7 Piercing Locations that HURT (But are Totally Worth It)

Piercings are one of the ways that you can express yourself with sparkle. Unlike fashionable outfits, piercings strike differently. They are bold, beautiful and endlessly customizable, which allows you to shape your look in ways that reflect your personality and your mood. From minimalist studs to statement nose jewelry, every piercing tells a story. 

But let's be honest, some stories come with a sting. Pain is a part of the process, and while everyone's tolerance is different, certain piercing spots are known to pack a sharper pinch than others. Still, most enthusiasts will agree that the beauty pay off makes the brief discomfort more than worth it. Let's take a look at 7 piercing locations that hurt a bit more than others, but they're still popular for a good reason.

Image source: Pexels

1. The  Daith. Tucked deep within the air, the daith is a stylish and intriguing choice that is gaining in popularity. It sits in the inner cartilage fold and gives it a unique, almost hidden charm. Because of its thick placement and the precision that is needed to Pierce it, the death can be quite painful. The sensation is sharp and intense for a few seconds, followed by a dull ache. However, it does heal beautifully with proper care and can look stunning with this delicate bead or small hoop. The evidence may also be anecdotal, but some people claim it helps with migraines.

2. The septum. Septum piercing is one of the most dramatic and striking of all. The pain level here largely depends on your anatomy. The piercing doesn't go through the hard cartilage of your nose, but rather the soft tissue known as the sweet spot. When done correctly, the pain is brief but eye watering, so expect your eyes to tear up as the needle goes through. Once healed, the septum is one of the most versatile piercings, letting you flip or swap your nose jewelry depending on your look or mood.

3. The nipple. This one is not for the faint of heart. These piercings are infamous for their intensity, as the tissue here is sensitive and dense.The passage of the needle can feel like a strong, lingering burn, but the sensation is over quickly. Tenderness can last for a few days. Healing can take several months, requiring careful aftercare and patience. Still, many say the result, both personally and aesthetically, is completely worth it.

4. The Rook. Nestled in the upper cartilage ridge of your ear, the rook is one of the trendiest but trickiest piercings around. The cartilage here is thick and curved, and it can be quite painful to pierce. The pressure can feel intense and the area tends to be tender for a while, but it's edgy and elegant when it's done.

5. The industrial. This is a striking and sculptural piercing. It involves 2 piercings connected by a single bar running diagonally across the top of the ear. The result is architectural and bold, but it comes at a price. Since the needle passes through two separate areas of cartilage, the pain is doubled and the healing takes longer. It's also not uncommon to experience soreness and swelling for several weeks. It's a statement piece that is modern, daring and undeniably cool once it's settled.

6. The Medusa. Located in the center of the upper lip, is just above the Cupid's bow, and the philtrum piercing is also known as the Medusa. It's an elegant and eye-catching option and because it passes through a fleshy part of the face, it's got many nerve endings, so it can sting more than ear piercings. Expect a sharp pinch followed by a slight throbbing sensation. Swelling is normal, but once healed it's beautifully symmetrical.

7. The dermal anchor. Dermal piercings are single point piercings placed almost anywhere on the body, collarbones, hips, even cheeks. The process involves inserting a small anchor beneath the skin which holds the jewelry in place. Because of this, the pain can be quite sharp and the procedure feels different from traditional piercings. Healing also can take longer as the skin needs to settle around the anchor. Despite the discomfort, dermals are incredibly striking, offering a unique gemstone like shimmer wherever you choose to place them.

While these seven piercings are known for their bite. The pain is fleeting, but the style is forever. Things only take a few seconds to complete and the adrenaline rush often makes people forget the sting straight away. The key is to go to a professional repeatable piercer who uses sterile equipment and prioritizes your comfort with good aftercare and letting your piercing heal naturally. It makes all the difference in ensuring a smooth recovery. It's about self-expression, not suffering, so pick something that works.