September 23, 2024

Rook Piercing: Pain, Healing, Cost, Benefits, Jewelry, Risks, Aftercare

While lobe piercings are still the most popular body jewelry for the ear, other locations, like the Rook piercing, are steadily gaining popularity. Let's look at things you may want to know about this unique and possibly therapeutic piercing to see if it might be right for you.

What Is a Rook Piercing?

Rook piercings are ear piercings located in the cartilage fold between the inner and outer ear. The horizontal piercing sits above the tragus inside the anti-helix. The hole will be closer to the forward helix and consist of a single hole. You can place a variety of curved barbells or hoops within it.

Rook Piercing vs Daith

Location is the main difference between these piercings, with the rook nestled in the upper cartilage and the daith in the middle cartilage.

The location of the Rook piercing makes it easier to snag Daith piercings, and it can interfere more with earbuds or headphones. Rook piercings are usually more painful and take longer to heal.

Rook Piercing Pain Scale 1-10

Does a Rook piercing hurt? On a pain scale of 1 to 10, most people rate the pain at a 6. Some will find it more painful than this as the needle penetrates two layers of cartilage during the piercing process. The pain level drops quickly, but some will linger as cartilage piercings take longer to heal.

Rook Piercing Healing

How long does a Rook piercing take to heal? The least time for healing can be as little as 6 months. Most Rook piercings usually take longer, averaging 6 to 9 months.

To be safe, many piercing technicians recommend waiting up to a year before changing your jewelry. That gives ample time for your piercing hole to go through the healing stages.

Rook Piercing Healing Stages

While other stages of healing vary between individuals, the initial hemostasis stage ends within the first 24 hours. Here, bleeding from the piercing hole will stop due to clotting.
Inflammation is the second stage of healing and results in redness and swelling. These symptoms peak within 48 hours, but this stage can take several weeks to complete.
The third stage, proliferation, sees the wound gap close. Skin and tissue begin growing, and revascularization occurs. It can take up to 24 days for this stage to complete.
The final stage is maturation. New tissue becomes flexible, and it gains more strength. Scaring and irregular tissue appearance dissipates.

Rook Piercing Price

How much does a Rook piercing cost? Rook piercings can cost between $30 and $100. Many things influence the price of your piercing, including your location, shop size, piercing technician experience, and demand.

As with most things, you tend to get what you pay for. A cheap piercing sounds fantastic, but the small price tag can also be a red flag.

Rook Piercing Benefits: Rook Piercing for Migraines and Anxiety?

Many believe a Rook ear piercing acts as the ultimate stress-relieving body modification.

The piercing functions like ear acupuncture (auriculotherapy), with the rook location associated with fewer migraine headaches and lower anxiety levels. Some also say their Rook piercing helps to reduce cramps and pain from menstrual periods.

However, these beliefs aren't universally supported by scientific studies, although the piercing may provide a placebo effect or psychological comfort.

Rook Piercing Jewelry

1. Types of Rook Piercing Jewelry

Any type of body modification jewelry can be worn in the piercing with the most common being curved barbells (banana barbells), hoops, and CBRs (captive bead rings).

Curved Barbells (Banana Barbells)

Rook piercing stud with natural gemstones titanium $24.9, SHOP NOW.

The first piece of jewelry for your Rook ear piercing will be curved studs or barbells used during the healing process.

The curve allows decorative gems or other components to stand out more than a straight barbell. A downside, though, might be the barbell's tendency to flip inwards.

Hoops

Hoop piercing with CZ made of titanium $18.9, SHOP NOW.

Rings will place more pressure on the piercing hole when you wear them. These pieces will also be easier to snag on clothing or other materials they come into contact with.

16 gauge captive bead ring implant-grade titanium $18.9, SHOP NOW.

You can wear rings like captive bead rings in your Rook piercing hole, but it should only be attempted after your piercing is fully healed.

Labret Studs

Another type of ear piercing jewelry to consider for your Rook ear piercing is studs. But it is not commonly used. Studs will stay in place as the cartilage and surrounding tissue heal. It is also less likely to snag on clothing or other items while your ear heals.

2. Rook Piercing Size

What Gauge Is a Rook Piercing?

For most people, a Rook ear piercing requires 16-gauge (1.2mm) jewelry. Depending on how far out your anti-helix stands, you might find 14-gauge (1.6mm) jewelry a better fit.

Either size offers access to plenty of stud designs and decorations for you to choose from.

Length

The length of Rook piercing jewelry ranges between 1/4" (6mm) and 5/16" (8mm). Those looking for a snug fit prefer shorter pieces, while longer pieces offer more room between the cartilage and ends.

3/8" (10mm) is ideal for those with thick cartilage, as shorter lengths can cause irritation and bumps at or near the piercing hole.

Diameter

Should you later wish to use rings in your rook piercing hole, the pieces will range between 3/16" (5mm) and 5/16" (8mm) in diameter.

A good starting point would be 1/4" (6mm) if you want it to be comfortable and snug. You will need something closer to 5/16" (8mm) if your piercing hole sits higher up on the cartilage.

3. Recommended Metals for Rook Piercings

Implant-Grade Titanium

Curved barbell piercing ASTM F136 implant-grade titanium internally threaded $16.9, SHOP NOW.

Implant-grade titanium rook piercing jewelry is strongly recommended. It is lightweight, nickel-free, and won’t tarnish. It’s often recommended for those who are allergic to brass, nickel, and other metals common for jewelry.

14-Karat Gold

14-karat gold jewelry can offer an elevated look. However, they may be more pricey and could tarnish over time. Also consider if you have allergies, such as an allergy to gold.

Surgical-Grade Stainless Steel

If you opt for stainless steel, you should opt for surgical-grade steel. It often contributes to a smooth healing process and is extremely durable.

However, it does contain small amounts of nickel that could cause allergic reactions in those with skin sensitivities. Talk through all material options with your piercer to figure out what’s best for you and your skin.

When Can I Change My Rook Piercing?

You can begin changing out your Rook piercing jewelry once it heals, usually between 6 and 12 months. Most piercing technicians suggest waiting until the end of that period to allow the piercing hole to reach healing maturation.

Complications can arise if you change out piercing jewelry too soon.

Risks of Rook Ear Piercing

1. Infection

The biggest concern you will have is an infection in your Rook ear piercing. Cartilage piercings take longer to heal, with 30% of these piercings getting an infection. Follow all aftercare instructions to reduce the risk. That includes cleaning your piercing two or three times per day.

2. Keloid

Keloids are over-growths of scar tissue at the edge of your Rook piercing hole. They cause issues with the jewelry used and can make the site tender. Removal requires invasive actions like surgery.

3. Rejection

Less common are rejections. Because it takes longer to heal, cartilage piercings can become more sensitive to pressure from sleeping on them. Materials can be an issue, so always use surgical-grade steel or titanium. Finally, genetics can play a factor in piercing rejections.

How to Clean Rook Piercings?

It is recommended to use sterile saline that you buy from the store, rather than homemade saline, for cleaning your piercings. Homemade saline may be too salty for delicate piercing sites, leading to dryness and delayed healing.

Using mild, fragrance-free soap and water to clean your piercing site is also an option.

If you prefer homemade salt solution. You can start by mixing 1/2 teaspoon of non-iodized salt with one cup of distilled or boiled (for at least 20 minutes) water. You may choose to use less of the salt mixture like 1/4 to 1/8 teaspoon if you want a weaker solution that’s less likely to burn or sting. Stir the solution until it dissolves.

If you see signs of infection, you can also use antiseptic solutions, such as betadine, isopropyl alcohol, or diluted hydrogen peroxide. However, avoid using them for daily cleaning as they can damage cells.

Then proceed with the following steps to clean your piercing:

Soak a cotton ball, a paper towel or non-plush cloth with the solution. Avoid fabrics that could snag and pull the jewelry or leave fibers behind. Gently saturate the piercing and cleanse it. Don't remove the jewelry!
If you have a sterile saline wound wash that you buy from stores, then spay it while healing.
Ensure you cleanse the piercing of any discharge or crusty material.
Take clean gauze or cotton swabs and pat the area dry.

Your piercer should give you detailed instructions on how to keep your piercing clean once it has been placed.

Rook Ear Piercing Aftercare

Avoid sleeping on the ear you had pierced.
Take care to avoid contaminating the piercing.
Avoid touching it or applying makeup very close to it.
Avoid getting in the water that might be dirty.
Clean your piercing twice per day using a saline solution made for wound cleaning or soap and water to prevent infection.
Avoid ointments as they prevent necessary air circulation.
And of course, make sure to avoid snagging on clothes or towels.
Wear loose clothing. Avoid wearing tight clothing or clothing that may rub against the piercing, as this can cause irritation and slow down the healing process.
Use hypoallergenic jewelry like implant-grade titanium and 14- or 18-karat gold. Surgical-grade steel may contain small amounts of nickel that could cause allergic reactions.
Don't move the piercing unless you're cleaning it. Pulling on a piercing early in healing is painful, but it also can get in the way of healing or damage the piercing itself.
Wait until your piercing heals before changing out your jewelry.
Watch for potential signs of infection and consult your piercer or doctor if it becomes infected.

You should ensure you get pierced by someone experienced and reliable who utilizes the right cleaning and sterilization procedures. You’ll also need to choose high-quality jewelry that you aren’t allergic to. After you get your piercing, be sure to follow all instructions from your piercer.