A rook piercing sits high up in the inner fold of the ear and is for anyone who wants an ear look with character. It looks detailed, works well on its own and is often combined with helix, tragus, conch and daith. Here is the whole guide: where the rook sits, whether your ear suits it, how much it hurts, how long healing takes and which rook jewellery to choose.
Where does a rook piercing sit?
The rook sits in the vertical fold of cartilage in the upper part of the inner ear, just above the daith and inside the outer rim. The jewellery goes vertically through the fold, so you see two small ends: one at the top and one at the bottom.
Can everyone get a rook piercing?
Not necessarily. A rook needs a clear fold of cartilage that is strong enough for the jewellery to sit comfortably. If the fold is flat or thin, the piercing can become unstable. A professional piercer can look at your ear and judge whether it is suitable.
If your ear is not suitable, a faux rook is an alternative. It is a piercing on the flat area next to the fold with a labret, so it looks like a rook from the front.
How much does a rook piercing cost?
The price at a professional piercing studio depends on the studio and the initial jewellery you choose, which is usually included. Once it has healed, you will find rook piercing jewellery from €5 at BY CARA.
Does a rook piercing hurt?
Rook goes through a thick fold of cartilage and is considered one of the more noticeable ear piercings. Most people describe a strong pressure that is quickly over, followed by a throbbing tenderness for the first few days. How much it hurts depends on your anatomy, your piercer's technique and your own sensitivity.
Healing: 6-12 months
A rook usually heals in 6-12 months and sometimes longer. Because it sits protected inside the ear, it gets less pressure from your pillow than a helix, but it can still become irritated. What helps:
- Keep the curved bar in throughout the healing. It sits steadily in the fold and moves less than a ring.
- Clean with saline 1-2 times a day and only touch the piercing with clean hands.
- Do not twist the jewellery, and keep hair products and perfume away from the ear.
- Change your pillowcase often, and be careful when pulling jumpers over your head.
Rook and migraine
Like the daith, the rook is sometimes mentioned as a piercing for migraine. There is no scientific evidence that it works. Read more in our guide to migraine piercings.
Rook jewellery: curved bar or ring?
- Curved bar (curved barbell) is the standard choice and the best during healing. It follows the fold and sits calmly. The most common lengths are 6 and 8 mm.
- Ring gives a bolder look once the piercing is fully healed. A ring moves from side to side, so wait until the hole is ready and choose a small, snug diameter. Measure your current jewellery or ask your piercer if you are unsure.
The standard thickness for rook is 1.2 mm. All rook jewellery at BY CARA is made of titanium and surgical steel with a silver-tone finish, 18K gold plating or PVD coating. It is nickel-free, lead-free and waterproof, and made for healed piercings.
Questions and answers about rook piercings
Does a rook piercing hurt?
The rook is considered one of the more noticeable ear piercings because it goes through a thick fold of cartilage. The piercing is quickly over, but the tenderness can last a few days.
How long does a rook piercing take to heal?
Usually 6-12 months, sometimes longer. Keep the curved bar in until the piercing is fully healed.
Can everyone get a rook piercing?
No. It needs a clear fold of cartilage in the upper part of the ear. A professional piercer can judge whether your ear is suitable. Otherwise, a faux rook can be an alternative.
What is a faux rook?
A piercing on the flat area next to the rook fold with a labret, so it looks like a rook from the front. It is used when the ear does not have room for a real rook.
Which jewellery fits a rook piercing?
The standard is a curved bar in 1.2 mm with a length of 6 or 8 mm. A small ring fits once the piercing is fully healed. Rook jewellery at BY CARA starts from €5.
When can I put a ring in my rook?
Only once the piercing is fully healed. A ring moves more than a curved bar and can irritate a new hole.
This guide is for general guidance. If your piercing is red, warm and tender for a longer period, contact your piercing studio or your doctor.
