Said to be one of the less painful cartilage piercings, the rook piercing continues to be a popular choice. On the inner part of your ear as opposed to the outside there’s also a lower risk when it comes to catching them on things like your hairbrush or clothing and it means you can rest easy on your pillow almost straight away. No sleeping sitting up here!
Eager to find out more? We’ve asked piercer Jess Sellars, owner of The Luna Collective and piercer and piercing mentor, Cat Chudyk to spill the beans on this delicate ear adornment.
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What is a rook piercing?
Referred to as the sister of the ‘daith’ piercing, the rook is the horizontal fold of cartilage that sits just above it and separates the inner and outer part of the ear. “The piercing goes vertically through that fold and is typically done with a curved barbell or ‘j’ bar,’ says Jess. “When the rook is healed, rings can be worn and little accents or charms can be added.”
How painful are rook piercings?
You’re rarely going to get a pain-free piercing but in comparison to other cartilage piercings, it’s not as high on the pain charts.
Pros
As well as looking delightfully dainty, rook piercings are super versatile and can accommodate rings and bars – you can also add charms on them if you’re after something with a bit more bling.
Cons
“They’re quite a thick area to pierce and if you don’t get them downsized they can be prone to irritation bumps,” continues Jess. “This is why if we pierce with a bar we replace the initial one with a shorter one after around six weeks as if the bar is too long, that can also cause irritation bumps.”
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How long does a rook piercing take to heal?
For it to fully heal, Cat says it takes around six months to a year. If you follow the correct protocol and aftercare and don’t twist, turn or fiddle with it excessively, it will heal sooner rather than later. You can expect the initial swelling to have gone down within the first 3-4 weeks though.
What is the best aftercare?
“I suggest irrigating it in the shower as this softens and dislodges crusty bits that are normal for fresh piercings. It also helps promote blood circulation to the area,” advises Cat. “Then dry it with a good quality kitchen towel to avoid moisture issues as too much moisture can be irritating. You can use a sterile saline wound wash but I find showering is most effective for cleaning.”
How much does a rook piercing cost?
Prices will always depend on where you are, what jewellery you choose and the experience of your piercer. A starting price could be around £25/£30 but if you upgrade the metal or add adornments, it can escalate well into the hundreds.
Is there anyone who shouldn’t get a rook piercing?
Your piercer should be able to tell you if your ear shape is suitable for this sort of piercing. “Some people may not have enough of a ridge for the piercing to be viable or it may be that the jewellery wouldn’t be very visible but there’s always alternative options. The faux rook is a really popular alternative which is in a similar position but it’s a straight bar through the back of the ear,” explains Jess.
