Daith Piercings

There are lots of reasons people get body piercings.  Not only do they have a serious “cool” factor, but they also add an interesting aesthetic to your overall look and vibe. Daith piercings are a trendy option that might also have an added benefit.  Migraine sufferers say relief from their symptoms when they had their daith pierced. Despite a lack of science to back up the claim, there is some evidence in acupuncture-based treatments that support the theory.

Whether you’re considering daith piercings because you love the way they look and want to sport some beautiful daith jewelry, or you have an interest in the possible medical benefits, there are a few things to consider before you take the plunge.  In this guide, we’ll review the basics of daith piercings, the process, price, and pain level, and give you all the resources you need to decide if it’s right for you.

What are Daith Piercings?

If you look at your ear in a mirror, you’ll notice a small cartilage fold right above your ear canal.  It’s the sport where the ridge that runs on the top of your ear connects to the inner ear.  That’s your daith.

As you might expect from a small, flexible piece of cartilage, it’s a tricky area to pierce.  It’s equally as challenging to change out your jewelry in that spot. So, you’ll want to be sure to pick an option you love to start with.

Although the piercing looks attractive, it’s an area that takes a significant amount of time to heal. Also, it is prone to infection.  Here is information to help keep it clean and healthy in our guide below.

Despite the potential issues with the piercing, it’s popular both for its aesthetic value and among migraine sufferers.

Daith Piercings Process

If you’re someone who is an expert with facial or body piercings, many steps in the process will be familiar.  If you’re new to piercings, it’s a smart idea to know what to expect to help you prepare. Also, calm your nerves ahead of time.  Although some piercers may do things slightly differently, these are the steps you can expect when you go in for your appointment.

Pre-Piercing Prep

1. The piercer will wash and sanitize their hands and put on gloves before they get started.
2. If you have hair that covers your ears, they will ask you to pull it back off your face and out of the way. It is for them to see the site without anything getting in the way during the process. Bring a rubber band or hair tie with you to the appointment.
3. Then, they will use an antiseptic or sanitizer to clean the area to limit your risk of infection.
4. With a pen or marker, they will then put a small dot on the exact location to ensure they place your piercing where you want it.

Piercing

1. When the piercer is ready to go to work, they will move you into an appropriate position. Everyone has a different shape and size daith. Also, some can be difficult to reach.  They may ask you to lay down and turn your head at a specific angle. Or even position your chin up or down to make the area more accessible.
2. Next, your piercer will ask if you’re ready. Once you agree, they will use the needle that they sterilize that is hollow in the middle to do the procedure.  They may also use a clamp to hold the area steady and keep it in place.  It’s likely there will be some blood. Then, they will clean that away from the site and out of your ear once the piercing is complete.
3. Finally, they will insert the jewelry for your finished look.

Post-Piercing

1. Your piercer will end your session by giving you detailed instructions on what to expect over the next several weeks.
2. They will also provide you with directions on how to keep it clean, and signs that you may have an infection or an issue with the site.

How Painful are Daith Piercings?

Don’t expect a daith piercing to be on the same pain scale as a traditional ear piercing.  Although they are both done in the same region of the body, they are at different ends of the spectrum in terms of how much they hurt.

Some people suggest that daith piercings may be one of the most painful options you can choose.  This is because it is both a long process. Your piercer has to work through tough cartilage which requires a lot of force to complete.

In addition, recovery from the piercing may also be unpleasant.  Although it may provide nearly instant relief for migraine headaches, many people report throbbing or pinching pain that lasts for several weeks after their appointment.

If you have a low pain threshold or don’t do well with the discomfort that lingers, you may want to look at another option.

Daith Piercings Prices

Thanks in part to the amount of time they require to do. Also, the difficulty of the location, daith piercings aren’t an inexpensive choice.  Precisely how much you’ll pay depends on several factors, including the skill and education of your piercer. Also, consider your geographical location and the popularity of your practitioner.  Remember, always choose a reputable business with a perfect health rating to ensure that you won’t walk away with any issues following your appointment.

You’ll likely pay between $50 to $100 for your piercing.  Those costs could be significantly higher depending on what type of daith jewelry you choose.  You’ll want to invest in a high quality that will last a long time and look great in your ear.  Some parlors will include a handful of choices with the price of the procedure. Also, they will have separate upgraded options for an additional fee.

Daith Piercings Healing Time

The amount of time it takes to heal from a daith piercing is another question that varies widely depending on the person.  Most people find that they are fully recovered sometime in the four to 12-month range depending on their care routine.

If you follow the instructions of your piercer and are diligent about keeping the area clean, you may heal even faster.  Also, you’ll want to ensure you don’t disrupt the piercing by snagging it when you brush your hair or pull on a t-shirt. It could lead to a considerably longer healing time.

It’s crucial that you don’t change out your original daith jewelry until the site has completely healed to avoid any complications or infections.  You could extend your healing time by months if you try to swap it too soon. So, be sure you pick something you love from the start to ensure you’re happy with your look for several months at least.

Daith Piercings Jewelry Options

It is important to choose the right piece of daith jewelry. We want to take a moment to give you some pointers.  There are literally thousands of options that range from cute to trendy and give you high-quality choices at many different price points.

There are several popular styles that look great in a daith piercing.  They include:

• Rings– These are the most popular and the safest for initial piercings. Because of their shape, they are less likely to get stuck in your hair and snag on your clothes.  They also have room to accommodate the swelling you may experience after having it inserted.
• Barbells– Another beautiful option, barbells are slightly curved and have small balls on both ends.  The balls can include glitzy adornments like crystals or rhinestones. Be cautious not to get them caught and yank too hard on the piercing.
• Embellished Rings– Similar to traditional rings, decorated options have the same shape but may feature an additional pattern or detail. These are sometimes costly, and may also get stuck on specific materials like mesh.

Remember, it’s only safe to switch out your daith earrings after your piercing has healed completely.  When you no longer see any discharge or experience any pain or swelling you know you’re good to go.

The first time you change out your ring or barbell, you may want to ask for assistance from your piercer.  Because it’s such a small area that is sometimes difficult to reach. Having an extra set of hands or experienced professional coaching you along will ensure that you can get the job done.  There is nothing worse than getting your piercing out. And also, finding that you aren’t able to get your new jewelry back in, but having a backup can prevent that.

What about Migraines?

Although there has yet to be a scientific study to test the efficacy of daith piercings in the treatment of migraine pain, organizations like the American Migraine Foundation still provide research on its potential as a treatment option.

The theory has roots in acupuncture, where a practitioner applies pressure to specific points on the body that can alleviate pain in other areas.  According to acupuncture, there is a pressure point on your daith that may help your digestive system, or relieve migraine pain.  The belief is that, by continually compressing that point on your ear, you may lessen the symptoms and side effects of migraines.

Many experts believe that the risks of a daith piercing outweigh the potential reward. Some argue that any relief patients feel is due to a placebo effect.  Further, doctors recommend seeking treatment from third-party medical providers. They can suggest both traditional and alternative treatment options for the best chance of relief from migraine pain.

The Final Verdict

Daith piercings look awesome, but they’re not the right choice for everyone.  They are painful and have an extended recovery period. You’ll need to be diligent in taking care of the site to prevent infection and complications.

That said, the process itself isn’t complicated, and while they are a little pricey, a daith piercing won’t break the bank.  There are also loads of gorgeous jewelry options that can dazzle, and sparkle. Also, it gives you a hardcore look that perfectly complements your individual style and personality.