The classic ear piercing. Soft tissue, quick to perform, and heals relatively fast.

Good to Know: Great first piercing. Minimal swelling and usually no bleeding beyond a small dot.

Pain level 2/10

Still classed as ear lobe but closer to cartilage, giving a slightly firmer feel.

Good to Know: Heals slower than standard lobes but still beginner friendly.

Pain level 3/10

Piercing through the upper ear cartilage.

Good to Know: More pressure than sharp pain. Can ache for a few days afterwards.

Pain level 5/10

Placed at the front of the ear where cartilage is thicker.

Good to Know: Swells easily and requires precise placement due to anatomy differences.

Pain level 6/10

The small flap of cartilage in front of the ear canal.

Good to Know: Clients often hear a crunch sound - totally normal and harmless.

Pain level 4/10

Placed in the centre cartilage of the ear, either inner or outer.

Good to Know: A deep pressure sensation. Swelling can feel intense for a few days.

Pain level 6/10

Pierced through the innermost cartilage fold of the ear.

Good to Know: Tricky anatomy-wise. Feels more uncomfortable than painful.

Pain level 6/10

Through the ridge of cartilage above the daith.

Good to Know: Thick cartilage = more pressure. Expect tenderness during healing.

Pain level 7/10

Two cartilage piercings connected by one bar.

Good to Know: Anatomy dependent. Healing can be long and requires commitment.

Pain level 8/10

Nostril, High Nostril - Pierced through cartilage or soft tissue depending on placement.

Good to Know: Nose piercings can make your eyes water. The nose is connected to the tear ducts - similar to pulling a nose hair. Totally normal and temporary.

Pain level 5-6/10

Placed through the “sweet spot” between cartilage.

Good to Know: Often less painful than expected. Skilled placement is everything.

Pain level 4/10 when done correctly

A surface piercing through the eyebrow ridge.

Good to Know: Bruising is common - yes, you can get a black eye. Swelling usually settles within a week.

Pain level 4/10

Labret, Medusa, Monroe, etc. Pierced through the lip tissue.

Good to Know: Swelling can be dramatic for the first few days. Longer bars are used initially and will need changing.

Pain level 5/10

Vertical piercing through the centre of the tongue.

Good to Know: Swelling is intense but short-lived. Speech may be funny for a few days.

Pain level 6/10

Pierced through the upper rim of the belly button.

Good to Know: Heals slowly and is anatomy-dependent. Snagging is the biggest issue.

Pain level 4/10

Pierced horizontally or vertically through the nipple.

Good to Know: Sharp but quick. Often followed by a burning sensation.

Pain level 8/10