary, style is forever.
Age and ID
From 16 you can get pierced on your own; just bring a valid ID. Between 12 and 16, a parent or guardian comes with you and signs a consent form, and you both bring ID. All the details are on our minimum age page.
Frequently asked questions
Which piercing hurts the least?
For most people, the earlobe. It's soft tissue rather than cartilage, so it usually feels like a quick pinch.
Does cartilage hurt more?
Usually a bit more, yes. Cartilage piercings like the helix, tragus, daith, rook and industrial often feel sharper and need extra care while healing.
How much does a piercing cost?
Check our studio price list for all piercings.
Want personal advice?
Not sure which piercing suits you, also in terms of how it feels? Piercings Works has been piercing in Amsterdam since 1998, has more than 2,000 reviews and our team speaks six languages. Come by Reguliersbreestraat 46, 1017 CN Amsterdam, and we'll happily help you choose.