Nipple piercing is increasing in popularity and involves passing a bar through the areola that surrounds the nipple (either above or below), usually horizontally. Want to know more about nipple piercing? Check out our list of FAQs to make sure you know all the facts before getting your nipple pierced. 

How painful is nipple piercing? 

It is commonly assumed that nipple piercing will be extremely painful but anecdotal evidence suggests that people tend to describe nipple piercing pain at as low as 4 out of 10 on the pain scale. This could be because the piercing is actually underneath the nipple which makes it less painful. Some people report that the nipple piercing feels like a pinch. This piercing can be performed very quickly which will also help it to hurt less. 

How long do nipple piercings take to heal? 

Nipple piercings take, on average, between 6-12 months to heal completely to the point where you can remove the jewellery and put it back in. Nipple piercing care is an essential part of ensuring the best healing for your nipple piercing. 

How much does it cost to get a nipple piercing? 

It usually costs between £40 - £70 to get a nipple piercing. The nipple piercing cost may depend on the type of piercing jewellery. We always recommend paying the additional price for high quality piercing jewellery as this will help your piercing to heal. Remember, piercing prices often reflect the experience required to carry out the piercing. It is important to make sure you see a professional piercer for any type of piercing. 

How do nipple piercings work? 

When getting a nipple piercing, your piercer will mark the piercing site so you can make sure it is straight and that the location will work for you. They will then clamp the skin and pass a piercing needle through the areola of your nipple (usually underneath the actual nipple). They will then insert the piercing jewellery and release the clamp. The nipple piercing purpose is simply to boost your confidence but some people have reported an increase in nipple sensitivity after getting their nipples pierced. 

Should I wear a bra to get my nipples pierced? 

You can wear a bra to get your nipples pierced but make sure it is not a very tight bra. Most people find sports bras or other types of soft bra are best when getting nipple piercings and during the healing process. If you aren’t wearing a bra then make sure you have a loose top on as this will prevent the nipples from being rubbed and becoming irritated.  

What should I wear after getting my nipples pierced? 

After getting your nipples pierced, make sure you continue wearing soft bras or sports bras as this style of clothing will not be too tight against the new piercing. Make sure any clothing you wear is not rubbing against the piercing or is likely to get caught. Avoid clothing such as lacy bralettes or tight shaping bras. If you are not wearing a bra then make sure your top is loose fitting to prevent your piercing from getting rubbed. 

How long will my nipples be sore after piercing? 

Your nipple piercing is likely to be sore for up to two weeks after being pierced. Most people find the initial swelling will reduce after one week and your nipples will start to feel more comfortable. Other symptoms that you may experience include bleeding, itching, and discharge which may make your nipples feel sore. As long as none of these symptoms are extreme, your piercing is healing nicely. If you do experience any problems that lead you to think you may have an infection or your nipples are still sore a long time after getting them pierced them consult your doctor or piercer. 

Is it dangerous to pierce your nipples? 

Every piercing carries risks, so nipple piercings are no more dangerous than any other piercing. Nipple tissue takes a long time to heal and piercings with long healing periods are more likely to become infected but with routine aftercare, you will greatly reduce the risk of this happening. One of the most common ways to get a nipple infection is from contact with someone else’s mouth on your nipple. During the healing process, it is vital you refrain from touching your nipples with any part of the body as this can introduce bacteria into your piercing. 

Can you lose feeling in your nipples after being pierced? 

Most people report the opposite and find rather than losing the feeling in the nipples after being pierced, they have increased sensitivity. You will need to be patient to find out if having a piercing has affected the feeling in your nipples as it is strongly advised not to touch your nipple piercing while it is healing, whether that be with hands or a mouth, as this will introduce bacteria. 

Do nipple piercings go off in airports? 

It can be awkward when your intimate body jewellery sets off airport sensors or other security sensors. If you aren’t able to show your piercing in public and you are worried about being stopped by security then why not temporarily switch your jewellery to something non-metallic? Acrylic piercing retainers are a great addition to anyone’s piercing collection as they can come in handy for a number of occasions including hiding your jewellery, for medical procedures, and for participating in sports. Having said this, usually, your piercing jewellery will be so small that is it unlikely to set off large detectors. 

Can you breastfeed with nipple piercings? 

You can breastfeed with healed nipple piercings without any problems. Make sure to remove your nipple piercing jewellery and thoroughly clean the nipple each time you breastfeed, for your baby’s safety. If you are thinking about getting a nipple piercing but are likely to be breastfeeding within the next year we would advise waiting until after you have finished breastfeeding to get your nipple piercing.  

Do nipple piercings make your nipples hard forever? 

Nipple piercings do not make your nipple hard forever. You may find that after getting the initial piercing your nipples look as if they are always erect but this is usually an illusion caused by swelling. Your nipples will naturally be more noticeable when adorned with piercing jewellery which may give the impression that they are always hard, especially since the piercing jewellery will be visible under clothing unless you are wearing a padded bra or thick clothing. You may also find your nipples are hard more often within the first few weeks of piercing as your nipples will take some time to get used to the presence of the piercing jewellery. 

When piercing nipple, make sure you have thought about how this piercing will fit into your current and future lifestyle. It may affect your clothing choices and initially will mean you aren’t able to safely breastfeed. Having said that, this is a seriously cool body modification so it’s no wonder that nipple piercings are increasing in popularity. 

Want to know more about piercings at Blue Banana or have more questions you are trying to find the answers to? Check out our Piercing Guides and Piercing FAQs for more information.