Remember the old days when a mere second lobe piercing was the height of edgy and cool? Now we’ve got face piercings, double nose piercings, orbital piercings, and even the rook piercing. There seems to not be a shortage of this body adornment in the fashion world.
Nestled snugly in the cartilage fold above the tragus, the rook piercing is subtle yet striking, It offers a perfect blend of edginess and elegance. However, before you schedule a rook piercing appointment, you have to do your homework.
They’re increasing in popularity, and this may be because they come in handy for constellation piercing. So if you’re considering one, read this article to learn all you need to know about it.
What does Rook Piercing Entail?
Rook piercings are among the popular piercing types making the waves. Whether worn alone or in a cartilage cluster, this piercing is beautiful since it is tucked into the fold of cartilage that’s located beneath your ear’s rim or helix.
Since it is located directly above the daith, it’s quite easy to get these two piercing styles mixed up. So be sure to specifically request the piercing you want when you’re with your piercer. Also, bringing along photos will ensure that you and your piercer are on the same page.
As a cartilage piercing, the aftercare won’t be too different from other cartilage piercings. However, its location makes it difficult for you during aftercare and your piercer, during piercing.
A Sneak Peek into the History of Rook Piercings
This piercing gets its name from the unique fold of cartilage it adorns. The term “rook” comes from the Persian word “rukh,” which means chariot.
Historically, piercings have been a part of various cultures, symbolizing different meanings such as courage, spirituality, or societal status. While rook piercings don’t have a specific historical significance, you can attribute their rise in popularity to the modern piercing culture, where individuality and self-expression take center stage.
What Type of Jewelry Is Used for Rook Piercing?
For the initial healing period, use a bar or hoop. But once your healing period is over, go for the ones listed below:
Barbell
The barbell is a metal bar with balls on the ends and one of the balls is removable. Depending on the ear anatomy, it has to be smaller to fit the rook area.
Curved barbell
This 16-gauge curved barbell has less movement than a ring and can be more comfortable. Plus, it shows more.
Hoops
The hoop, though the favorite option for rook piercing lovers, is also the hardest to heal. It becomes worse if you use the ones with different shapes and textures.
The Piercing Process
Getting a rook piercing involves meticulous care and precision. A professional piercer will clean the area and mark the spot for the piercing. Afterward, they’ll use a sterilized needle to create a small hole through your cartilage fold. Then they’ll insert the jewelry, usually a curved barbell or a captive bead ring to complete the piercing.
While the procedure might cause you some discomfort, it is fast and tolerable -.
Does Rook Piercing Hurt?
A rook piercing hurts more than other kinds of ear piercings. This is because the cartilage in your ears is thicker than your soft earlobe tissue. And since the rook is a cartilage fold, puncturing it might be challenging.
Furthermore, rook piercings heal more slowly and are more prone to complications than soft tissue piercings due to the reduced blood supply.
How Long Does a Rook Piercing Take to Heal?
Cartilage piercing healing times vary greatly from person to person. So ensure you consult your piercer to be sure the piercing has fully healed before stopping aftercare practices.
The rook piercing takes anywhere from six to nine months to a full year to heal completely. You run the risk of cartilage bumps if you try to remove the jewelry before it has fully healed.
Aftercare Rules
Like every other piercing, ensure you clean your rook piercing two to three times daily with a saline solution according to your piercer’s instructions. Avoid aftercare sprays that contain additives, like tea tree oil. They can irritate the piercing and prolong healing.
Here are more tips to keep in mind in order to enjoy a short healing period as possible:
- Don’t wear headphones that press against the jewelry. Instead, opt for earbuds or headphones that don’t press against the rook.
- Don’t twist your rook earrings. This rule can be difficult, especially while cleaning, but it’s imperative for cartilage piercings. When conducting saline soaks, make sure you use a cup that’s big enough to engulf the jewelry without touching it and refrain from twisting the jewelry.
- Try not to sleep on the piercing. Similar to the headphones issue, this will place pressure on the earrings and cause problems. So when choosing which side to get your rook piercing on, keep your sleeping preferences in mind. And consider getting the piercing on the side that you don’t sleep on
Potential Risks and Precautions for Rook Piercing
Like any piercing, rook piercings come with certain risks. For instance, infections, allergic reactions, and keloid formation are potential complications.
But to minimize these risks, choose a reputable piercing studio with experienced piercers who follow strict hygiene practices. Additionally, following aftercare instructions diligently can significantly reduce the chances of complications.
Wrapping Up
Rook piercings are a fantastic way to add a touch of edgy elegance to your look. With proper care, these piercings will be a stylish unique form of self-expression for you.
So, if you’re considering a new piercing to enhance your look, the rook piercing might just be the perfect choice for you. But remember to do thorough research, choose a professional piercer, and prioritize aftercare to enjoy your piercing to the fullest.
