We’ve gone over so many different types of ear piercings, but you know we love our body jewelry so we could go on all day! With so many body piercing and ear piercing options, it can be difficult to figure out which body piercing is the best choice for you. If you’re tired of standard lobe piercings and cartilage piercings and you want to explore some more intricate ear piercing options, then a snug piercing might be perfect for you! The snug piercing or anti-helix piercing is one of our favorites, and we’re going to tell you everything you need to know about them. From the different types of snug piercing jewelry, snug piercing aftercare, the snug piercing procedure, and more, get ready to learn everything you’ve ever needed to know about this stylish and trendy body modification.

Snug Piercing

Snug Piercing

Snug Piercing Location:

The snug piercing, also known as an anti-helix piercing, will go through the cartilage in your ear called … you guessed it, the anti-helix. The anti-helix is the little ridge in your ear that lies above the lobe and underneath the top part of the ear. The larger this piece of cartilage is, the easier it will be to pierce!

Snug Piercing Process: 

Snug piercings have grown in popularity over the years because it is a relatively simple piercing to get and looks great alongside some other lobe and cartilage piercings. After cleaning the anti-helix with some type of cleaner or disinfectant, your piercer will use a sterilized hollow point needle to make the piercing and insert the jewelry into place.

Healing Time: 

The healing period is normally about 3-6 Months.

Recommended Snug Piercing Jewelry: 

Barbellscaptive bead rings, horseshoe rings, curved barbells.

Now that you’ve gotten to know all about the snug piercing process and other important snug piercing info, here are a few helpful snug piercing FAQs:

Snug Piercing Pain, Healing Times, Piercing Aftercare Tips, and More

How long does a snug piercing take to heal?

Healing times vary for each type of ear piercing and depend on the makeup of your body. Typically, the snug piercing usually takes about 3-6 months to completely heal. Cleaning the piercing regularly is incredibly important during the healing process. We always recommend talking to a professional piercer about the body piercing healing process, pain levels, and ear piercing aftercare before getting your piercing. We also suggest that you refrain from removing the jewelry until your piercing is completely healed.

How bad does the snug piercing hurt?

One of the main factors for people deciding whether or not to get a new piercing is how much pain they will go through during the process. Snug piercings are known for being one of the more painful piercings, so it’s best to speak to a piercing professional beforehand. Depending on the makeup of your body, your ear cartilage may not be thick enough to support a snug piercing.

How do I clean my snug piercing?

After getting the piercing procedure done by a professional, they will usually talk you through the importance of aftercare and how to keep your piercing clean and healthy. To keep your body piercing clean we suggest getting some of our H2Ocean Aftercare Spray at Spencers.com. For more info on cleaning and aftercare be sure to check out our Body Piercing Aftercare Guide.

What size is a snug piercing?

When you go and get your initial snug piercing it is likely to be a 16 Gauge 3/8″ curved barbell. After a few months of healing, you can usually size down to a barbell that is 5/16″.

Are snug piercings safe?

As long as your piercing procedure is performed by a piercing professional, getting a snug piercing is considered safe. With proper cleaning and aftercare, you will give yourself the best chance to avoid infection, swelling, or any additional pain.

How can I get a snug piercing at home?

We recommend that you go to a professional piercer for all body piercings. This is important in minimizing pain and preventing infection. Proper healing will help you to get to the fun part (browsing new jewelry options) faster!

What should I do if my snug piercing gets infected?

If your piercing is giving you pain or discomfort, we recommend removing the earring and contacting your piercer or healthcare professional. To help reduce the risk of infection, you should follow your piercer’s aftercare guidelines and keep the original piece of jewelry in during the healing period. We also recommend talking to professional piercers about jewelry materials prior to getting pierced.

What are some examples of other types of cartilage piercings?

Some of our favorite types of cartilage piercings include helix piercings, conch piercings, tragus piercings, industrial piercings, forward helix piercings, and rook piercings. Looking into getting a cartilage earring? Check out Cartilage Piercing: Everything You Need to Know.


Snug Piercing Jewelry

How much does snug piercing jewelry cost?

There are different types of jewelry that vary in price based on the jewelry style and materials. Quality jewelry materials like surgical steel and titanium can drive up the price. Your piercing studio will be able to give you information about piercing types, piercing costs, and jewelry styles.

Where can I buy snug piercing jewelry?

Of course you’re going to need some new bling to go along with your new anti-helix piercing. We suggest speaking to your local piercer about the different types of jewelry they have available before getting pierced. Once your piercing has healed and you’re ready to make a style upgrade, you can find new jewelry at your local piercing shop or right on our website at Spencers.com for the trendiest body jewelry around.  

When can I change my snug piercing?

For snug piercings, it’s important to make sure the piercing has completely healed before thinking about switching out the jewelry for something more stylish. Once your snug piercing has completely healed after 3-6 months, you can begin to change your piercing and explore other jewelry options.

Can I get an allergic reaction? Why shouldn’t I get a snug piercing?

Allergic reactions to certain jewelry materials are possible, resulting in rash, redness, or bumps, which means you will have to change the jewelry. Contact a professional piercer and make sure that getting a cartilage earring is the right move for you. Be sure to discuss jewelry material options prior to getting your piercing. Check with a doctor beforehand to learn more about your allergies and your overall health.


More Piercing Info

Check out some of our favorite ear piercing guides, including the helix piercing guide, conch piercing guide, tragus piercing guide, industrial piercing guide, rook piercing guide, and more. Want to learn about other piercing types? We also have guides to nose piercings, belly button piercings, tongue piercings, septum piercings, labret piercings, eyebrow piercings, and pretty much any other piercing type you can think of!

Now that you know everything you need to know about snug piercings you can decide for yourself if they are the right fit for you! Snug piercings are a stylish and unique choice of body piercing that works great alongside other ear piercings to create beautiful constellation piercings. If you’ve decided after reading this guide that you’re set on getting a snug piercing, then there’s no better place to get your first piece of jewelry than at Spencers.com. For more information on piercings and other body modifications, be sure to visit our blog at The Inspo Spot.

Care & Piercing Guides