Ear piercings are the perfect way to express yourself through style, and with so many ear piercing types available, you can truly accomplish a unique look. Whether you’re hoping to get your first ear stud or you’re considering a more advanced body piercing, we’re here to walk you through all the most essential info.
There’s a wide variety of options—from standard earlobe piercings to cartilage piercings to constellations—and they all have important things to consider, including piercing aftercare, healing times, pricing, and compatible jewelry options. Luckily, you have us to help explain everything.
Get ready to learn about the wide variety of ear piercings and everything you need to know about each one! Take a look at our piercing chart below, read the description for each piercing type, and be sure to check out our piercing FAQs section to help you decide which piercing is right for you.
Now, without further ado, let’s kick off Ear Piercings: The Complete Guide.
Table of Contents
Types of Ear Piercings:
Piercing & Jewelry FAQs:
- How long do ear piercings take to heal?
- Does getting your ears pierced hurt?
- How much do ear piercings cost?
- Why shouldn’t I get an ear piercing?
- How do you give yourself an ear piercing?
- How do I care for my ear piercing?
- How long should I wait to change jewelry?
- How much does jewelry cost?
- How do I care for my jewelry?
- Can I get an allergic reaction?
Ear Piercing Chart
Ear Piercing Quick Facts
Placement
Ear piercings can be placed in several locations on your ear, most commonly on the earlobe or ear cartilage. For more info, continue reading below.
Healing Time
The healing process for ear piercings can last as short as two months and as long as a year or more, depending on the type of piercing.
Pricing
It depends on the piercing type, but the general price range for earlobe piercings is typically $20-$60. Cartilage piercings can cost $40-$100 or more.
Gauge
Ear jewelry comes in a variety of gauge sizes. Lobe piercings typically come with 20G-18G earrings, while cartilage piercings range from 18G-14G.
Ear Piercing Types
What is an Anti-Tragus Piercing?
Anti-Tragus Piercing Location:
This ear piercing is one of the many cartilage piercings 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.
Anti-Tragus Healing Time:
About six months to a year.
Recommended Anti-Tragus Jewelry:
What is an Auricle Piercing?
Auricle Piercing Location:
An auricle ear piercing is similar to an anti-tragus piercing, except it is located between your lobe and your helix.
Auricle Ear Piercing Process:
The auricle piercing is usually done with a 14-gauge or 16-gauge needle.
Auricle Piercing Healing Time:
Around three to nine months.
Recommended Auricle Jewelry:
What is a 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 choose an inner or outer conch piercing, there are two different ways to do it. The first and most common procedure is with a standard piercing needle. The alternative method is to have a professional piercer use a particular piercing instrument known as a dermal punch, which enables you to wear larger jewelry. Call your piercing shop for more information on whether they offer this type of piercing.
Conch Piercing Healing Time:
About six months to a year.
Recommended Conch Jewelry:
What is a Daith Piercing?
Daith Piercing Location:
A daith piercing is a cartilage piercing located on the inside of your ear. More specifically, a daith piercing is passed through the ear’s innermost cartilage fold. Fun fact: Some studies have shown that daith piercings could help alleviate migraine pain and anxiety. To learn more, check out Surprising Benefits of Piercings.
Daith Ear Piercing Process:
The daith ear piercing is quite unique and takes a 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 piercing for you. The daith piercing is done with a specific type of needle and technique, so always have it done by an expert since it’s one of the more difficult ear piercing locations to pierce.
Daith Piercing Healing Time:
Around six to nine months.
Recommended Daith Piercing Jewelry:
Captive Bead Rings and more.
What is an Earlobe Piercing?
Earlobe Piercing Location:
Earlobe piercings may be the most popular ear piercing type. They’re typically located in the center of the earlobe and allow for various jewelry options, but they are often paired with stud or hoop earrings.
Earlobe 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.
Earlobe Piercing Healing Time:
Around two to three months.
Recommended Earlobe Jewelry:
What is a Forward Helix Piercing?
Forward Helix Piercing Location:
A forward helix piercing is similar to a helix piercing, but it’s 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 instead of 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.
Forward Helix Healing Time:
About three months to a year.
Recommended Forward Helix Jewelry:
What is a Helix Piercing?
Helix Piercing Location:
The helix piercing is one of the most popular types of cartilage piercings. 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.
Helix Piercing Healing Time:
Around three to nine months.
Recommended Helix Piercing Jewelry:
What is an Industrial Piercing?
Industrial Piercing Location:
Also known as an industrial bar piercing, the industrial pierces through two parts of the upper ear cartilage.
Industrial Ear Piercing Process:
Like other cartilage piercings, the industrial bar piercing is done with a sterilized hollow needle and goes through two parts of the ear.
Industrial Piercing Healing Time:
About six months to a year.
Recommended Industrial Piercing Jewelry:
Industrial barbells. Check out our official Industrial Piercing Guide for more info.
What is a 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. The rook is slightly thicker than other parts of the cartilage, so healing time may be extended.
Rook Piercing Healing Time:
About six months to a year.
Recommended Rook Piercing Jewelry:
What is a 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 performing snug ear piercings is to use a curved needle to pierce the skin before inserting the jewelry.
Snug Piercing Healing Time:
About six months to a year.
Recommended Snug Piercing Jewelry:
What is a 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.
Tragus Piercing Healing Time:
Around three to nine months.
Recommended Tragus Jewelry:
Combination Ear Piercings
Now that we have a better idea about the typical types of ear piercings, we want to give you some insider information about combination ear piercings, which will provide you with a unique look.
What are Constellation Piercings?
To achieve a constellation piercing, you’ll have to pierce multiple areas of your ear. A constellation piercing is defined as multiple piercings arranged based on ear shape. Everyone’s ears are different; therefore, all constellation piercings are original, making them cool ear piercings to show off your style.
What are Orbital Piercings?
An orbital piercing combines 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.
Earlobe Piercings Vs Cartilage Piercings
Standard lobe piercings are typically located in the center of the earlobe. The most common type of jewelry for an earlobe piercing is a steel stud earring. Cartilage piercings go through any part of the ear cartilage. There’s a wide variety of cartilage piercing earrings, but the most popular are cartilage barbells. Read about all the different types of earlobe or cartilage piercings below!
Ear Piercing FAQs (Pain and Aftercare)
How long do ear piercings take to heal?
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 whether you get an earlobe or cartilage piercing. Standard lobe piercings usually heal in about two or three months, but this doesn’t apply to everyone. It’s important to always use premium metals (surgical steel, titanium, sterling silver, etc.) to avoid any extra risk of infection and always stock up on aftercare solution to help speed up the healing process. We recommend talking to a piercing professional about healing times and ear care cleaning routines before you book an appointment.
Does getting your ears pierced hurt?
This depends on your personal pain tolerance or the tolerance of the person’s ear that you are piercing. Some types of piercings go through thicker parts of the ear cartilage and may take a few seconds longer. We recommend talking to a piercing professional about pain management before you book an appointment. If you’re experiencing high pain levels, signs of infections, or signs of an allergic reaction, please contact a doctor.
How much do ear piercings cost?
It depends on where you live and which piercing shop you attend. Body jewelry comes in all shapes and sizes, so we recommend calling a professional piercer or heading to your local store for this information. Surgical steel studs are most popular for earlobe piercings, but there’s a wide variety of jewelry to choose from. Typically, body jewelry made from a higher-quality metal will end up costing a little more.
Why shouldn’t I get an ear piercing?
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 are many things to learn when thinking about getting an ear piercing. How much does it cost to pierce your ears? What are the most painful ear piercings? Ear piercing locations, 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 ensure you’re making the best decision for your body.
How do you give yourself an ear piercing?
You don’t! Ear piercings, or any other body modification, must be done professionally to prevent infections or other complications during the healing process. While you may be able to find piercing kits online, we urge you to make a piercing appointment with an experienced professional. Professional piercers use piercing guns and special instruments, such as dermal punches, to perform the process correctly.
How do I care for my piercing?
We recommend speaking with your piercing professional for guidelines on piercing care and reading How to Care For Your Body Jewelry & Body Piercings. Avoiding infection is important. Always be sure to keep up with the cleaning process so you don’t get an infected ear piercing.
How long should I wait to change my ear jewelry?
You must wait until the body piercing is completely healed before changing your ear piercing jewelry. New piercings require you to keep the same piece of jewelry in during the healing process. We recommend using H2Ocean aftercare solution spray or saline solution to keep your piercing clean.
Ear Piercing FAQs (Jewelry)
How much does jewelry cost?
It depends on where you live and which piercing shop you attend. Different types of jewelry have a higher cost due to their style or material. We recommend calling a piercing studio and speaking to a professional piercer for prices. Make sure to keep the original piece of jewelry in until your piercing is healed. Clean your jewelry with antibacterial soap and water.
How do I care for my ear jewelry?
Clean with antibacterial soap and water. For more tips, read How to Care for Your Body Jewelry & Body Piercings.
Can I get an allergic reaction?
Allergic reactions to certain jewelry materials are possible, resulting in rash, redness, or bumps, which means you will have to change the jewelry. Most of our jewelry collection comprises surgical stainless steel or titanium. Contact a piercing studio and speak with a piercing professional to make sure that getting a body piercing is the right move for you. Be sure to discuss jewelry material options before getting pierced to prevent complications. Check with a doctor beforehand to learn more about your allergies and overall health. If you find that you have an allergy, remember that hypoallergenic earring jewelry sets are always available.
We hope you enjoyed this guide to ear piercings. Now that you know more about what types of ear piercings you can get, it’s your time to shine. When it comes to healing times and pain levels, it will always vary from person to person. Talk to a professional before deciding which ear piercing is best for you. Piercings are an amazing way to express yourself. If you want more information on ear cartilage piercings, check out our cartilage piercing guide. Be sure to keep up with The Inspo Spot for more information on ear care, piercings, jewelry, and even tattoos. Lastly, check out our site for all your body jewelry needs! Whether you’re looking for earlobe or cartilage jewelry, we’ve got it all.
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