When it comes to body modifications, such as piercings, you obviously want to get the best and most stylish one. Well, if you’re looking for an attractive ear piercing, a rook piercing is a great option.

While many people opt for basic ear piercings, such as lobe piercings, this great cartilage piercing is a reflection of how piercing professionals have become creative over the years!

So, let’s take a look at what a rook piercing is all about.

What is a Rook Piercing?

A rook piercing is a type of cartilage piercing located in the upper ear above the tragus. The rook is basically the ridge that lies between the outer portion of the ear and the inner conch. This type of piercing is done vertically, allowing both sides of a curved barbell to be visible.

The best part about a rook piercing is that due to its placement, you can get pretty creative with your jewelry. While a curved barbell is the most popular jewelry style, you can also adorn this piercing with a super-cute circular ring. However, you can only do so after your piercing has healed. Most piercing professionals tend to start off with a 16-gauge curved barbell as it has lesser movement than a ring, and it’s vital for your jewelry to remain stationary during the healing process.

Rook Piercing Pain

A rook piercing is a fairly easy piercing to get when done properly by a piercing professional. The pain shouldn’t be anything more than a quick pinch followed by some mild tugging and pulling during the jewelry insertion. The key for minimal pain and a safe piercing is to opt for a highly professional piercer.

Average Healing Time of a Rook Piercing

Generally, cartilage piercings take a long time to heal, and you’re going to want to make sure that they are well taken care of to ensure optimal healing. While the primary healing stage of a rook piercing lasts for about 6 months, the second healing stage, which comprises of the healing of the fistula, can take between 12 to 18 months.

Here are a few ways for you to aid the healing process.

Avoid Moving Your Jewelry

It is highly necessary to ensure that the jewelry remains intact during the entire healing process so you should avoid moving or rotating it.

Avoid Public Water Bodies

You should also try to avoid anything that can cause bacteria, which can lead to infections. This means that you will have to avoid public bodies of water such as lakes, pools, and Jacuzzis. However, even if you choose to jump in one of these water bodies, make sure to not submerge yourself completely, especially your pierced area.

Stay Away from Harsh Cleaners

You also need to steer clear of cleaners such as alcohol and hydrogen peroxide as they can be really harsh on your piercing by killing both good and bad tissues. The best option for you is to use a basic sea-salt solution.

Be Careful While Sleeping

Never sleep on the side that is pierced; try to sleep on the opposite side instead. Moreover, make sure that you flip sides immediately if you ever wake up on your piercing.

The bottom line is that rook piercings look incredibly stunning and will make you stand out in a crowd. Even though the average healing time of a rook piercing is fairly long, in the end, it will be worth it!