If you’re already flaunting some cartilage ear piercings and are thinking about what to get next, consider a rook piercing. It has nothing to do with chess, but all the Grandmasters have one, right?
Before you take the plunge, you may have some questions before going under the needle. So, here’s everything you need to know about getting your rook pierced, from the pain level to the cost, which hopefully won’t be more painful than the piercing itself.
What Is a Rook Piercing?
Of all the different types of ear piercings, the rook is in one of the more creative locations. A rook piercing goes through the ridge of cartilage in your upper ear.
The rook is one of the newer piercings placements, so it’s a perfect choice for avant garde folks. But your ear anatomy could make or break the piercing. One issue may be that your rook is too shallow. (Not that we’re calling your ears vain – we’re sure they’re are very down-to-earth.) Another could be that it’s just too small to pierce.
Expert body piercer Scott Wilkinson explains in the video below that, “The placement of the rook piercing is essential to get right. If it’s going at too much of an angle, too shallow or too deep, it won’t heal properly.”
How Much Does a Rook Piercing Cost?
On average, a rook piercing can run between $30 to $60. Different piercers will charge different amounts and jewelry prices can range dramatically, especially if you want to splurge on gemstone jewelry. Lucky for you, we hear Infinity Stones are on sale now.
Think of the price as an investment in your cool new look. You may be saving up for those comfy cloud slides from TikTok, but you shouldn’t skimp on your new rook piercing.
Your piercing like sushi; it’s worth it to pay a little extra so you’ll be happier at the end of the day. You might even get complimentary edamame!
How Painful Is a Rook Piercing?
You are getting a needle shoved (professionally) through your cartilage, so your rook piercing will likely hurt a little bit. But not as much as staying awake through all of The Irishman.
“It’s around a medium on the Pain-o-Meter,” Wilkinson says. “If you have a quality piercer who uses a good technique, sharp needles, and jewelry that won’t stick or grab, then it’ll be super easy. And generally, not too painful.” So much for using that duct tape earring we’ve been eyeing!
What’s Good Rook Piercing Aftercare?
Basic aftercare for your rook piercing is similar to how you’d care for piercings in other parts of your ear.
- Hands off! Your rook jewelry isn’t a merry-go-round. Spinning it and touching it will only make it take longer to heal.
- Keep how you sleep in mind. What’s worse than waking up on a Monday? Waking up with a sore AF ear. Think about which side you normally sleep on, and then try to get your rook piercing in the opposite one.
- Keep your ear clean. Professional piercer Matt Southwood says, “no hydrogen peroxide, no alcohol, no Neosporin, no Bactine.” Instead, gently wipe the top of the piercing with unscented soap, water, and use a saltwater soak.
How Long Will My Rook Piercing Take to Heal?
Slow and steady wins the healing race. Expect your piercing to take around three to six months to heal. You may heal faster or slower depending on your particular anatomy. Ours is orange.
But with some patience, your ear will soon be fit as a fiddle again. Just be super careful when you’re wearing headphones or earbuds when you listen to those fiddles.
What Jewelry Is Best and When Can I Change the Jewelry?
A curved barbell is the perfect type of jewelry to wear in your rook. A 16-gauge barbell will sit in the natural curve of your rook’s ridge, whereas straight jewelry, like a stud, can get caught in your hair. And you already sacrificed enough of that to the hair tie gods.
We understand that you may feel a little indecisive after wearing the same barbell for several weeks. So when can you switch to a cute hoop? Wait at least two months.
If your ear is still sensitive or if you don’t know if it’s ready to change, then it’s best to wait. If you try to change out your jewelry too soon, you may irritate your rook and delay the healing process. When your ear is healed, head back to your piercer so they can check in on your aftercare and to help you safely insert new jewelry. And to show them new pictures of your cat. He did the cutest thing yesterday!
When she's not lesson planning or editing, Laken might be hanging out with her Fulbright or graduate school colleagues, writing for sites like Entropy and Lambda Literary, or eating apple peelings.
Follow her on Twitter and LinkedIn and feel free to ask her how she was almost abducted by a cult while on a writing retreat in Ireland.
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