Nipple Piercing
A nipple piercing is most often placed horizontally, though vertical or angled placements are also possible depending on your anatomy. We pierce with a 14 gauge straight barbell, and our SK Certified piercing specialists will talk you through placement options and aftercare before you book in. Photo ID is required at your appointment.
- Pain level
- 5 to 6 / 10
- Method
- Needle
- Minimum age:
- 18 years
- Jewellery type:
- Straight barbell View jewellery options
- Downsizing:
- 8-10 weeks
- Fully healed:
- minimum 6 months
Pain is subjective, so treat this as a general guide rather than a guarantee of what you'll feel. Everyone's pain tolerance is different.
* This piercing is available from 18 years only. Photo ID is required at your appointment. Check our ID and consent requirements here.
What Is A Nipple Piercing?
A nipple piercing is most often placed horizontally across the nipple, though vertical or angled placements are also possible depending on your anatomy. It's a popular body piercing that suits a wide range of jewellery styles once healed.
This piercing is available from 18 years only, with photo ID required. Our SK Certified piercing specialists will talk you through placement and aftercare in a private, comfortable setting. See our age and consent requirements before you book.
What To Expect
Here's how your experience at SkinKandy unfolds from the moment you arrive.
How We Pierce
We pierce every nipple with a single-use hollow needle, never a piercing gun. Our SK Certified piercing specialists are nurse-trained and certified in infection prevention, so you're looked after from consultation through to aftercare advice. Read more about our approach on our piercing info page.
Choosing Your Jewellery
Every nipple is pierced with a 14 gauge straight barbell. Browse our nipple jewellery collection to see what's available.
Step By Step: Your Nipple Piercing Experience
- Your piercing specialist will discuss placement options with you based on your anatomy.
- We pierce with a single-use sterile needle for a clean, precise channel.
- A 14 gauge straight barbell is fitted, ready to heal in place.
- You'll get full aftercare guidance before you leave, plus advice on when to come back for downsizing.
BOOK YOUR EXPERIENCE
Find Your Nearest Studio
Remember to bring valid photo ID to your appointment. Check our age and consent requirements before your visit.
Nearest studios
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Aftercare
Healing takes time, and that's completely normal for a nipple piercing.
Your Daily Routine
Stick to a simple daily routine and stock up on the right products from our aftercare collection. For the full step by step, read our aftercare guide.
- Clean with sterile saline twice daily.
- Avoid swimming for 6 to 8 weeks.
- Be mindful of tight clothing and exercise while it heals.
When Can I Change My Jewellery?
We recommend downsizing at 8 to 10 weeks once the initial swelling has settled, with full healing taking a minimum of 6 months.
- Pierced
- Day one
- Downsizing:
- 8-10 weeks
- Fully healed:
- minimum 6 months
Jewellery For Your Nipple Piercing
The right jewellery makes all the difference to comfort while your nipple piercing heals, and to how it looks once it's settled.
Starter Jewellery
We pierce every nipple with a 14 gauge straight barbell in 316L surgical steel, chosen to support healing from day one.
Building Your Stack
Once you're healed, explore our full nipple jewellery collection for more styles.
Not Sure What Metal Suits You?
If you're torn between finishes, our guide on silver, rose gold or gold can help, or browse everything by material to compare options.
FAQs
What is a nipple piercing?
A nipple piercing is most often placed horizontally across the nipple, though vertical or angled placements are also possible depending on anatomy.
Does a nipple piercing hurt?
Most people rate it a 5 to 6 out of 10. You'll feel a firm pinch as the needle passes through more sensitive tissue. Pain is subjective, so treat this as a general guide rather than a guarantee of what you'll feel. Everyone's pain tolerance is different.
What is the minimum age for a nipple piercing?
You must be 18 years or older, with valid photo ID. See our age and consent requirements for details.
How long does a nipple piercing take to heal?
Full healing takes a minimum of 6 months. See the average healing time by piercing type for how it compares.
What jewellery is used for a nipple piercing?
We pierce with a 14 gauge straight barbell.
When can I downsize my nipple piercing?
We recommend downsizing at 8 to 10 weeks once the initial swelling has settled. Read why downsize your piercing for more on timing.
Can I exercise while my nipple piercing heals?
You can, but be mindful of tight or restrictive clothing and any activity that puts pressure on the area.
Is the nipple piercing part of the two piercings from $80 deal?
This piercing isn't part of our two piercings from $80 deal. It's priced individually from $55, reflecting the extra time and care this placement takes.
Explore More Nipple Piercings
A nipple piercing pairs well with a stacked nipple for those wanting more than one placement. Check our piercing info page for more, or explore below.
