Body jewelry comes in all different shapes and sizes. Today, we’re here to tell you all about the different types of 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 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! Take a look at our in-depth chart below so you know exactly where each type of ear piercing is located. Then you can decide which is the best choice for you.
Now without further ado, let’s kick off Ear Piercing 101: The Ultimate Ear Piercing Guide. Consider this your go-to guide to ear piercings!
Types of Ear Piercings:
What is an 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.
Anti-Tragus Healing Time:
About 6 months.
Recommended Anti-Tragus Jewelry:
What is an 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.
Auricle Piercing Healing Time:
About 3-6 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 decide to go with an inner or outer conch piercing, there are 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.
Conch Piercing Healing Time:
About 6 months.
Recommended Conch Jewelry:
What is a 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 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 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.
Daith Piercing Healing Time:
About 4-12 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. They’re typically located in the center of the earlobe and allow for a variety of jewelry to be worn but most typically stud 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:
About 6-10 weeks.
Recommended Earlobe Jewelry:
What is a Forward Helix Piercing?
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.
Forward Helix Healing Time:
About 3 months.
Recommended Forward Helix Jewelry:
What is a 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.
Helix Piercing Healing Time:
About 3-6 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:
Similar to 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:
2-3 months.
Recommended Industrial Piercing Jewelry:
Industrial barbell. For more info all about Industrial Piercings, check out our official Industrial Piercing Guide.
What is a Vertical Double Conch Industrial Piercing?
Vertical Double Conch Industrial Piercing Location:
Unlike the typical industrial piercing (which pierces through two parts of the upper ear cartilage), the vertical double conch 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.
Vertical Double Conch Industrial Piercing Healing Time:
8-12 weeks.
Recommended Jewelry:
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 done. The rook is slightly thicker than other parts of the cartilage so healing time may be extended.
Rook Piercing Healing Time:
About 6-9 months.
Recommended Rook 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:
About 3 months.
Recommended Tragus 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 doing a snug ear piercing is by using a curved needle to pierce the skin before inserting the jewelry.
Snug Piercing Healing Time:
About 6 months.
Recommended Snug Piercing Jewelry:
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.
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 a cool ear piercing to show off your style.
What are 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.
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 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 if you get an earlobe or cartilage piercing. Standard lobe piercings usually heal in about six weeks to eight weeks, but this doesn’t apply to everyone. It’s important to remember to always use quality metal (surgical steel, titanium, sterling silver, etc.) 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 you book an appointment.
Does getting your ears pierced hurt?
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 before you book an appointment.
How much do ear piercings cost?
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. 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 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.
How do you give yourself an ear piercing?
You don’t! Ear piercings or any other kind of body modification need to be done professionally to prevent any possible infections or other complications during the healing process. Professional piercers use piercing guns and special piercing instruments such as dermal punches to perform the process correctly.
How do I care for my pierced ear?
We recommend speaking with your piercing professional for guidelines on 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 The Inspo Spot. 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 need to 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 Jewelry
How much does jewelry cost?
It depends on where you live and which piercing shop you’ll be attending. There are different types of jewelry that’ll have a higher cost due to the style or jewelry 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? Why shouldn’t I get a piercing?
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 is made up of 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 prior to getting pierced to prevent complications. Check with a doctor beforehand to learn more about your allergies and your overall health.
We hope you enjoyed this guide to ear piercings. 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 deciding 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. Be sure to keep up with The Inspo Spot for more information on tattoos and piercings. Lastly, make sure to check out our site for all your body jewelry needs! Whether you’re looking for earlobe or cartilage jewelry, we’ve got it all. Want to rock some ear jewelry without the commitment? We have ear cuffs too!
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