How much do nipple piercings cost?
How much do nipple piercings cost?
$50 – $100 average cost per nipple (piercing + basic jewelry)
Average nipple piercing cost
A nipple piercing costs $50 to $100 total on average for the piercing fee and basic implant-grade jewelry. The nipple piercing price alone ranges from $30 to $60, depending on the studio's location and the piercer's experience level. Many shops discount the second piercing when having both nipples pierced in the same session.
| Factor | Average price per nipple |
|---|---|
| Piercing fee | $30 – $60 |
| Basic jewelry | $20 – $40 |
| Average total cost | $50 – $100 |
Nipple piercing price factors
Several factors influence the cost of nipple piercings:
Location: Prices vary by city and even neighborhood. Piercing studios in urban areas and high-end districts typically charge more.
Studio reputation: Well-known, highly-rated studios often charge premium prices for their expertise and safety standards.
Piercer experience: More experienced piercers may charge higher rates.
Jewelry design & material quality: Jewelry prices range from as little as $10 to as much as $200 or more, depending on the material and design. A simple barbell made of basic surgical steel is less expensive than an ornate design in 14K gold or titanium.
Package deals: Some studios offer discounts for piercing both nipples at once.
Aftercare products: These may be included in the price or sold separately. On its own, sterile saline solution, or wound wash, costs $5 to $20, depending on the brand and size.
Downsizing: After the initial healing stage, once swelling subsides, most people downsize to a shorter piece of jewelry to prevent movement that could cause irritation and prevent full healing.
Tipping: Tipping is not required, but it tends to be expected in the body modification industry. A general guideline for good service is to add 15% to 20% to your total.
When budgeting for your nipple piercing, consider all factors, not just price. It's often worth paying more for a reputable studio with experienced piercers to ensure safety and proper technique.
Nipple piercing process: what to expect
Understanding the nipple piercing process can help you decide if it's worth the cost. Most appointments take about 15 to 20 minutes, and go something like this:
Consultation: Discuss your desires, medical history, and aftercare with the piercer.
Sanitizing: The piercer cleans and marks the piercing sites.
Piercing: Using a hollow needle, the piercer creates the hole and then inserts the jewelry. This usually only takes a few seconds.
Aftercare instructions: You'll receive detailed care instructions to promote healing.
Aftercare
Nipple piercings can take up to a year to heal, so a solid aftercare routine is essential. A professional piercer should provide you with detailed aftercare guidelines. They usually include:
Clean daily: Clean the piercing 1 to 3 times a day with a sterile saline solution only (no harsh soaps or cleansers). Do not rotate or twist the jewelry during cleaning.
Avoid touching it: Do not touch the piercing or jewelry unless necessary, and always wash your hands before touching it.
Wear protective clothes: Avoid wearing clothes that could snag the jewelry. Wear protective clothing to sleep as well.
Do not submerge: Avoid all bodies of water until your piercing heals completely. This includes lakes, tubs, hot tubs, pools, and the ocean.
Risks & side effects
While nipple piercings can be a unique form of self-expression that can increase sensitivity in a positive way for many people, they come with potential risks. These risks underscore the importance of choosing a reputable studio and following aftercare instructions meticulously, even if it means paying a higher price.
Nipple piercings are more prone to infection than some other piercings, occurring after 10% to 20% of nipple piercings, according to a 2018 study. Other risks and potential side effects include:
Abscess formation
Allergic reactions to jewelry
Changes in nipple sensitivity
Excessive bleeding or bruising
Jewelry rejection or migration
Keloids or scarring
Problems with breastfeeding
Skin tearing from catching on clothes
Choose titanium or gold (14K or higher) jewelry to reduce the risk of an allergic reaction.
Nipple piercing FAQs
How long do nipple piercings take to heal?
Nipple piercings take 6 to 12+ months to heal completely. However, initial healing occurs within 4 to 6 weeks. During this time, it's crucial to follow all aftercare instructions to prevent infections or other complications.
Can you breastfeed with nipple piercings?
Most people can breastfeed with nipple piercings. However, research indicates nipple piercings may cause problems with breastfeeding in some individuals. If you're pregnant or planning to become pregnant, consult with your doctor before getting nipple piercings.
IMPORTANT: You should not breastfeed unless the piercing is completely healed, and you should remove the jewelry before nursing to prevent choking hazards for your baby.
Do nipple piercings hurt?
While pain is relative and varies from person to person, people often report a pain level of 6 or 7 out of 10 for nipple piercings. However, the actual piercing process is quick, usually lasting only a few seconds per nipple.
Do nipple piercings close?
Nipple piercings can close very quickly if jewelry is removed, especially during the healing period. Even a piercing that has completely healed may close within just hours or days without jewelry. However, closure potential varies from person to person, and some people's healed piercings stay open much longer without jewelry.
When can I change my nipple piercing?
Change your nipple piercing only when it is fully healed. Complete healing typically 6 to 12+ months after the initial piercing, but your healing process may vary. When you do change it, ensure you use high-quality jewelry and maintain strict hygiene to prevent irritation or infection.
Piercing price comparison
The following table shows how the price of septum piercing compares to other piercing prices.
| Piercing type | Average cost (piercing fee + basic jewelry) |
|---|---|
| Lip piercing cost | $50 – $100 |
| Earlobe piercing cost | $30 – $85 (earlobe) $40 – $150+ (complex / cartilage) |
| Helix piercing cost | $40 – $90 |
| Industrial piercing cost | $70 – $100 |
| Eyebrow piercing cost | $40 – $90 |
| Belly button piercing cost | $50 – $100 |
| Nose piercing cost | $50 – $100 |
| Septum piercing cost | $50 – $100 |
| Tongue piercing cost | $40 – $160 |
| Nipple piercing cost | $50 – $100 |
Finding the best piercing studio
Choosing the right studio is crucial for a safe, successful piercing experience. Here are some tips to help you choose the best piercing studio near you for your nipple piercing:
Research online: Read studio and piercer reviews on Fash.com and Google.
Visit in person: A clean, professional environment is essential. If it's a tattoo and piercing shop, these services should have separate areas.
Confirm credentials: Ensure the studio and piercers are licensed and certified. Look for membership with the Association of Professional Piercers (APP).
Ask about sterilization: The studio should use an autoclave machine and have spore test results available.
Observe hygiene practices: Piercers should wear gloves and use single-use, sterile needles that they open in front of you just before the procedure.
Check your comfort level: If something feels off, don't hesitate to leave and find another studio.
Remember, the cheapest option isn't always the best. Prioritize safety and quality over cost when it comes to body modifications.
Piercing guns are popular in malls and retail stores, but these devices cannot be properly sterilized in an autoclave, increasing the risk of infection. They also cause "blunt force trauma" to the ear, furthering the risk of complications. The Association of Professional Piercers recommends using a needle for all piercings, even a simple earlobe piercing.
Questions to ask a professional piercer
A professional piercer should be happy to answer these questions thoroughly and patiently:
How long have you been piercing professionally?
Do you have a membership with the APP?
Can I see a portfolio of your piercing work?
How many nipple piercings have you done?
Can you explain your sterilization process?
What type of jewelry do you use for initial nipple piercings?
How do you determine what size the jewelry needs to be?
What's included in the piercing price?
Do you offer follow-up care?
Are there any activities I should avoid during healing?
What should I do if I experience complications?
How long should I wait before changing the jewelry?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.