Hoping to get a piercing that’s a little more advanced than the standard ear lobe piercing? Want to stay hip with the latest and most stylish body piercing trends? It sounds like you’re ready to learn about all the different types of cartilage piercings! Spencer’s is here to show you everything there is to know about this awesome body modification. In this guide to cartilage piercings, we will go over cartilage piercing names, healing times, how much a cartilage piercing costs, and other important piercing information. Consider us your cartilage piercing headquarters!
Before we dive in, it’s important to know that piercing pain and healing times can vary depending on the person, as well as what type of piercing that person gets. Cartilage piercings typically take anywhere from 3 to 6 months to heal, but this isn’t a guarantee. Make sure to check out the piercing FAQs below! Once you’re comfortable with all of this body piercing information, head to our site for all your body jewelry needs.
Types of Cartilage Piercings
Anti-Tragus Piercing
Anti-Tragus Piercing Location:
The anti-tragus piercing is located on the middle ear cartilage opposite the tragus (which is the piece of cartilage that hangs directly over your ear canal).
Anti-Tragus Piercing Process:
This piercing is typically performed with a hollow 16 or 18-gauge piercing needle.
Healing Time:
3-6 months.
Recommended Jewelry:
Conch Piercing
Conch Piercing Location:
The conch piercing is located on the fold of the middle section of the ear cartilage, across from the ear canal. This piercing allows a ring to go around the outer edge of the ear cartilage.
Conch Piercing Process:
This piercing is typically performed with a hollow 16-gauge piercing needle.
Healing Time:
3-6 months.
Recommended Jewelry:
Daith Piercing
Daith Piercing Location:
The daith piercing is located at the root of where the outer ear cartilage starts, right above the ear canal.
Daith Piercing Process:
This piercing is typically performed with a hollow 16-gauge piercing needle.
Healing Time:
6-9 months.
Recommended Jewelry:
Forward Helix Piercing
Forward Helix Piercing Location:
Located above the ear canal on the inner part of the ear cartilage. This piercing is placed directly across from the helix, which is on the outside part of your ear cartilage.
Forward Helix Piercing Process:
This piercing is typically performed with a standard 16 or 18-gauge piercing needle.
Healing Time:
3-6 months.
Recommended Jewelry:
Helix Piercing
Helix Piercing Location:
Located on the upper part of the outer ear cartilage. A helix earring goes directly across from the forward helix, which is on the inner part of the ear cartilage.
Helix Piercing Process:
This piercing is typically performed with a standard 16 or 18-gauge piercing needle.
Healing Time:
3-6 months.
Recommended Jewelry:
Industrial Piercing
Industrial Piercing Location:
This cartilage bar piercing connects two different holes on each side of the ear with a straight barbell. These types of ear piercings usually put two holes through the upper ear cartilage.
Industrial Piercing Process:
This piercing is typically performed with a hollow 14 or 16-gauge piercing needle.
Healing Time:
2-3 months.
Recommended Jewelry:
Rook Piercing
Rook Piercing Location:
Located at the top part of the middle ear cartilage, this piercing is placed directly above the daith.
Rook Piercing Process:
This piercing is typically performed with a hollow 14 or 16-gauge piercing needle.
Healing Time:
3-6 months.
Recommended Jewelry:
Snug Piercing
Snug Piercing Location:
The snug piercing is located on the center part of the middle ear cartilage, right below the rook.
Snug Piercing Process:
This piercing is typically performed with a hollow 16 or 18-gauge piercing needle.
Healing Time:
4-6 months.
Recommended Jewelry:
Tragus Piercing
Tragus Piercing Location:
Located on the cartilage that hangs directly over your ear canal.
Tragus Piercing Process:
This piercing is typically performed with a hollow 16-gauge piercing needle.
Healing Time:
3-6 months.
Recommended Jewelry:
Cartilage Piercing Pain, Healing Times, Piercing Aftercare Tips, and More
How long does a cartilage piercing take to heal?
Cartilage piercing healing times vary. We recommend talking to a piercing professional about the healing period, cartilage piercing bumps or swelling, and cleaning routines before getting your piercing. Keeping up with your piercing aftercare is a must!
Do cartilage piercings hurt?
Cartilage piercing pain depends on your pain tolerance. We recommend talking to a piercing professional about pain management before getting your cartilage pierced.
How much does a cartilage piercing cost?
Cartilage piercing cost depends on where you live and which piercing studio you choose. There are different types of cartilage piercings that may have varying prices.
How do I care for my cartilage piercing?
We recommend speaking with your piercing professional for guidelines on cartilage piercing care, but you can learn more about how to clean your piercing and jewelry, types of piercings, types of jewelry, and general piercing info on our blog.
How do you give yourself a cartilage piercing?
You don’t! Cartilage piercings and other body modifications need to be done professionally to prevent any possible infections or other complications during the healing process.
What is this bump on the back of my ear?
It’s normal to form a small cartilage piercing bump on the back of the ear during the first few days of the healing process. Monitor the piercing site and make sure to keep up with the aftercare. If pain or swelling worsens over time, contact your doctor to make sure you don’t have an infected cartilage piercing bump.
Can men wear cartilage piercings too?
ANYONE can rock this awesome piece of jewelry.
Why shouldn’t I get a cartilage ear piercing?
If you’re questioning whether or not you should get cartilage earrings or any other kind of body modification, we recommend talking to a professional and considering everything before committing. Not every piercing is for everyone, and that’s okay! Take your time deciding if you want a cartilage piercing, and speak with a professional to make sure you’re making the best decision you can for your body. If you decide that you want one, Spencer’s has an awesome cartilage piercing jewelry collection.
Cartilage Piercing Jewelry
How much does cartilage piercing jewelry cost?
There are different types of cartilage jewelry, such as captives and industrial barbells, which may have a higher price than standard flat-back cartilage studs. We recommend calling a professional piercer for all cartilage piercing prices. For information on jewelry care, check out our aftercare guide. In the market for cartilage jewelry? Spencer’s has you covered!
How long should I wait to change my cartilage piercing jewelry?
You need to wait until the body piercing is completely healed before changing cartilage jewelry. While a standard ear lobe piercing heals quickly, the cartilage piercing healing process can take up to 6 months or more. It’s important that you use the same piece of jewelry during that time and keep up with the piercing aftercare.
Can I get an allergic reaction?
Allergic reactions to cartilage piercing jewelry are possible and could result in a rash, redness, or bumps. Contact a piercing professional and make sure that getting a cartilage ear piercing is the right move for you. Be sure to discuss jewelry material options before getting pierced. Check with a doctor beforehand to learn more about your allergies, especially if you haven’t had a pierced ear before.
More Piercing Info
Thanks for reading our guide to cartilage piercings. Want to learn more about body jewelry? Check out some of our most popular guides, including the ear piercing guide, nose piercing guide, tongue piercing guide, and more!
