Whether it's something you've been planning for months or something you decided on last minute on a Friday night - getting a new piercing can be very exciting. But like anything else in the world, cost matters. The cost of piercings (all kinds of piercings) is quite unique. In addition to the fixed cost of the actual piercing itself, a large portion of the price actually comes from the jewelry you choose.
Piercing prices vary greatly depending on the facility, location, and piercer you choose. Think of it like going to a hair salon to get a haircut - typically prices will be higher for experienced professionals or salons with a good reputation in bustling city centres. But just because determining the exact cost is tricky, doesn't mean you can't at least come up with a ballpark figure based on the type of piercing you're looking for and the type of jewelry you're starting with. Here's a rough guide to the price of piercings, from nose to nipples and beyond.
How much does a nose ring cost?
One of the most popular piercing sites, "standard" nose piercings (such as nostril studs and rings, as well as simple septum piercings) typically cost $30-$60 (not including jewelry). Because the piercing healing process is so important, it's recommended that you start with implant-grade jewelry, which starts at about $40, according to Cassi Lopez-March, owner and head piercer at So Gold Studios in New York. If you choose to take the plunge and buy precious metals like gold or gemstones, the price can easily soar into the thousands of dollars.
If you're looking for a less common nose piercing, your best bet is a classic piercing parlor that can cater to a variety of skin requirements. For those that are complex or complex piercings—such as rhinoceros or nasal piercings—expect to pay $50-$100. While there are plenty of high-end piercing shops out there, most general stores don't offer the same jewelry selections as more Instagram-friendly boutiques. In most cases, the jewelry options available go beyond standard earrings, rings, and bars.
How much does it cost to have your ears pierced?
Because ear piercing jewelry is so popular, common, and versatile, the design options (and therefore cost variables) are nearly limitless. Those intricate ear constellations with spirals, loops, studs, and arrows are beautiful, but when you're initially getting these piercings, it's wise to start with something simpler.
Studs is a beloved and beautiful concept for ear piercings, with prices ranging from $35 for 1 to $50 for 2, and piercing-specific jewelry ranging from $30 to $375. Lisa Bubbers, co-founder and chief brand officer of Studs, said piercing jewelry is designed for piercings. "The materials and construction are designed for optimal piercing safety and healing," she explains to Bustle. "Studs only uses pierced jewelry made from solid 14K gold, 18K gold, or implant-grade titanium (meets ASTM F-136 standards) and features a flat-back post and thumbtack closure." The only exception, she says, is when wearing Straw piercings and lathe piercings, which require seamless rings and curved barbells respectively.
How much does a facial piercing cost?
Facial piercings like brow piercings and lip piercings aren't typically performed at smaller, more custom-made boutiques, but that doesn't mean they're significantly more expensive. On average, expect to pay $30-$60 for most lip piercings and eyebrow piercings. Lip piercings are fairly simple, but for eyebrows, be sure to choose an experienced piercer, even if it means spending more money. Facial piercings are often frowned upon by the body, especially if the piercing isn't deep enough, which can cause pain and potentially lead to a very serious infection - no one wants to factor hospital costs into the total cost of a piercing.
How much does body piercing cost?
Body piercing is another situation where you need to ensure quality, implant-grade jewelry and an experienced piercer to avoid snags, infection, rejection, and scarring. One of the most common types of body piercings is the classic belly button ring (a nod to the early 2000s), which typically costs between $30 and $100. Although super cute dangling charms are tempting, don't wear them right after your piercing. Instead, choose jewelry recommended by your piercer to avoid tearing your delicate skin.
Nipple piercings are also growing in popularity, thanks to celebrities like Rihanna, Bella Hadid, Kylie Jenner and Megan Thee Stallion. If you want both nipples pierced, some shops offer a flat fee, while others still charge per nipple—in any case, expect to pay $50 to $150 for the entire service, depending on jewelry choices.
