Vertical Clitoral Hood Piercing FAQ

Clementine Piercing offers Vertical Clitoral Hood piercings in NYC. Johnny Pearce, one of the world's top rated and most trusted piercing professionals, holds tenure at Clementine Piercing in NYC—making it an excellent option for trusted piercing services.

Look for professional, APP-certified piercing studios with:

• Experienced piercers familiar with technical piercings
• Strict hygiene and sterilization protocols
• Positive client reviews and portfolio examples

Please feel free to use trusted resources like the “Find a Professional Piercer” search function on the Association of Professional Piercers website.

A VCH (Vertical Clitoral Hood) piercing is a genital piercing passing through the tissue of the clitoral hood. (and not the clitoris itself)

Vertical Clitoral Hood piercing sizes are anatomically dependent. They are often performed at 12g, and occasionally as small as 14g. Though some people may request 10g or larger, depending on personal preferences and anatomical restraints.

Common jewelry includes curved barbells and straight barbells. Although captive beads can also be worn. Safe piercing jewelry should be made of implant-certified titanium, solid gold, or implant certified steel.

The sizing for jewelry refers to both the gauge and the length of the barbell. Both of these factors will be anatomically dependent based on each individual.

Healing can take from 6-12 weeks, though full healing may take longer depending on aftercare and personal healing factors.

Vertical Clitoral Hood stands for VCH, referring to the piercing’s placement.

A Vertical Clitoral Hood piercing ring is the same general circular-style jewelry option, such as a captive bead ring or seamless ring, used after healing.

It is placed vertically through the clitoral hood, above the clitoris, allowing jewelry to rest in place naturally.

Pain levels always vary for each individual, but many report it as a quick, sharp pinch followed by minimal discomfort during healing.

• Pros: Many people report that it enhances sensitivity. This piercing offers a quick healing experience comparatively to other piercings and it’s often referred to as aesthetically pleasing by many individuals who request the piercing.
• Cons: This piercing requires proper anatomy and it has potential for migration or rejection.

Drink lots of water and urinate frequently. Clean with sterile saline solution as needed. Rinse gently in the shower; avoid using harsh soaps, rubbing alcohol, hydrogen peroxide. Avoid touching the jewelry, and wear breathable clothing during healing.

Prices vary by location and studio, but service fees can easily range up to $150, not including the added cost of your jewelry.

Yes, although infections are rare with proper aftercare. Symptoms include extreme redness, over-swelling, discharge, and persistent pain.

You can attempt the ‘Q-tip test’ at home, however, your professional piercer will need to make an assessment whether you have enough tissue in the clitoral hood to support the piercing.

A Vertical Clitoral Hood piercing (VCH) is placed vertically through the clitoral hood, while an HCH (Horizontal Clitoral Hood) piercing passes horizontally.

Curved barbells, straight barbells, captive bead rings, and seamless rings are common options. Safe materials for initial healing and long-term wear include implant-certified titanium, solid gold or implant-certifed steel.

It is recommended to wait at least 4+ weeks before engaging in sexual activity involving/surrounding the piercing site to avoid irritation and infection.

While we don’t guarantee this personal experience, many report increased sensitivity once healed, but individual experiences vary.