Industrial piercings have become more and more popular over the past decade. The pain of an industrial piercing is still a hot topic for people who want to take the plunge. So the real question is simple: does an industrial piercing hurt?
Most people getting this piercing want to know exactly whether it will hurt, so we put together this detailed guide with everything you need to know about what to expect.
Table of Contents
Does an Industrial Piercing Hurt?
Let's be honest: yes, it is going to hurt to get an industrial piercing. That said, everyone feels pain differently. This article is only a guide to give you an idea of the pain you can expect.
What Is the Pain Level of an Industrial Piercing?
The thing about an industrial piercing is that you get two piercings at the same time. Because of that, the ear is already inflamed and sensitive when the second hole is made.
Many people who get this piercing say the first hole is not very painful compared with the second one.
Another thing many people report about the industrial piercing is that the healing process can be somewhat painful. Cartilage is sensitive and takes longer to heal than other types of tissue. That means the healing phase lasts several months. For a sense of cartilage timelines, see our guide on helix piercing healing time.
The initial pain is a sharp pain, like a pinch. The pain that follows during the healing process is generally less intense, but it can be constant and throbbing.
The pain during healing can be more intense if:
- You injure yourself
- You snag the jewelry
- You sleep on the piercing
What to Expect at the Piercing Studio
- While you get your ear pierced, you sit on the piercer's chair and they disinfect your ear. This prevents bacteria from being pushed through with the needle and causing an infection.
- The ear is then marked in two spots to define where it will be pierced.
- Once the marks are made and your piercer has confirmed you like the placement, they use a sharp, hollow needle to pierce the ear from the outside of the cartilage inward.
- Next, they insert the needle through the inside of the other marked spot and bring it out the back of the ear.
- The jewelry is then inserted.
How Long Does the Pain Last?
In general, cartilage piercing pain lasts a little longer than other piercings, because the needle has to pass through harder, thicker tissue. However, it is only a few extra seconds.
The pain during the healing phase can last throughout the whole healing process. That is usually 6 to 8 months for an industrial piercing.
People who have an industrial piercing point out that it is especially painful to sleep on the piercing. Piercings like this tend to flare up, get sore, and become inflamed even after they have fully healed.
What Factors Affect the Pain of an Industrial Piercing?
Here are the factors that can influence the pain of an industrial piercing:
- Lack of sleep the night before the piercing can make the pain less tolerable and slow healing if you keep neglecting sleep.
- Getting pierced while you are sick will likely slow the healing time.
- The position of the industrial piercing also makes a difference, since it can be placed horizontally or vertically, and over different lengths of ear cartilage.
- Using drugs or alcohol before a piercing is a bad idea, because it can actually make you more aware of the pain and could cause bleeding and extra inflammation.
- Your piercer's experience level and technique also make a difference. Someone more experienced will likely deliver a smoother, faster piercing.
- Your own pain tolerance and state of mind also have a big influence on your pain level.
- A numbing cream can also be used to try to ease the pain.
How to Cope With the Pain of an Industrial Piercing
As we mentioned, your state of mind makes a difference, so here is what you can do to get yourself in the right headspace:
- Listen to music or bring someone to talk to during the piercing, to help you relax.
- Think about the end result with your new piercing.
- Wear comfortable clothes and do not forget to breathe.
- Have a snack before going in so you do not faint.
- Try using a numbing cream before the procedure to ease the pain.
In Conclusion: Industrial Piercing Pain
Many people say that both the initial pain and the healing pain of an industrial piercing are fairly significant. Even so, these factors should not decide your final choice.
An industrial piercing is ideal for people who want to change up their look. Choose an experienced piercer, follow your aftercare, and the pain becomes a short chapter in a piercing you will wear proudly.
