Hood piercings which are done too deeply tend to hurt, scar, swell persistently, and not heal. Those done too shallow tend to grow out. Ideal placement for an horizontal hood piercing is towards the base of the hood, not behind where it joins the plane of the body. The channel should be placed towards the apex of the hood, so that the bead of the ring rests at clit level. (Ring diameter is usually between 7/16" and 9/16".)

Ideal placement for a vertical piercing is with the entrance hole just below the apex of the hood, with the jewelry coming out beneath the flap of the hood. When tapped with a pen, the location of the entrance hole should give you a (good) twinge. This is slightly deeper than traditional placement, but tends to give you the most sensation and least chance of growing out. The piercing should never be done above the apex of the hood.

Hood piercings tend to heal in 2 - 4 weeks, particularly if you soak in a hot salt water bath every day. Again, avoiding any play (from others or yourself) during the first two weeks will speed healing. See the Aftercare/genital section for more info, and be fluid-safe! Some women swell or bleed in the first day or two, especially if they drink alcohol, take stimulants, Tylenol or aspirin, or otherwise thin their blood. Cold sterile saline or warm salt water baths both tend to soothe the irritation. Check barbell balls occasionally for tightness, as skin caught between ball and shaft pinches like mad. And if you use a vibrator, turn it down the first time you use it!

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