Which Body Piercings Hurt the Most?

Some piercings are noticeably more painful than others, and a few have recovery periods that can be uncomfortable for weeks or even months.

Body piercings have become more mainstream and widely accepted. What used to be associated with subcultures now appears in corporate environments and executive settings.

You might be considering getting pierced yourself. But which placements are the most painful?

There’s no simple universal answer. Everyone experiences some level of pain when pierced, and individual pain thresholds differ greatly.

Your mindset also influences how much it hurts. If you’re excited about the piercing or enjoy a bit of sting, your experience will likely differ from someone who’s nervous or fearful.

Still, evidence and many personal accounts suggest that certain body regions are generally more sensitive than others.

Rule of thumb: Areas with fewer nerve endings typically result in less pain.

Piercing pain scale

Below is a general ranking of how much various piercings tend to hurt, from most painful to least painful.

Genital piercing

Genital areas rank among the most nerve-dense zones on the body.

The penis has approximately 4,000 nerve endings linked to the pudendal nerve, so expect significant discomfort with these piercings.

Piercings of the penis vary — from Prince Albert to deeper shaft placements — and pain levels depend on the exact location.

The clitoris is also extremely sensitive with thousands of nerve endings. Even those with high pain tolerance often report that clitoral piercings can be far more intense than many other types.

Nipple piercing pain level

Nipples are another frequently pierced yet sensitive area.

Research shows that nipple nerves send direct signals to the brain similar to genital nerves. Both are erogenous zones, meaning they can overstimulate the brain and produce powerful sensations.

That sensitivity can translate into more acute pain during piercing.

Nose piercing pain level

Pain from a nose piercing depends on which part of the nose is targeted.

A septum piercing (the tissue between the nostrils) often produces a sharp but brief pain and tends to heal fairly quickly because that tissue is thin.

If you have a deviated septum or related condition, a septum piercing may feel worse because the septal nerves can be more reactive.

High nostril piercings, closer to the bridge, may be less painful initially but frequently take longer to heal. The recovery discomfort for these can exceed that of a septum piercing.

Dermal piercing pain

Dermal piercings are single-point piercings that anchor directly into the skin without an exit on the opposite side. They are common on the face, chest, and lower back.

Pain varies by placement. Forcing a piece of jewelry down through multiple skin layers can be fairly painful, so be prepared for notable discomfort.

Least painful piercings

Some piercings are generally reported as not very painful. If you’re sensitive to pain, consider these options.

Ear piercing pain level

Ear piercings are popular because they’re relatively low in pain and the earlobe heals quickly.

However, certain cartilage piercings hurt more due to thicker tissue and denser nerves, such as:

• daith piercing
• rook piercing
• conch piercing

With proper aftercare, some ear piercings can fully recover in under a month, lowering the risk of infection and painful complications.

Belly button piercing pain level

Belly-button piercings are usually considered the second least painful after ear lobes.

This is because the tissue left from the umbilical area is largely fleshy and not highly innervated.

You might feel strong pressure while the needle passes because the tissue is tougher to penetrate, but the sting typically fades quickly. Healing can take several months up to a year.

Tongue piercing pain level

Tongue piercings are actually on the lower end of the pain scale.

However, the mouth is exposed to many bacteria during eating and drinking. Tongue piercings are more prone to infection and other complications if not cared for properly.

Regular brushing, flossing, and saline rinses significantly improve healing speed and reduce pain for tongue piercings.

Eyebrow piercing pain

Eyebrow piercings sit on the border between painful and mild.

There are several major nerves in the eyebrow region, so the exact placement affects pain greatly. For instance, piercings near the center can be more painful due to the supraorbital nerve.

What it feels like to get a piercing

For most piercings, the most intense sensation is a brief moment when the needle punctures and the jewelry goes in.

People commonly describe it as a sharp sting that fades quickly. Some sites may remain sore or tender for weeks or months after, depending on aftercare.

How to find a qualified piercer

A skilled piercer can use calming techniques and proper procedure to lower your discomfort, which can change how painful you perceive the process.

Questions to ask when choosing a piercer include:

• Are they licensed and certified? Reputable piercers will hold state or local health department licensing. This should be a baseline requirement.
• Do they specialize in the piercing you want? Some procedures, like genital piercings, need specialized training. Choosing someone experienced in the specific piercing can reduce the risk of painful mistakes or unsatisfactory results. Also consider reading resources like a pain tattoos chart for general pain expectations across body modifications.
• What do customer reviews say? Play it safe: avoid piercers with poor feedback, especially if clients report persistent pain, infections, or other medical issues post-procedure.

Takeaway

Not all piercings are the same when it comes to pain. Some placements hurt considerably more than others, and some have longer, more uncomfortable healing periods.

If you’re worried about pain but still want a specific piercing, being prepared and choosing a trusted piercer can make a significant difference. For instance, certain locations like nipples vary in sensitivity — see our discussion on nipple piercing pain for more detail — and the right professional guidance will help ensure a safer, more comfortable experience.