Body jewelry comes in all different shapes and sizes. Today, we’re here to tell you all about the types of different ear piercings that you can get! Your ear has a lot of surface area and there are so many kinds of piercing options to bling them out. Ear piercings are so much more than the just the standard lobe piercing. From lobes and cartilage piercings to everything in between, get ready to learn about the wide variety of ear piercings and everything you need to know about each and every one!
Anti-Tragus Piercing
Anti-Tragus Piercing Location
This ear piercing is one of the many cartilage piercings that you can get. The anti-tragus piercing goes directly through the small piece of ear cartilage located directly above your earlobe.
Anti-Tragus Ear Piercing Process
This type of ear piercing is typically done by a piercing specialist using a straight or curved needle to pierce the anti-tragus through the ear cartilage.
Healing time: About 6 months.
Recommended Jewelry: Cartilage barbells.
Auricle Piercing
Auricle Piercing Location
An auricle ear piercing is similar to an anti-tragus piercing except that it is located between your lobe and your helix.
Auricle Ear Piercing Process
The auricle piercing is usually done with a needle that is 14G or 16G.
Healing time: About 3-6 months.
Recommended Jewelry: Cartilage barbells, captive bead rings.
Conch Piercing
Conch Piercing Location
There are two different types of conch ear piercings: Inner and outer. An inner conch piercing is located on the lower section of the conch, while the outer conch is located in the upper section of the conch.
Conch Ear Piercing Process
Whether you decide to go with an inner or outer conch piercing there’s two different ways they are usually done. The first and most common procedure is with a standard piercing needle. The alternative method is to have a professional piercer use a special piercing instrument known as a dermal punch which enables you to wear larger jewelry. Call your local store for more information on if they offer this type of piercing.
Healing time: About 6 months.
Recommended Jewelry: Cartilage barbells, captive bead rings.
Daith Piercing
Daith Piercing Location
A daith piercing is a cartilage piercing that is located on the inside of your ear. More specifically, a daith piercing is passed through the innermost cartilage fold of the ear. Fun fact: Some studies have shown that daith piercings could help alleviate migraine pain and anxiety.
Daith Ear Piercing Process
The daith ear piercing is one that is quite unique and takes few seconds longer to get done than some other ear piercing options. If you have sensitive ears and are looking to avoid a few seconds of extra pain, this may not be the one for you. This unique piercing is done with a specific type of needle and technique so always have it done by an expert since it is one of the more difficult ear piercing locations to pierce.
Healing time: About 4-12 months.
Recommended Jewelry: Captive bead rings and more.
Ear Lobe Piercing
Ear Lobe Piercing Location
Earlobe piercings may be the most popular ear piercing. It’s typically located in the center of the earlobe and allows for a variety of jewelry to be worn but most typically stud earrings.
Ear Lobe Ear Piercing Process
There are two common ways to get an ear lobe piercing done. The most traditional way is with a sterilized hollow needle. The other method is done by using an ear piercing gun to puncture the skin.
Healing time: About 6-10 weeks.
Recommended Jewelry: Stud earrings, hoop earrings, gauges.
Forward Helix
Forward Helix Piercing Location
A forward helix piercing is similar to a helix piercing but located on the front of the very top of your ear, closer to your tragus. This piercing is quite noticeable making it a popular location for stylish double or triple piercings as opposed to the standard single piercing.
Forward Helix Ear Piercing Process
Typically, forward helix piercings are done by a professional ear piercer with a sterilized hollow needle.
Healing time: About 3 months.
Recommended Jewelry: Cartilage barbells, captive bead rings.
Helix Piercing
Helix Piercing Location
A helix piercing is the most typical cartilage piercing. Located on the upper cartilage of the ear, a helix piercing only requires one hole and is typically a smaller gauge. To create a double helix piercing, you’ll need two piercings on the upper cartilage area.
Helix Ear Piercing Process
Most helix ear piercings are done with a sterilized hollow needle.
Healing time: About 3-6 months.
Recommended Jewelry: Cartilage barbells, captive bead rings.
Industrial Piercing
Industrial Piercing Location
Also known as an industrial bar piercing, the industrial pierces through two parts of the upper cartilage of your ear.
Industrial Ear Piercing Process
Similar to other cartilage piercings, the industrial bar piercing is done with a sterilized hollow needle and goes through two parts of the ear.
Healing time: 2-3 months
Recommended Jewelry: Industrial barbell.
For more info all about Industrial Piercings, check out our official Industrial Piercing Guide.
Vertical Double Conch Industrial Piercing
Vertical Double Conch Industrial Piercing Location
The vertical double conch is an industrial piercing that runs through the inside ear cartilage vertically, piercing both the inner and outer parts of the conch.
Vertical Double Conch Industrial Piercing Process
This body piercing is typically performed with a hollow 16 gauge piercing needle.
Healing Time: 8-12 weeks
Recommended Jewelry: Industrial barbell
Rook Piercing
Rook Piercing Location
A rook piercing perforates through the flap of cartilage located directly above the daith.
Rook Piercing Process
Expect your piercer to use a sterilized hollow needle when getting this piercing done. The rook is slightly thicker than other parts of the cartilage so healing time may be extended.
Healing time: About 6-9 months.
Recommended Jewelry: Captive bead rings.
Tragus Piercing
Tragus Piercing Location
A tragus piercing is located on the flap of cartilage directly in front of the ear canal.
Tragus Ear Piercing Process
Tragus piercings similar to other cartilage piercings are done with a sterilized hollow needle.
Healing time: About 3 months.
Recommended Jewelry Type: Cartilage barbells, captive bead rings.
Snug Piercing
Snug Piercing Location
A snug piercing is located right next to the auricle section of the ear and passes through the anti-helix to create a lateral look.
Snug Ear Piercing Process
The most common method used by professional piercers when doing a snug ear piercing is by using a curved needle to pierce the skin before inserting the jewelry.
Healing time: About 6 months.
Recommended Jewelry: Curved barbell, captive bead rings.
Now that we have a better idea about the typical types of ear piercings, we’re going to give you some insider information about combination ear piercings that will give you a look that is all your own.
Constellation Piercings
To achieve a constellation piercing, you’ll have to pierce multiple areas of your ear. A constellation piercing is defined as multiple ear piercings arranged based on ear shape. Everyone’s ears are different; therefore, all constellation piercings are original making them a cool ear piercing to show off your style.
Orbital Piercings
An orbital piercing is a combination of two ear piercings connected by one piece of jewelry. For example, piercing the tragus and the anti-tragus and connecting them with one captive bead ring will give you an orbital piercing.
Now that you know all about the different kind of ear piercings you can get, here are some FAQs along with some looks to spark your inspiration:
FAQs
Q: How long do ear piercings take to heal?
A: It all depends! The different parts of your ear vary in thickness so your healing time may be longer or shorter than expected depending on where you are getting pierced. It’s important to remember to always use quality metal to avoid any extra risk of infection and to always stock up on aftercare solution to help speed up the healing process. We recommend talking to a piercing professional about healing times and cleaning routines before getting any body piercing.
Q: Does getting your ears pierced hurt?
A: This comes down to your personal pain tolerance or the tolerance of the person’s ear that you are piercing. Some piercings go through thicker parts of the ear than others so they may take a few seconds longer. We recommend talking to a piercing professional about pain management prior to getting pierced.
Q: How much do ear piercings cost?
A: It depends on where you live and which piercing shop you’ll be attending. Body jewelry comes in all shapes and sizes so we recommend calling a professional piercer or heading to your local store for this information. Typically, body jewelry made from a higher quality metal will end up costing a little more.
Q: Why shouldn’t I get an ear piercing?
A: If you’re questioning whether or not you should get an ear piercing, we recommend talking to a professional and considering everything before making a commitment. Not every piercing is for everyone, and that’s okay! There’s many things to learn about when thinking about getting an ear piercing like how much does it cost to pierce your ears? What are the most painful ear piercings? Ear piercing parts, ear piercing aftercare, and more! Most tattoo or piercing shops have a lot of this information handy so there’s no excuse not to call ahead of time. Take your time deciding if you want an ear piercing, do your research, and speak with piercing specialists to make sure you’re making the best decision you can for your body.
Now that you know a little bit more about what types of ear piercings you can get, it’s your time to shine. When it comes to healing times and pain tolerance, it will always vary from person to person. Talk to a piercing professional before decided which ear piercing is best for you. Piercings are an amazing way to express yourself and you’ll love showing off your style while wearing them. If you’re looking for more information on ear cartilage piercings, check out Cartilage Piercing: Everything You Need to Know.
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