Nipple Piercings
Nipple piercings are sometimes rumored to have been popular among Victorian-era women, but there is little credible evidence to support this claim. More likely, nipple piercings are a modern trend, gaining popularity in the 1970s within the gay leather community before becoming widespread across all genders.
Despite common assumptions, nipple piercings are not typically very painful, but they do require a longer healing process. Proper placement is crucial for successful healing. The piercing should be positioned at the base of the nipple where it meets the areola. If placed too deep into the areola, healing may be prolonged or unsuccessful, often leading to scarring and misshapen nipples. If positioned too far forward toward the nipple’s tip, the piercing has a higher risk of migrating, potentially requiring removal. When properly placed, nipple piercings can enhance sensitivity and give the nipples a slightly perkier appearance.
Jewelry and Healing Time
For Men
For Women
Healing Time
Aftercare
For men, the thinnest suitable jewelry is 14 gauge, as anything thinner increases the risk of migration, tearing, or excessive scarring. For those with larger nipples or plans for heavier play, 12 gauge or thicker jewelry may be preferable. As with women’s piercings, barbells are the best choice for initial healing, though rings can sometimes be worn later.
For women, the thinnest recommended jewelry for initial piercings is 12 gauge, with 10 gauge being an option for larger nipples or those interested in heavier play. Since women’s nipples are larger and experience more friction from bras and tight clothing, slightly thicker jewelry helps prevent issues. While rings can be worn after healing, barbells are recommended for initial piercings, as they are the most comfortable and least likely to cause irritation.
Healing times vary: Men’s nipple piercings typically heal in four to six months, while women’s can take six months to a year due to the piercing passing through more tissue. It is not uncommon for women to experience occasional discharge throughout the first year, sometimes more so around their menstrual cycle. Both men and women may notice increased discharge when stressed, sick, or sleep-deprived.
Proper aftercare is essential for smooth healing. Saltwater soaks can help soothe sore nipples and promote healing. Avoid touching your piercings with unclean hands, and ensure that your partner does the same. Most importantly, no oral contact should occur until the piercing is fully healed, as this is one of the fastest ways to cause irritation or infection. As tempting as they may look, patience is key—wait until they’re healed!
FAQs
Does it hurt?
Although this piercing goes through thicker tissue than some others, most people—especially women—are surprised to find that it’s not as painful as they expected. It’s often described as feeling like a sharp, quick bite—just a brief moment of discomfort. (Or two, if you’re getting both nipples pierced!)
Is there any reason not to get both done at once?
From a healing and aftercare perspective, caring for both piercings at once is no more difficult than caring for just one. Plus, getting both done in the same session can save you money, as we offer a discount for multiple piercings. However, if you choose to get them done separately, you’ll still have one to enjoy while the other heals.
Will my nipple sensitivity increase after the piercing? Is there a risk of losing sensation?
Piercing your nipples typically increases sensitivity rather than decreasing it. The nerves in the nipple are spread out, so there isn’t a single area that could be severed and cause a complete loss of sensation. If this were a significant risk, nipple piercings wouldn’t be as popular—nor would there be so many people enjoying their heightened sensitivity.
Some individuals do report that, over time, their nipples feel less sensitive than they did immediately after being pierced, eventually returning to their pre-piercing level of sensation. For those seeking to regain some of that initial excitement, we often recommend switching to thicker jewelry or slightly stretching the piercing to enhance stimulation.
Will they be visible through clothing?
Whether your piercing is visible through clothing depends on both your choice of jewelry and the type of clothing you wear. Barbells with small balls are usually less noticeable than rings and are nearly invisible under tight-fitting fabrics. For women, padded bras effectively conceal most jewelry. However, if you prefer to showcase your piercings, opt for larger balls on barbells or consider stretching to thicker jewelry once your piercings have fully healed.
Which is the better option, a ring or a barbell?
Barbells are generally the best choice for initial nipple piercings, as they are the easiest to heal. For men who are physically active, barbells are less likely to get caught or bumped during workouts or sports. For women, barbells are more comfortable for healing and work better under bras and clothing.
Once the piercings are fully healed, rings can sometimes be worn, but they must be large enough to avoid distorting the piercing. Typically, men need at least a 1/2″ diameter, while women require 5/8″ or larger. However, for many women, rings can still be problematic even after healing, as the right jewelry size depends not only on nipple size but also on breast size and nipple placement.
How long can't I swim?
It’s best to avoid swimming for the entire healing period. The risk to your piercing depends on where you’re swimming—while saltwater and chlorine may not be too harsh, bacteria in the water can pose a problem. Ocean water quality varies, so swimming at a tropical beach is different from swimming at the Jersey Shore. Pools can also be unpredictable, as you can’t always be sure how well the chemicals are balanced or what else might be in the water.
Hot tubs, quarries, and lakes should be completely avoided, as their water quality is even more questionable. At a minimum, plan to stay out of the water for at least three months, and if you do decide to swim during the healing process, be sure to thoroughly clean your piercing afterward.
Can nipples that are small or inverted be pierced?
Almost any nipple can be pierced, including small or inverted ones. As long as your nipple becomes erect when stimulated or exposed to cold, it can be pierced. Smaller nipples may require smaller initial jewelry, but they often grow after being pierced, allowing for stretching once healed—which can also increase their size.
However, if your nipples remain completely flat or inverted even when stimulated, piercing may not be recommended.In these cases, the jewelry is more likely to migrate forward or grow out over time.
Can women who are breastfeeding get their nipples pierced?
Nipple piercings do not affect the ability to breastfeed. The nipple contains multiple milk ducts, not just one central channel, and these ducts can naturally reroute around any obstruction, much like blood capillaries bypass blockages. Interestingly, some people who have had their nipples pierced report fewer issues with infections, irritation, or scar tissue from breastfeeding, possibly due to improved blood flow, better hygiene, and the skin becoming more resilient.
That said, if you are currently nursing, it’s best to wait before getting your nipples pierced. Your piercings should be fully healed before your baby comes into contact with them.
Can I get a nipple piercing after breast surgery?
To be safe, consult your doctor first. After breast augmentation, nipple piercing is usually not a problem once healing is fully complete, which may take six months to a year. However, after breast reduction surgery, piercing is generally not recommended, as the blood supply to the tissue may be compromised, increasing the risk of healing complications.