Ear piercings are so much more than the standard lobe piercing, and we’re here to tell you about all of the different types! Your ear has a lot of surface area and there are so many ways to bling them out. From lobes and cartilage 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!
Before we get started, it’s important to note that pain levels and healing time will vary person-to-person. Depending on your chemical makeup, and the way your body reacts to piercings, your healing times and pain tolerance may differ from others. Talk to a piercing professional before deciding which piercing is best for you.
Anti-Tragus Piercing
This piercing goes directly through the small piece of cartilage located directly above your earlobe. Healing time: About 6 months. Jewelry: Cartilage barbell.
Auricle Piercing
An auricle piercing is located between your lobe and your helix. Healing time: About 3-6 months. Jewelry: Cartilage barbells, captive bead rings.
Conch Piercing
There are two different types of conch 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. Healing time: About 6 months. Jewelry: Cartilage barbell, captive bead rings.
Daith Piercing
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. Healing time: About 4-12 months. Jewelry: Captive bead rings and more.
Ear Lobe Piercing
An ear lobe piercing 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. Healing time: About 6-10 weeks. Jewelry: Variety.
Forward Helix
A forward helix is similar to a helix piercing but located on the front of the very top of your ear, closer to your tragus. Healing time: About 3 months. Jewelry: Cartilage barbell, captive bead rings.
Helix Piercing
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. Healing time: About 3-6 months. Jewelry Type: Cartilage barbell, captive bead rings.
Industrial Piercing
Also known as an industrial bar piercing, the industrial pierces through two parts of the upper cartilage of your ear. Healing time: About 3 weeks – 6 months. Jewelry: Industrial barbell.
Rook Piercing
A rook piercing perforates through the flap of cartilage located directly above the daith. Healing time: About 6-9 months. Jewelry: Captive bead rings.
Snug Piercing
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. Healing time: About 6 months. Jewelry: Curved barbell, captive bead rings.
Tragus Piercing
A tragus piercing is located on the flap of cartilage directly in front of the ear canal. Healing time: About 3 months. Jewelry Type: Cartilage 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.
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.
Learn more about how to clean your ear piercing and ear piecing jewelry.
