Written by

Tara Farmer

July 26, 2024

Edited by

Kristen Cramer

Fact-checked by

Jennifer Carlson

Piercing prices by type

Piercing prices range from $40 to $100+, depending on the location, piercing type, jewelry choice, and the piercer's experience. Simple earlobe piercings cost less than average. Complex styles like surface or cartilage piercings that require advanced skill cost more. Body piercing prices range from $50 to $150+, including basic jewelry.

Ear & helix

Ear piercing prices range from as low as $30 for a standard earlobe piercing to as high as $150+ for a surface piercing at the tragus. These prices include the piercing procedure and basic jewelry. Upgrading to higher-quality jewelry increases the cost but lowers the risk of an allergic reaction.

• The snug piercing is often considered the most painful cartilage piercing.

• Not everyone's anatomy can accommodate every type of ear piercing.

Eyebrow

Eyebrow piercing costs $40 to $90 for a traditional vertical piercing through the eyebrow, including basic jewelry. The piercing fee alone is typically $20 to $50. Some studios charge around $10 more for horizontal eyebrow piercings above the brow and anti-eyebrow piercings on the upper cheekbone area.

Nose & septum

Nose piercing prices range from $50 to $180, depending on the type. These prices include piercing and basic implant-grade jewelry. Classic nostril piercings cost the least, while complex nose piercings that require a piercer with a higher level of experience cost more.

Nostril and septum piercings are the most common nose piercings. A septum piercing costs $50 to $100 total on average—the same or slightly higher than a standard nostril piercing, depending on the studio. This piercing goes through the thin membrane between the septum cartilage and the tip of the nose.

Other less common nose piercings include the high nostril, rhino, septril, bridge, and nassallang. These piercings are more complex and costly.

Lip

A lip piercing costs $50 to $100 on average—$30 to $60 for the piercing itself and about $20 to $40 for basic jewelry. There are over 10 different types of lip piercings. Styles that involve two or more piercings typically cost more due to the extra piercing time and additional jewelry.

The most common lip piercing is the labret, placed just below the lower lip line, either centered or off-center.

Tongue

A tongue piercing costs $40 to $80 for either a midline vertical tongue piercing or a tongue web piercing, including the piercing and standard jewelry. Double tongue and venom bites piercings, which involve two piercings, cost $80 to $160 to account for the extra piercing and two pieces of jewelry.

Horizontal tongue piercings like frog eyes/surface and snake eyes/scoop piercings may cause permanent damage to the teeth, muscles, and nerves. These high-risk piercings are banned in some states and most reputable piercers do not offer or recommend them.

Belly button

A belly button piercing costs $50 to $100, including $30 to $50 for the piercing fee and $20 to $50 for basic navel jewelry. You'll start with a curved barbell. After the initial healing phase, other jewelry options include captive bead rings, circular barbells, belly rings with charms, and more.

Nipple

Nipple piercings cost $50 to $100 per nipple, including the piercing procedure and basic jewelry. Many shops discount the second piercing when you have both nipples pierced during the same appointment. Nipple piercings are more infection-prone than some other piercings, so quality jewelry and diligent aftercare are essential.

Dermal & surface

Dermal and surface piercings cost $60 to $100 per piercing. In some piercing shops, this price includes jewelry, while in others it only covers the piercing fee. Both dermal and surface piercings require careful aftercare and have higher risks of migration or rejection compared to other piercings.

• Dermal piercings, or microdermal implants, involve a single point of entry in the skin. A small anchor sits beneath the surface of the skin, with a removable top that sits above the skin. This creates the appearance of jewelry emerging directly from the skin.

  • Popular areas for dermal piercings include the cheekbones, dimples, neck, collarbones, chest, hips, and back.

• Surface piercings have an entry point and an exit point. A surface barbell sits parallel to the surface of the skin, with the bar under the skin and the jewelry ends visible above the skin.

  • Suitable surface bar placements include the tragus, anti-eyebrow, horizontal eyebrow, forehead center, below the collar bone, and above the hips.

• A professional piercer may recommend a dermal anchor over a surface bar or vice versa, depending on your anatomy and the area you want the piercing.

Below the waist

Genital piercings range from $70 to $150+ for the piercing and implant-grade jewelry. These include piercings like Christina, Prince Albert, or labia piercings. Their higher cost reflects the complexity and sensitivity of the area. Always choose an experienced piercer specializing in genital piercings. Proper aftercare is crucial for these intimate modifications.

What affects body piercing prices?

Several factors influence the overall cost of a piercing:

• Studio type & location: Professional piercing studios usually charge more than retail stores or kiosks, but a professional studio offers more experienced piercers and strict adherence to industry hygiene and safety standards.

• Experience & reputation: Seasoned piercers with advanced skills often charge higher rates than freshly trained associates who have had very few clients. Well-established, reputable studios may charge more for their services.

• Age: Many piercing shops charge a higher piercing fee for children under a certain age.

• Type of piercing: More intricate piercings cost more because they require specialized skills to be done safely and correctly.

• Aftercare: Some studios include aftercare products or follow-up appointments in their pricing, while others charge separately.

• Discounts: Some shops run specials or offer discounts when you get multiple piercings in one session.

• Tipping: While tipping is not required, it's standard in the piercing industry. A general guideline is to tip 15% to 20% of the total, or slightly less if you select high-end jewelry.

• Complications: If the piercing gets infected, you may need to pay for doctor's appointments and medications.

Jewelry

The material and style of the initial jewelry can significantly affect the overall cost. Prices range from less than $20 to $200 or more. Basic jewelry is typically implant-grade steel or titanium. Higher-quality titanium, niobium, and gold (14k or higher) cost more but reduce the risk of an allergic reaction or other complications.

Aftercare

Proper aftercare is crucial for all piercings. Your piercer will give you detailed instructions based on the type of piercing, but most include cleaning the piercing 1 to 3 times daily with a sterile saline wash, also called wound wash. When not included in the piercing fee, aftercare products average $5 to $20.

Besides keeping it clean and dry, follow these other common guidelines for all piercings:

• Avoid moving, rotating, or touching the piercing during the healing process.

• Don't sleep on the piercing or put any unnecessary pressure on it.

• Avoid clothing or accessories that may snag or aggravate the area.

• Don't submerge the pierced area in any body of water until after it's fully healed.

• Avoid contact with harsh cleansers, lotions, or any products with additives.

• Use fresh cotton swabs or non-woven gauze instead of cloth towels.

• Don't engage in sexual activity until after the piercing has healed completely (for facial, oral, and below-the-waist piercings).

Downsizing & stretching

Some studios offer free jewelry change services, so you only need to buy new jewelry. Other shops charge anywhere from $5 to $25, though stretching typically starts around $10 per session.

• Downsizing: In most cases, your starter jewelry is longer to allow for swelling during the healing process. Switching to a shorter piece of jewelry after the swelling goes down prevents the piercing from migrating or turning sideways.

• Stretching: Once completely healed, some individuals choose to stretch their piercing to support larger pieces of jewelry. This process requires time, patience, and additional funds for stretching appointments and jewelry as you slowly increase the size.

Piercing risks & side effects

Piercing is generally safe for most people when performed by a qualified professional, but it still carries risks. You are dealing with an open, healing wound for weeks, months, or sometimes a year or more, so the decision to get pierced is not one to make lightly.

Consider the following potential side effects before taking the leap:

• Pain & swelling: Most piercings come with initial pain, some bleeding, swelling, and ongoing soreness as they heal. Swelling may last up to 2 weeks. Cold compresses, OTC pain relievers, and adhering to aftercare instructions can help reduce the timeline of these initial effects.

• Infection: Some piercings are more prone to infection than others, but they all have this potential. However, proper hygiene practices significantly reduce this risk.

• Allergic reactions: Lower-quality steel jewelry may contain nickel, a common skin allergen. Choose hypoallergenic jewelry to minimize the risk of reaction.

• Scarring: Some people are prone to keloid formation, or thick scarring around the piercing. A good aftercare routine and high-quality jewelry can help prevent unnecessary scars.

• Tearing: When possible, keep the piercing covered to protect the jewelry from snagging on something. Be mindful of your clothing choices and physical activity.

• Migration or rejection: The body may push the jewelry out over time. Use the proper jewelry type and thickness to help prevent this.

Piercing FAQs

Do piercing prices include jewelry?

Many reputable piercers include basic jewelry in their pricing, but this can vary. Premium materials and higher-end or custom pieces typically cost extra. Always ask about pricing before getting pierced. Some shops offer package deals that include the piercing service, jewelry, and aftercare supplies.

What is the most painful piercing?

Pain is highly subjective, but areas with more nerve endings or thicker cartilage are generally considered more painful. Many report that industrial, nipple, snug, and genital piercings are among the most painful. Septum and daith piercings can also be quite uncomfortable. Proper piercing techniques can minimize discomfort.

When can I change my piercing?

In most cases, you should wait until a piercing is healed before changing jewelry. Healing time varies depending on the type of piercing and your aftercare practices, lifestyle, and overall health. Make sure you have no pain, swelling, or discharge before changing jewelry. If in doubt, ask your piercer for a professional assessment.

For dermal piercings, you can change out the top as desired but have a professional piercer perform these changes until the piercing is fully healed.

Can you get piercings while pregnant?

It's best to avoid getting new piercings while pregnant. Your body's immune system changes, potentially increasing infection risk. Hormonal changes can also affect the healing process. Additionally, if complications arise, treatment options may be limited due to the pregnancy.

If you're pregnant and considering a piercing, consult both your doctor and a professional piercer for guidance.

What piercing helps with headaches?

Some people report that daith piercings, which pass through the innermost cartilage fold of the ear, can help with migraines. However, scientific evidence is limited and anecdotal. If you're considering this for headache relief, consult a medical professional first, and don't rely on it as a sole treatment.

For a better chance of relief, Botox is an FDA-approved treatment for chronic migraines. Depending on your health insurance plan, the average out-of-pocket cost for Botox ranges from $0 to $196 per 12-week treatment. Assistance programs are also available for the uninsured.

How to find the best piercing shop

While you may find some piercings offered at mall kiosks and retail stores, those establishments often come with inexperienced piercers, limited or lower-quality jewelry options, and potentially unsafe piercing techniques. Here are some guidelines to help you select a reputable piercing shop near you:

• Look for a licensed, insured piercing studio with an active Association of Professional Piercers (APP) membership.

• Ensure the space is clean, well-lit, and uses sterilized equipment and jewelry.

• Check reviews on Fash.com and Google. Ask people you trust for recommendations.

• Ask to see a portfolio of their work to give you an idea of their experience and skill level.

• Confirm they use piercing needles rather than piercing guns, even for earlobe piercings.

• Ask about their jewelry options. A reputable piercer will use high-quality, implant-grade jewelry and be able to explain the materials they use.

• If you feel uncomfortable or if the studio doesn't meet your cleanliness standards, don't hesitate to look elsewhere.

If you're struggling to find a professional piercing studio in your area, many local tattoo shops offer professional piercing services and follow the same industry standards.

Questions to ask a professional piercer

Before getting pierced, ask your piercer the following questions:

• What's your experience and training?

• Are you a member of the APP?

• Do you have a portfolio of your work?

• What are your sterilization procedures?

• Is my anatomy suitable for the type of piercing I want?

• What type of jewelry do you use or recommend?

• What aftercare do you recommend?

• How long will healing take?

• What are the potential risks?

• How much will it cost, including jewelry?

• What should I do if there are complications?

• Are there any special considerations for my chosen piercing?

• What do you charge for follow-up visits, jewelry changes, and removal?