What is daith vs rook piercing?

Daith vs. Rook Piercing: A Comparison

Both the Daith and Rook piercings are cartilage piercings located inside the ear, but they occupy different spots and have distinct characteristics.

  • Location:

    • Daith: The daith piercing goes through the innermost cartilage fold of the ear, located just above the ear canal.
    • Rook: The rook piercing goes through the ridge of cartilage located between the inner and outer conch, above the tragus and anti-tragus.
  • Pain Level: Pain is subjective, but generally:

    • Daith: Often described as moderate pain due to the thickness of the cartilage.
    • Rook: Also considered moderate, possibly slightly more painful than the daith for some, due to the dense cartilage.
  • Healing Time:

    • Daith: Typically heals in 6-9 months.
    • Rook: Can take longer, usually between 6-12 months.
  • Jewelry:

    • Daith: Common jewelry includes captive bead rings, circular barbells, and small curved barbells.
    • Rook: Curved barbells are the most common and recommended jewelry type.
  • Suitability: Not everyone has the anatomy suitable for these piercings.

    • Daith: Requires a prominent inner cartilage fold.
    • Rook: Requires a well-defined rook ridge.
  • Potential Benefits:

    • Anecdotally, some people claim daith piercings help alleviate migraine symptoms, though scientific evidence is limited. There is no proven health benefit to a rook piercing.
    • See: Migraine%20Treatment
  • Risks:

    • Both piercings carry risks of infection, rejection, and migration if not properly cared for. Keloid formation is also a possibility.

Consult with a reputable piercer to determine which piercing is best suited for your anatomy and desired aesthetic. They can assess your ear structure and provide guidance on proper aftercare.