Rook Piercing: the good, the great and the fabulous

Ready to add a touch of edgy elegance to your ear game? Then let us introduce you to the Rook Piercing: the stylish, understated, but oh-so bright star of the cartilage constellation. 

Found in the snug fold beneath the helix, this piercing sits just above where the Daith Piercing resides, which often causes a mix-up between the two. But make no mistake—this little gem holds its own! Whether it’s shining solo or paired with a dazzling cartilage cluster, the Rook Piercing is the ultimate accessory to elevate your style.

Want to discover more? Of course you do! That’s why we created this go-to guide on all things Rook Piercing.

Got questions about an Ear Rook Piercing? We’ve got the answers

Are you ready to try something a little different? We like your style, but before you book in for a consult with a SkinKandy piercer, we want to ensure you have all the information you need. So, we’re here with the answers to these common questions.

What age can you get a Rook Piercing?

We’re glad you asked! From 13 years of age, with a parent’s okay, you can book in for your Rook Piercing. Once you hit 16, that decision is all yours, unless you’re in WA, in which case  you’ll need to wait until you’re 18 to get pierced without parental consent.

How much does a Rook Piercing cost?

This type of piercing starts at just $45, but ask your piercer about our two-for-one combo. Head over to our Piercing Menu for a rundown on the prices of all SkinKandy services.

How is a Rook Piercing performed?

This is where things start getting a little bit technical. The piercing is generally performed with a 16-gauge curved barbell. Its location makes it a little tricker to pierce than, say, your standard Lobe Piercing, which is why you should always get a Rook Piercing with an experienced pro (hello, SkinKandy piercers). 

Want the look but don't have the right anatomy? Ask our piercers about a Faux Rook Piercing! This is like the carefree cousin of the traditional Rook Piercing. Instead of going through the anti-helix, it takes a detour and settles in the upper ear cartilage, in a similar location to a Helix Piercing. It’s a different way to get that rook look.

Rook Piercing pain

Okay, let’s talk about pain. Like any piercing on any part of your body, there’s going to be some discomfort involved. How much? Well that depends on your pain threshold. 

Our clients tell us that piercings through cartilage are generally a little more painful than those through the lobe, but hey, the discomfort is short lived (our piercers don’t muck around) and totally worth it.

What’s the healing time for a Rook Piercing?

Healing time varies from person to person, but generally it takes up to nine months for a piercing to fully heal. In the days after your piercing you might experience some swelling, bleeding or a little discharge but these are nothing to worry about. Keep up with your aftercare and these issues will clear up in no time. 

Although rare, Rook Piercings can sometimes become infected. If you think you might have an infection, talk to your piercer or make an appointment with your GP if you’re really concerned.

If you or a family member has experienced keloids in the past, it’s really important to chat to your piercer about these. Keloids are large, thick scars that can be really painful, difficult to heal and may spread beyond the initial piercing. It’s not a great idea to get a cartilage piercing if you are at risk of keloids.

Rook Piercing aftercare

Taking proper care of your new Rook Piercing is essential for ensuring a smooth healing process. When you shower, it’s fine to get your piercing wet but avoid touching it and be really careful to pat gently around the piercing to make sure it’s dry. 

Your SkinKandy piercer can set you up with an aftercare spray that you’ll need to use twice a day. Make sure your ear is dry before applying the spray, then give your piercing a thorough spritz. Use a makeup pad to gently dry the area afterwards.
Don’t forget to follow the aftercare guide provided by your piercer and check out our blog on aftercare for more information. It's also really important to resist the urge to touch or fiddle with your piercing, so, hands off!

Rook Piercing jewellery

On the hunt for Rook Piercing earrings? You’ve got a few options in gold for sensitive skin and everyday wear, plus surgical steel and titanium. Our range includes the most understated, unadorned rings to blingy bars that sparkle and shine and more daring pieces with a bit more edge.

Want to know if you can rock a Rook Piercing with a hoop? The rook can be a tricky spot to access so chat to your piercer about what jewellery works best on you. Explore these gems today:

• Curved Barbell
  We probably don’t need to explain the shape. These little barbells are curved (who would have thought!?) with decorative ends and are ideal for positioning into a Rook Piercing.
• Hinged Segment Ring
  These rings are versatile, easy to use and super secure. Plus they look good on any part of the ear, so they will definitely become a solid player in your jewellery game. The hinged segment makes it easy to open and close the ring, so if you love to swap pieces and change your look, these rings are winners.
• Horseshoe Rings
  Shaped like a horseshoe, these rings have two balls or decorative ends that hold them into place. We’ve got a range of Horseshoe Rings ready to go.

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Ready to become a Rook star?

From selecting the perfect jewellery design to mastering the art of aftercare, you’ve now got all the knowledge you need to rock your Rook. Now you just need to jump into our online booking form and take the next step in upping your ear game.