When most people think of ear piercings, they immediately think of the earlobe. However, there are many other types of piercing that can be done on the ear. If you’re interested in getting a new piercing, we’ll tell you about the different types of ear piercings and give you some ideas for inspiration. Check out our chart to find the perfect type of piercing for you.
As more and more people are getting their ears pierced today, the variety of ear piercings is consistently growing to keep up with the trends. With so many choices, it’s easy to become confused as to what will look best on you, or even how to take care of your piercings.
Most people get their ears pierced in a shopping mall or other location, but there are some who research the process and make sure they go to the best place for a piercing.
There are different types of ear piercings and for some, it can be a complex decision about the style and location of the piercing you select. We’ve put together a handy guide with the most common types of ear piercings you can get. And we also put a chart that shows some of the best types of ear piercings and why they are popular.
We’ve all been there, agonizing over whether or not to get a new ear piercing. It can be a bit of a dilemma — do you go for a lobe or cartilage or maybe a tragus? We’ve researched the best types of ear piercings for you and paired them with our top choices for each style.
An aesthetically designed ear is the latest accessory. While you can choose the piercings that you like best, we are here to help you make informed decisions. Continue scrolling to see more information about the latest earring trends from the helix and the tragus. Also, check out our favorite jewelry designers for inspiration when you’re planning your next cool-girl tattoo.
The variety of ear piercings and the ways you can wear them may seem overwhelming at first, but the best place to start is with the most common ones. These are the most popular ear piercings today, so you’re guaranteed to see them in your local malls or even Disney World.
There are many reasons why you might choose to pierce or not. People pierce for spiritual or religious reasons. Others pierce to express themselves, get sexual pleasure, conform to their culture, or rebel against it.
Table of Contents
What You Should Know About Ear Piercing
Ear piercings are not just for people who want to wear a lot of jewelry. If you’ve ever thought about getting one, here’s what you need to know.
You will feel a slight sting from the expert when your ear is pierced. The procedure does not require any anesthesia or sedation. It would be foolish to ask whether piercings can cause bleeding. It’s possible that you will bleed slightly when the dermatologist examines your ear.
If you do not have a serious condition such as clotting disorders or another blood disorder, it is best to tell your ear piercing specialist. You don’t need to take aspirin or any other aspirin-containing medication. Aspirin can cause bleeding to worsen than usual.
A single piercing to one ear costs between $40 and $60, while a single piercing to both ears will run you between $80 and $120. A second piercing for one ear will cost you $10 to $60 if you have already had your ears pierced. A second piercing for both ears will run you $20 to $120.
Although ear piercing is relatively painless and safe, there are important guidelines you should follow. You will reduce your chance of getting a piercing done incorrectly.
The location of the piercing and the area you are going to do it will determine where and what part of your ear you want. A professional using a needle or piercing gun marks the spot and makes a hole. The professional then inserts an earring into the hole.
It doesn’t matter if you get one or more, it’s worth taking some time to think about where your piercings should be placed on your ears. It is important to consider spacing and positioning if you wish to be able to add more later. Most places only allow you to do 2 – 3 piercings per session.
Different types of tissue are found in different parts of your ear. Therefore, the time it takes for your body to heal and the location you have pierced will vary. Earlobes typically take between 6-8 weeks. It can take up to 4 months to complete if you poke into the cartilage at the side of your ear.
A lobe or earlobe is any piercing through the fleshy lower portion of the ear. This is where most likely you received your first ear piercing.
The simplest type of lobe piercing is the most common and was probably the one that you had as a child. This piercing is located in the fleshy part of the ear and it’s the most painful. These piercings also heal quickly. You’ll feel no pain or soreness for six to ten weeks.
Ear Piercings Chart
The ear piercings chart shows the names and locations of different types of earrings. Looking at the chart, you can imagine the places where the ear-piercing will be much more painful than the other locations. Without further ado, here is a chart of ear piercings including their names and locations on the ear.
Gauge Size Chart:
Many piercing enthusiasts use a gauge to measure their ears. You should ensure that the procedure is safe and slow if you’re interested in it. Before you stretch it again, wait for the injury to heal.
When it comes to stretching your ears, there are three types: inches, gauges, and millimeters. Here is a chart you can use to ensure that your plugs are the correct size and gauge.
Types of ear piercings and pain level
The chart and table below show a list of the different types of earrings and their pain levels, healing times, and prices.
Name | What’s it? | Pain | Healing | Price |
---|---|---|---|---|
Earlobe | One hole in the lobe (the bottom part of an ear). | 3 out of 10 | 4-7 Weeks | 20-50$ |
Helix | A hole made in the upper cartilage of the ear | 4 out of 10 | 3-6 Months | 40-70$ |
Forward Helix | A puncture in the upper cartilage at the forward end of an ear | 5 out of 10 | 4-6 Months | 40-50$ |
Daith | A hole within the inner ear cartilage | 6 out of 10 | 3-6 Months | 30-50$ |
Tragus | A hole in one part of the cartilage in the middle of an ear | 6 out of 10 | 3-8 Months | 45-75$ |
Rook | Puncture of the thick wrinkle in the cartilage of the inner ear | 7 out of 10 | 3-9 Months | 35-60$ |
Snug | Puncture of the vertical portion in the inner cartilage, above anti-tragus | 7 out of 10 | 6-12 Months | 35-55$ |
Conch | A puncture in the cartilage’s cup-shaped area. | 7 out of 10 | 3-9 Months | 45-75$ |
Industrial | One piece of jewelry connects two auricle holes | 7 out of 10 | 3-9 Months | 40-70$ |
Transverse Lobe | The horizontal hole through the earlobe | 6 out of 10 | 5-10 Weeks | 10-60$ |
Anti tragus | An inner ear cartilage hole, opposed to the tragus | 7 out of 10 | 4-9 Months | 40-50$ |
Cartilage | Any area of cartilage that is damaged | 5 out of 10 | 4-8 Months | 35-70$ |
Orbital | Two cartilage holes connected by one piece, usually located in the area of the helix | 7 out of 10 | 4-9 Months | 30-40$ |
Auricle | A small hole in the cartilage just outside the outer ear | 7 out of 10 | 3-9 Months | 15-30$ |
Spiral ear | A thick, spiral-shaped earlobe | 6 out of 10 | 6-8 Weeks | 15-60$ |
Trident | Trident-shaped jewelry runs vertically through the entire ear. It goes from the lower to the upper cartilage | 7 out of 10 | 4-8 Months | 40-70$ |
Dermal | One visible hole in the ear. This is a catch-all for under-skin piercing | 6 out of 10 | 6-12 Weeks | 70- 80$ |
Types of ear piercings
Based on the location of the hole and the design of the earring, people are divided into 14 types of ear piercings. Here is some information about the most popular types of earrings today. Note that these 14 main types are also divided into many smaller types depending on the size of the hole or the material of the earring.
Ear piercings are some of the most common in the world. But did you know that there are dozens of different types? From the basic lobe piercing to cartilage and helix piercings, we will introduce you to some of the more exotic and less common types.
Do you know the difference between a tragus piercing and a Daith piercing? The truth is that with so many different ear piercings available, it’s easy to get lost in all the terminology. From a basic ear piercing to a tragus or helix piercing, you’ll find what you need to know in this section.
If you’re looking for an alternative to the standard ear piercing, then you might be interested in a few of the lesser-known types of piercings out there.
Ear piercings have been used as marks of beauty and to enhance bodily aesthetics throughout history, but they also serve a variety of practical purposes. Let’s find out more about different types of ear piercings and their benefits.
There are a number of different types of ear piercings you can get, ranging from simple studs to more complex gauges. The type you choose depends on your individual style and preferences, but we’ve got a rundown of the most popular styles below to get you started.
Anti-Tragus Piercing
- Placement: A small, curving area of cartilage located above the earlobe and next to the tragus (the small, pointed area that extends over the opening of your ear passage).
- Pricing: Between $30 and $180. However, the jewelry is an additional cost.
- Pain level: 6/10
- Healing Time: The healing time for anti-tragus piercings typically takes between six and twelve months, depending on the piercer’s Cozmo faris.
- Aftercare: Green suggests that you wash the area twice daily with warm water and antibacterial shampoo. Green also suggests using sterile soap solutions to aid in the healing process.
The cartilaginous region at the top of your lobe is known as the anti-tragus area of the ear. Anti-tragus piercing refers to a cartilage piercing that requires a barbell or ring.
Anti-tragus piercings have been gaining popularity in recent years. This is especially true as micro stud and constellation styles have become more popular. The earring is placed on the small, curled area just above the tragus, and goes through it.
Due to the nature of the piercing, healing can take a while, especially compared to other types. Your earlobes will look great for many years.
It’s important to note that not all salons offer piercings at this time. Self-piercing is not recommended, even though it might seem easy and tempting. Infection and other health issues could result from poorly done self-piercing. A licensed professional or dermatologist will ensure you have a safe and clean environment.
Conch Piercing
Conch is located in the middle of your ear cartilage. Its name comes from its resemblance with the spiral shell of the identical name. The conch is versatile.
You can use a stud to create a subtle effect or a double stud if you feel brave. Or a cuff that wraps around your ear. Similar to other cartilage piercings, the pain threshold is four out of 10, and healing can take anywhere from three to nine-month.
Daith Piercing
The Daith is found in an awkward position, the hoop that touches the cartilage inside your ear. It requires a skilled piercer to access it. It may also be used to treat migraines.
The Daith is placed on the cartilage and you will feel a dull pressure. This ranges from five to six out of 10 with 10 being the most severe pain. The average healing time for Daith piercing is six to nine months.
It is best to not sleep on a new piercing until it has fully healed. However, Daith piercings can be slept on within a few months.
Forward Helix Piercing
- Placement: Upper, directly above the Tragus.
- Pricing: Prices range from $30 to $100, with the option of adding jewelry.
- Pain level: 5-6/10
- Healing Time: 3-9 Months
- Aftercare: Cleanse the piercing site with unscented, mild soap or sterile water until it is completely healed.
Because of their unique nature and customization, forward helix piercings offer a unique type of ear piercing. The normal forward helix wraps around your upper ear cartilage, but the unique piercings can be done in multiples.
A forward helix is pierced on the outer (usually higher) cartilage closest to your face. It is done by passing through the forward-facing surface just above the tragus.
The piercing process is very routine and not too exciting. After you have decided on the type of jewelry and where it should be placed, your piercer will clean the area to make sure it is sterile.
They’ll then place a small mark in the desired location. However, you will usually be able to take a final look at the marking to make sure it’s correct. Your piercer will then place a tube of steel behind the marked cartilage, and push the needle through the other side.
The piercing is sealed with jewelry. For an even more unique and creative piercing, you can double or triple your forward helix piercings. A forward helix piercing is a personal choice that can be customized with your jewelry.
Although they are not common, these piercings require very little maintenance once the initial healing period is over. You may even forget that you have them. You can read the following to learn more about forwarding Helix Piercings.
High-Lobe Piercing
High-lobe piercing can be a fun way to spice up your lobe. These piercings are especially useful for creating a feature from a piercing that was not well placed. The piercing pain level is only two out of 10, due to the fleshy lobe.
Although healing takes six to eight weeks, it doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t be diligent about aftercare. Follow your piercer’s instructions regarding post-care and maintenance.
Industrial Piercing
Industrial piercing, which is a straight barbell that connects one cartilage piercing on the upper ear to another, is crucial. Six out of 10 people experience pain. Because they have two cartilage piercings, it is more difficult to heal. They can also be connected, so they are more likely to become irritated quickly.
Nine months to one year is the average time it takes for industrial piercings to heal. Aftercare is also important. Don’t let your hair or glasses touch this. It is a bad idea to sleep on it. You should think about industrial piercing. This piercing is usually avoided by me. Most people don’t want to keep them for a long healing time.
Standard Lobe Piercing
The classic, standard lobe-piercing is last but not least. We all love good lobe-piercing. These are something I encourage every day. The lobe is the easiest part of an ear to heal. The lobe is also the least painful – only a few out of 10.
It takes six to eight weeks for lobe piercings to heal. After three months, you can change the jewelry. People generally have enough space to create unique piercing designs.
Snug Piercing
- Position: Between mid-helix (outer ears ridge) and inner conch, along with the cartilage.
- Pricing: Prices vary depending on where you live and what shop you are in. It is estimated to cost between $56 and $113 USD.
- Pain Level: 9/10. It’s one of the most painful cartilage perforations.
- Healing Time: Healing takes approximately four to six months. However, Nicky and Bader suggest that you plan to heal for at least a year.
- Aftercare: Cleanse the piercing twice daily with any product recommended by your piercer until it is completely healed. Green recommends a period of four to six months.
A snug piercing, a horizontal piercing, is one that occurs above the anti-tragus. This is the cartilage portion of the ear’s inner ridge. A snug piercing has a unique feature: its entrance and exit points can be seen from the front of your ear rather than through the back.
This type of piercing has a catch: Not everyone’s ears can accommodate it. To ensure safety and comfort, consult your piercer before you begin the procedure.
Although the process of piercing is quite straightforward, every piercer uses a different technique. The piercer cleans the area and marks the client’s ears to ensure that the placement is correct. Next, a single-use, the curved needle is used to push through the jewelry.
Although each piercer is different, they should all use the same quality disposable needle. It should be preferably lubricated to ensure a quick and smooth piercing. They are usually pierced from the outside using a freehand technique (without tools). A curved barbell with room for swelling follows through.
Tragus Piercing
The tragus is a small flap that partially covers the ear canal. It can be used to add detail to any curated, curated ear. The tragus is a cartilage piercing. This means that the pain level will be between four and five out of 10.
These little guys can be difficult to heal – usually six to nine months. This is mostly because most people don’t want to lose their earbuds while on the commute.
Your tragus protects the outer portion of your ear canal by piercing it. This will cause your post to block the location where your earbuds are. This will irritate the piercing every time you take them out and in.
Transverse lobe piercing
- Placement: Through the earlobe, pierced from side to side.
- Prices: Around $30
- Pain level: 4-6/10.
- Healing Time: Minimum 2 months, Maximum 10 months
- Aftercare: Cleanse the site with sterile soap twice daily until it is fully healed. Avoid activities that could add dirt or sweat.
A transverse lobe is a piercing that uses a barbell to thread through the earlobe side to side instead of front to back.
Transverse piercings do not have a front or back, as a lobe-stud would. Instead, they have a ball at each end that can be seen on either side of the earlobe.
Because of the large amount of tissue involved, transverse lobe perforations are usually done by hand. However, piercers might use a clamp to hold the lobe in its place.
After marking the entry and exit points on each side of the globe have been made, a hollow needle can be inserted into the outside of the lobe and pushed into the inside. To fix the jewelry, which is usually a barbell, behind the needle, insert the jewelry.
Your anatomy will determine how your transverse-lobe piercing looks and works. To avoid damaging your side, if your earlobes have been attached, your piercer might opt for a curved needle. Your piercer may prefer a straight needle if you have detached your lobes.
This can also affect the overall appearance of your piercing: If your lobes have been attached, your piercing itself will appear curved. However, if your lobes have been detached, they will appear straight.
The Helix Ear Piercing
Helix piercings, which are piercings placed on the outer cartilage of your ear, are the most common choice for moving from the lobe. This “trending flat” piercing is becoming more popular. Clients and piercers are now experimenting with multiple Helix piercings in one ear.
These cartilage piercings, which are simple or not, are what we really want. They usually land at the middle or edge of the ear for most people. This allows for customized placements and unique styles. Here, I encourage you to go beyond the small hoop.
The helix is a four-out of-10 on a pain scale. It will feel like burning for a while, but then it will be okay. It takes six to nine months for the piercing to heal. Most people find that helix piercings don’t become too fussy after nine months to one year.
Orbital Piercing
Anti-tragus. Conch. Tash rook. These are just a few of the cartilage piercings we love. The only problem is that they take 3-5 months to heal. There’s an alternative that is just as cool but has a faster healing time. The orbital piercing.
The orbital is similar to an industrial piercing. It features two holes that are connected by one piece. However, instead of piercing with a bar, it uses tiny hoops. The short healing time (around 8-10 weeks) is a plus, but it’s the placement that makes the most difference.
Orbital piercings at the earlobe can be less painful than cartilage, and their unique location makes them a great addition to any constellation piercing.
Two holes are pierced into the eardrum and connected with a hoop to create orbital piercings. The piercing is usually located at the earlobe but it can also be placed in the middle of the outer ear. This piercing looks similar to an industrial one. It connects two holes using a bar within your upper cartilage.
Because the tissue is more flexible and heals quicker, many prefer to have an orbital piercing done on the lower lobe. This is a great location if you are the type who pays for pre-boarding and gets a FastPass to Disney.
Prices for orbital piercings vary depending on where you are. Most places start around $30. The jewelry will also cost you and can vary in price. While 14kt gold is more expensive than surgical steel, it can be cheaper. It’s like playing a strange game of limbo in which your budget sets the bar, and you can’t afford to pay rent.
Rook Piercing
A rook is an unusual inner-ear piercing. It inserts in the inner cartilage above the Daith, between the inner conch, and forward helix.
The rook is not as easy to pierce cartilage as the lobe. You may feel a sharp pain or pressure initially, followed by a general throbbing.
Because the rook cartilage has a thickness of about six inches, it can cause more pain than a tragus or helix piercing. Six out of 10 people experience pain. It is important to note that healing can take anywhere from three to ten months.
How to take care of ear piercings
Ear piercings can be more common than others and are less dangerous than somebody piercings. However, they can still pose complications if not done correctly. Dermatologists recommend following these steps to prevent infection for anyone considering having their ears pierced.
Before touching your newly pierced ears, always wash your hands. The earrings should be left in your ears for at least six weeks, even at night. The piercings may close if the starter earrings are not removed in a timely manner.
Wash your ears regularly with soap and water. To avoid infection, wash your ears at least once per day. Twist the earrings several times daily. This will keep the pierced holes open.
Rub rubbing alcohol onto your ears. Use a cotton ball, or a pad dipped in rubbing alcohol to gently clean the skin around your piercings two times per day to prevent germs from spreading and prevent scabbing. A thin layer of petroleum jelly can be applied around the opening.
Your ear may become reddened or swollen right after an earlobe puncture. This should disappear within a few days.
Try this three times per day if it persists, feels itchy, or discharges.
- Use soap and water to wash your hands.
- Mix 1/2 teaspoon salt with a cup of warm water.
- Do not remove the earring. Place a cotton ball in salt water and place it on infected areas.
- Use a towel or a clean cotton ball to dry it.
- Apply a small amount of over-the-counter antibiotic cream to the affected area.
- Rotate the area you are piercing several times.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u7LWlqFsFW4
Your doctor should be consulted if it isn’t better or if you have an infection in another part of your ear.
Use soap, warm water, or rubbing alcohol to clean the area around your piercing at least twice daily. A specific cleanser may be recommended by your piercing specialist. To prevent skin infections, apply an antibiotic cream to the affected area.
While you’re healing, avoid spicy, salty, and acidic foods or liquids. Avoid drinking hot beverages like hot chocolate, coffee, or tea. Drink cold food and beverages to reduce swelling. Take extra care when you eat crunchy foods.
Although it may be tempting to do so, avoid touching your ear piercings. Infections can be caused by germs in your hands. Avoid areas where germs can easily spread, such as hot tubs and pools.
You should also leave your piercing intact, even at night, unless there is an infection or another issue.
If you are cleaning the jewelry or piercings, don’t touch them. Also, keep clothing away from the piercing. Excessive friction or rubbing can cause skin irritation and delay healing.
Keep an eye on your ears after you have pierced them. Make sure that they aren’t reddening, puffy, or becoming sore. Also, make sure the holes don’t leak yellowish liquid. If this happens and it doesn’t resolve quickly, consult a board-certified dermatologist.
Sometimes, you might see white fluid or clear fluid around the piercing. This is lymph fluid and not pus. This is normal and can be visible for several days after the piercing. It’s important to rule out allergies if it persists for more than a few days.
After a new piercing, pay attention to your ears. You may be able to prevent a keloid by noticing the skin around your earlobes begin to thicken. Remove the earring immediately and wear a pressure earring if you notice any thickening.
Should you clean your piercing holes?
To avoid infection, irritation, inflammation, scarring, and scarring, it is important to clean a piercing. It is a good idea to clean your piercing at least twice a day until it heals.
To keep your jewelry clean, you should clean it 2-3 times per day until the infection is gone. Use rubbing alcohol to clean the piercings. Use a cotton ball or swab. Use alcohol to dampen the swab and place it around the piercing.
Use a cotton pad or a swab to clean the area. This solution can be made by combining 1 teaspoon of salt with 1 cup of warm water. To remove bacteria, rub the solution around the pierced area several times per day. Do not rub the piercing.
You can use Piercing Floss on any piercing site. Standard piercings: 12g to18g – For ear and belly piercings.
You run the risk of your back growing if you don’t turn the earrings around! GROSS! Professional piercings will allow for your piercing to expand comfortably. There are many things that can go wrong if you twist them.
Although it’s difficult to predict the speed at which your body will try to close a perforation, it is a good rule of thumb to assume it will close quickly. It can close quickly if the piercing has been less than one year old. If it is older, it may take several weeks.