Ear piercing types › Rook
Rook Piercing
Try a rook piercing on the planner →
What is a rook piercing?
A rook piercing goes vertically through the inner ridge of cartilage (the antihelix fold) in the upper part of the ear, just above the daith. The jewelry sits tucked inside the fold, so it looks subtle from the front but shows up nicely from the side.
Does a rook piercing hurt?
It's one of the more painful ear piercings, usually 6–7 out of 10, because the needle passes through a thick fold of cartilage. The soreness can last longer than with outer-rim piercings.
Rook piercing healing time and aftercare
Often 6–12 months, sometimes longer. Rook piercings tend to swell, so the initial jewelry is a little longer. Clean with sterile saline and avoid twisting or playing with the barbell.
Rook piercing jewelry and size
A curved barbell, usually 16g (1.2 mm), is the standard starting piece. Once healed, some people switch to a small ring, but the curved barbell remains the most comfortable.
Typical starting gauge: 16g (1.2 mm). Common jewelry: Curved barbell.
Who can get a rook piercing?
The rook is anatomy dependent — you need a pronounced fold of cartilage to pierce through. A piercer can tell you in seconds whether your ear can support one.
What to pair it with
A rook pairs well with a daith right below it, or with a helix and lobe stack for a mix of front-facing and tucked-in jewelry. You can test combinations in the ear piercing planner and save the result to show your piercer.
Rook piercing FAQ
Does a rook piercing hurt?
It's one of the more painful ear piercings, often rated around 6–7 out of 10, because it passes through a thick cartilage fold.
Can everyone get a rook piercing?
No. It needs a pronounced ridge of cartilage. A professional piercer will check your anatomy first.
What jewelry goes in a rook?
A curved barbell, usually 16g, is the standard choice.
Pain is a commonly reported range and varies by person. Healing times follow general guidance from the Association of Professional Piercers. This page is general information, not medical advice — always talk to a professional piercer.
Other ear piercings
Helix Forward Helix Flat Daith Tragus Conch Snug Anti-Tragus Auricle Lobe Upper Lobe