Rook piercings are one of the most modern types of piercings available and it’s an adorable option that everyone can get behind. It’s a kind of cartilage piercing where the jewelry is nestled right in the fold of the cartilage under the rim of the ear. You can have fun with the jewelry and rock it alone or in a cluster.
What Is a Rook Piercing?
A rook piercing is a kind of cartilage piercing that’s located above the tragus of the ear in the rim or anti-helix. The rook is between the outer ear and the inner conch and the piercing is done vertically with a curved barbell so both sides can be appreciated. You can also go for a circular ring.
Rook Piercing Healing Time, Pain, and Aftermath
Because it’s a cartilage piercing, the rook piercing can take anywhere from 2 to 3 months to heal. Sometimes it takes up to a year for the piercing to heal completely, so that’s something to keep in mind. You won’t be able to remove the piercing or stop the aftercare before it’s fully healed, so it’s not a low-maintenance piercing.
As a cartilage piercing, a rook piercing can be painful and it falls right in the middle of the pain scale. We all have different levels of pain tolerance, so prepare for some pain. However, it’s nothing unbearable, so don’t be discouraged by the pain if you really want to get this piercing. Going with an experienced piercer, as you should, will reduce the risk of pain because they will guide your breathing and do the piercing in one smooth motion.
In the aftermath of the rook piercing, you should expect some swelling. Aftercare with this piercing is crucial because the piercing is essentially tucked away under your cartilage folds, so it’s easy for dirt, dead skin, etc., to be a factor.
You need to do regular saline soaks during your healing process to keep the area and the jewelry nice and clean. But don’t move the jewelry! You should also avoid putting pressure on the piercing because it can lead to rejection, migration, cartilage bumps, and even infection.
Jewelry for Rook Piercing
There are many types of jewelry to choose from when it comes to rook piercings, so you’ll be able to play with your options once the piercing is healed. The most common option is curved barbells and it’s a great way to get started because it won’t tug and if you choose it long enough, it will allow your swelling. You could also get seamless hoops, captive bead rings, and clickers.
A rook piercing is not for everyone because some people don’t have enough cartilage fold to fit the piercing. Talk to your piercer first, and if a rook piercing is not possible, ask about your other options. Cartilage is more prone to infection, so proper aftercare is a must. It’s also susceptible to bumps, scarring, and other permanent issues, so you must be careful.