The rook piercing has become quite popular over the last few years. If you’re curious about this stylish and trendy ear piercing, this guide is for you. You’ll learn about getting a rook piercing done, the pain level, and aftercare tips. We’re also answering common questions about it.
What’s a rook piercing?
A rook piercing is an ear piercing that goes through the cartilage fold between the top rim of your ear and your ear canal. The rook piercing has gained popularity recently for its ability to give a star-like pattern of piercings. However, before you give it a try, there are some essential things you need to know about this cartilage piercing.
Benefits of a rook piercing
The rook piercing is believed to alleviate menstrual cramps. The lower part of the rook connects to the cavum pelvis and the uterus. When this area of the ear is stimulated, it helps with menstrual pain.
The upper part of the rook connects with the intestines, kidneys, and bladder, aiding the digestive system and relieving constipation. Auriculotherapy practitioners believe the rook piercing triggers a pressure point in the ear associated with pain and stress relief.
Getting a rook piercing
A rook piercing is a bit more complex than other ear piercings, so you need to know what’s involved before taking the plunge.
How much does a rook piercing cost?
Getting a rook piercing can cost around $30 to $80. The price varies depending on the piercing studio and location. This range doesn’t include the jewelry cost.
What gauge is a rook piercing?
A rook piercing is usually a 16 gauge. You can use a 14 gauge if your antihelix is prominent.
How bad does a rook piercing hurt?
While some individuals rate it at 8 out of 10 on the pain scale, saying it’s excruciating, others place it at 2 or 3 out of 10, claiming it doesn’t hurt as much as other cartilage piercings. So, it’s hard to tell what it will be like for you.
Most people feel pressure or tugging during and after the procedure, then general throbbing. The intense throbbing pain will last a few days before finally easing up.
Healing and aftercare
Diligently caring for your rook piercing is imperative for proper healing and keeping off infections. Let’s discuss what’s involved in the aftercare period.
How long does a rook piercing take to heal?
Generally, a rook piercing can take six to twelve months to heal fully. The healing period for cartilage piercings differs from person to person, so consult your piercer to ensure your piercing has completely healed before stopping aftercare practices.
When can I change my rook piercing?
You can change your rook piercing only when it’s fully healed. Changing it before that may put you at risk of developing cartilage bumps and infections. Changing a rook piercing can be challenging because of its location.
When the piercing heals fully, it’s advisable to go back to your piercer to change the piercing for you. You may want the piercer to change out your jewelry a few times until you get used to the process.
How to care for a rook piercing
We recommend you practice the following aftercare tips after getting a rook piercing.
Avoid touching the piercing
Touching your new piercing might be tempting. However, it can lead to infections, delay healing and cause cartilage bumps. Only touch the piercing when cleaning it, and remember to wash your hands with soap and water first.
Avoid sleeping on the piercing
Sleeping on the fresh piercing will cause it to rub against the pillow, which could lead to irritation and delay healing. Wait at least six months before sleeping on the side of the piercing. Also, change your pillowcases often as they harbor dirt and bacteria, which can cause an ear infection.
Wait to change your jewelry
You might be excited to try out some cute new jewelry, but it’s advisable to wait until the piercing has completely healed.
Clean the piercing regularly
It’s important to follow a cleaning routine about three times a day for the first six months after getting the rook piercing.
Avoid swimming pools and bathtubs
Swimming pools and bathtubs may contain bacteria and harsh chemicals that can irritate the fresh piercing and lead to infections.
Avoid wearing headphones
Headphones press against the jewelry, and the pressure can cause the earring to rub against the piercing holes leading to trauma and irritation on the piercing site.
How to clean a rook piercing
To clean your rook piercing, we recommend following these steps:
Step 1: Wash your hands with soap and water.
Step 2: Spray a sterile saline solution on the piercing or soak a piece of gauze with the saline and gently wipe the piercing.
Step 3: Pat the piercing dry with gauze or a paper towel.
Frequently asked questions
You may still have some lingering questions about the rook piercing. We’ve answered some of the frequently asked questions below.
What’s a faux rook piercing?
The faux rook piercing is most suitable for people who don’t have a large enough ear anatomy to have a real rook piercing. It’s placed where the top of a curved barbell would be in a traditional rook, but the jewelry goes straight through the tissue to the back of the ear.
Piercers typically use a flat back labret for a faux rook piercing. You can also decide to have two faux rook piercings instead of one. A professional piercer will pierce the cartilage above and below the rook ridge.
Is the rook piercing the most painful?
While it’s a cartilage ear piercing, typically more painful than other piercings, the pain level depends on your pain tolerance. While some say it’s the most painful, others don’t agree.
What’s the difference between the rook and daith piercing?
A rook piercing goes through the top cartilage ridge of the inner ear and is located right below the ear’s helix. On the other hand, a daith piercing goes through the middle cartilage ridge and is located right above the ear hole.
Can you wear AirPods with a rook piercing?
Yes, you can. Considering that a rook piercing is located relatively high up in the ear, it should not be a problem to use AirPods. However, you should be extra careful not to accidentally touch the rook piercing when putting on and removing AirPods for the first few weeks after getting the piercing.
Is a hoop better for a rook piercing?
When getting a fresh rook piercing, a hoop is not ideal because it can easily move around, thus irritating your piercing further. A curved barbell is the best jewelry option for a rook piercing. After the piercing has fully healed, you can now use a hoop or bar, as either will look gorgeous on the piercing. Remember to use hypoallergenic metals like 14K gold, surgical steel, and titanium.
Ready to get a rook piercing?
The rook piercing can take a full year to heal completely. Being diligent with your aftercare practices will help the healing process and avoid complications such as infections and cartilage bumps. Like any other piercing, choose a knowledgeable and skillful professional piercer.
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