Everything you need to know about getting a nipple piercing

The low-down on getting your nipples pierced.

Like all good body modification decisions, I got my nipples pierced on a whim, with no research or prior knowledge involved whatsoever. My older sister and I were in our hometown visiting our mum for the holidays and had been sent to the local shopping centre to hunt for some last-minute stocking stuffers. Naturally, instead of festive socks and novelty card games, I spent my money piercing my boobs.

It was very Thirteen of us – something about visiting home always brings the rebellious teen out in me, you know? My sister already had one of hers pierced when she turned 18 and insisted it was the best – and most pain-free – decision she’s ever made. And as she was older and wiser, I took her word for it and walked into the closest dodgy-looking chemist/piercer combination.

We like nosy people. Don’t be shy, head to our Beauty section for more. 

While everything turned out fine – both nipples are still intact – a little advice wouldn’t have gone astray. A great rule of thumb is to not pierce or tattoo anything you’ve thought about for less than 10 minutes, generally speaking. Below, I’ve compiled all the essential info to save you the nipple piercing-induced anxiety.

Does getting your nipple pierced hurt?

I mean, yeah. Don’t listen to any convincing older sisters who tell you it won‘t hurt. When you think about it, it’s a needle going through a thick part of your body that’s packed with nerve endings and typically quite sensitive. As someone who’s collected quite a few piercings over her life, this one honestly felt like nothing I’d ever experienced before.

Numbing cream is something you can ask your piercer about and opt into if you’re really worried. That stabby-burning pain only lasts for a few seconds while the needle is pushing through; it subsides to a dull ache for the next few days. Something I didn’t expect was the throbbing across my chest post-piercing – I’d suggest getting someone else to drive you home as I found it uncomfortable to lift my elbows above my waist (and up to a steering wheel).

What’s the process of getting a nipple piercing like?

Once you’ve entered the piercing room and taken a seat, your piercer will talk you through placement, jewellery, aftercare, pain, etc. Ask any extra questions you have at this time – I wasn’t thinking super clearly post-punctures. Make sure the needle is sterile and you feel comfy. You’ll take your top and bra off if you’re wearing one, lay down and get your placement sorted.

They’ll usually use a Sharpie to mark out where the piercing will sit. They’ll bring out a clamp to hold everything in place and swab the nip to make sure it’s sterile and erect. You’ll take a deep breath and endure the glorious pain! And no – one person can’t do both nips at once. I checked.

What kind of nipple piercing jewellery should I get?

If you’re working with a good piercer (you should be), they’ll guide your jewellery choices based on your anatomy. Everyone’s nipples are different, so what works for one person’s nips might not be right for yours. I got both pierced because I liked the idea of balance but a lot of people opt for just the one. Barbells are a classic choice because they look cute under clothes, are less likely to catch and pull and allow more room for swelling, which is pretty likely to happen.

I didn’t check the gauge of my barbell pre-piercing (I actually didn’t check anything) but most sources say the standard is a 12 or 14 gauge. Anything bigger will be too short and cause problems down the line, which is not the vibe. According to Painful Pleasures, the primo choice is “internally-threaded titanium or surgical steel bent barbells or straight barbells that are just a little longer than your nipples are ideal starter jewellery for nipple piercings”.Once you’re all healed up, you can start building up your jewellery collection with the fun stuff.

How long do nipple piercings take to heal?

This is very important and not to be glossed over when you’re considering sticking metal through your nips. It’s a piercing in a tricky spot, so aftercare is everything. You’re going to have to commit to the healing process. Avoid touching it as much as possible until it’s fully healed, which can take up to a year. That doesn’t necessarily mean it’s going to be painful for a whole year but it does mean you’ll need to keep up with your aftercare practices.

You’ll want to soak or spray the area with a saline solution daily, as per your piercer’s instructions. Wear fitted, cotton tops and/or bras and keep in mind there might be some leakage, which is just another part of the healing process. Don’t wear anything precious for the first couple of weeks (blood might happen). Be careful when getting changed, having sex or taking part in any activity where the nipples are out and about.

Unfortunately, sometimes your body just doesn’t love certain piercings. While serious nipple piercing infections aren’t super common, keep an eye on how you’re feeling. If the telltale signs of infection are happening (a green or yellow discharge, bleeding and discomfort months after the initial piercing, feeling feverish or the piercing site getting unusually hot), see your doctor as soon as possible. Final questions: yes, you can still breastfeed; no, they don’t stay erect forever and yes, they do make me feel amazing. Happy piercing.

For more on nipple and genital piercings, head here.