Every now and then, we see a piercing that makes us want to run out and get it that very same day. The conch piercing is totally one of them. Named for the ear folds’ resemblance to those of a conch shell, this piercing placement is located on a uniquely customizable portion of cartilage. Just as every shell on the beach is a little bit different, no two ears are identical. With the help of a professional piercer, you can place your conch piercing somewhere that’s uniquely… you!

While we’re big fans of flashy statement pieces, we also love a good, subtle piercing that prompts us to lean in a little closer to truly appreciate it. Because the conch piercing is somewhat hidden within the ear’s folds, the best way to observe it is to get up close and personal. So get cozy, lean in, and let us tell you all about conch piercings, aftercare, pain levels, cost, and other frequently asked questions!


Table of Contents

Conch Piercing Types:

Piercing & Jewelry FAQs:


Conch Piercing Quick Facts

Placement

Conch piercings can be placed in the center of the ear’s folds; they may be placed further out if you have an outer or an orbital conch piercing.

Healing Time

The healing process can vary anywhere between six months and a full year, which is standard for most cartilage piercings.

Pricing

The price of a conch piercing varies, but the general consensus is that they cost between $30 and $100 (not including jewelry).

Gauge

While most cartilage piercings range from 18G-14G, conch piercings typically require the use of a 16G needle.


Types of Conch Piercings

This guide focuses on the two main types of conch piercings: the inner conch piercing and the outer conch piercing. The inner conch piercing is more popular than the outer conch piercing, because only some have the ear anatomy necessary for an outer conch piercing! When you hear the standalone phrase “conch piercing,” it’s likely in reference to the inner conch piercing. There are other less common conch piercings, such as the orbital conch. It requires two holes or a double piercing. This unique double piercing allows the jewelry to “orbit” the cartilage of the ear.

What is an Inner Conch Piercing?

Inner Conch Piercing Location:

Place your finger on what feels like the exact middle of your ear; you’ve probably found the inner conch! It’s the cup-like area next to the opening of the ear canal.

Inner Conch Piercing Process:

Generally, the inner conch piercing is performed using a hollow point needle. Professional piercers typically use a 16-gauge needle.

Healing Time:

About six months to a year.

Recommended Jewelry:

Flat back studs, barbells.


What is an Outer Conch Piercing?

Outer Conch Piercing Location:

The outer conch or “contraconch” piercing is located between the helix and the antihelix. It’s the flat ridge around the cup-like area where the inner conch is situated.

Outer Conch Piercing Process:

Like the inner conch, the outer conch is generally pierced using a 16-gauge hollow point needle.

Healing Time:

About 6-12 months.

Recommended Jewelry:

Flat back studs, captive rings, circular barbells, curved barbells.


Conch Piercing FAQs (Pain and Aftercare)

How long do conch piercings take to heal?

Depending on your type of conch piercing, it can take as few as six months to as long as a year to heal fully. Healing times can vary depending on the consistency of your aftercare, specific piercing type, and the natural speed at which your body heals. Everyone’s body is different, so no worries if yours takes longer to recover! What’s important is that you avoid infection at the piercing site. If you’re still experiencing pain and swelling two weeks after the healing process, you’ll want a professional to check it out.

Does getting a conch piercing hurt?

Some report that the initial conch piercing creates a “hot” sensation, while others report some pain throughout the healing process (especially when the piercing is slept on). This is typical of cartilage piercings, which, on the whole, tend to hurt more than a standard ear piercing. But don’t get discouraged! What is super painful for some people can be relatively painless for others. Talk to a doctor or your piercer about pain management prior to getting pierced.

How much do conch piercings cost?

Prices vary depending on where you live and the individual rates of the shop you choose to visit. That being said, a conch piercing typically costs between $30 and $100, plus the cost of jewelry. Like most cartilage piercings, a conch piercing typically costs more than a standard earlobe piercing, but if conch piercings have stolen your heart (how couldn’t they?), consider it money well spent!

Keep in mind that jewelry costs will vary, too. Higher-quality metal earrings tend to cost a bit more than their lower-quality counterparts. (Our humble opinion? Always opt for higher quality. Your ears will thank you.) We strongly recommend reaching out to your local pros to get more accurate pricing information.

Why shouldn’t I get a conch piercing?

There’s much to consider when getting your ears pierced, including cost, pain tolerance, and maintenance. With that in mind, you must do all the research you can before you decide on any piercing! Body modifications are a big commitment that shouldn’t be rushed into (even though sometimes it’s hard not to). And if you end up deciding against a conch piercing, no worries! You can always consider sporting a simple ear cuff or taking our fake body jewelry for a spin.

How do you give yourself a conch piercing?

We can’t stress this enough — don’t do it. Body piercing professionals exist for a reason! As handy as those online piercing kits might seem, professional piercers use special instruments and techniques to perform the piercing without complications. Remember: this piercing must be done with a needle or a dermal punch! If your piercer tries to do this specific modification with a piercing gun, run. Using a piercing gun for cartilage piercings can make you more susceptible to potential infections.

How do I care for my conch piercing?

Repeat after us: consistent, thorough aftercare is the most crucial part of any piercing healing process! Be sure to keep your hands clean while handling jewelry and touching the piercing site, clean your body jewelry with antibacterial soap and warm water, and clean the piercings properly to avoid the risk of infection! This will not only help your piercing heal, but it will also help to prevent any type of infection. We recommend using H2Ocean Aftercare Spray or saline solution on the piercing site twice per day while it’s healing. For more in-depth information, we recommend speaking with your piercing professional for guidelines on piercing care and reading How to Care For Your Body Jewelry & Body Piercings.

How long should I wait to change my conch jewelry?

Wait until your conch piercing has healed entirely before changing your jewelry. Consider going to your professional piercer for assistance in changing your jewelry. Not only will they be able to determine if your conch piercing has healed completely, but they’ll also offer valuable insight into what jewelry style, gauge size, and material type are best for you. When your piercing is fully healed, it’s time to go shopping!


Conch Piercing FAQs (Jewelry)

What’s the most common type of conch jewelry?

Your piercer will know what works best for you, but these are generally the most common types of jewelry used for conch piercings.

  • Cartilage studs are a great everyday choice. We recommend flatback studs for an extra comfortable fit!
  • Cartilage hoops are dainty little hoops that are a great option for fully healed conch piercings.

How much does conch jewelry cost?

Given the sheer variety of ear jewelry out there, prices can vary! Some jewelry pieces cost $10, while others cost $110. The cost of conch piercing jewelry can depend on design and material quality. At Spencer’s, you’ll find that most of our cartilage jewelry ranges from $15 to $40 and is comprised mainly of 316L surgical steel or titanium.

What are the most common types of jewelry material?

Your piercer will know what works best for you, but these are generally the most common materials used in helix piercings.

  • Stainless steel is an affordable and durable option for your tragus jewelry.
  • Titanium jewelry can be more expensive, but it’s completely hypoallergenic, making it the perfect option for sensitive skin.
  • Surgical steel is durable and easily accessible.

How do I care for my conch jewelry?

Consistent aftercare + proper jewelry maintenance = happy and healthy ears! To clean your jewelry, gently (but thoroughly) wash it with antibacterial soap and warm water. Be sure not to use harsh, alcohol-based chemicals! If you don’t keep up with maintenance, build-up can accumulate on your jewelry, which both damages the piece and makes you more vulnerable to infection. For more tips, read How to Care for Your Body Jewelry & Body Piercings.

Can I get an allergic reaction?

Depending on what kinds of metals you use, allergic reactions from conch piercings may be possible. If rashes, redness, or bumps arise, chances are that you’re allergic to your jewelry and will have to change it! Most of our jewelry collection contains surgical steel and titanium, so be sure to consult a professional about jewelry material options before getting pierced to prevent complications. To be extra safe, you can even check with a doctor beforehand to learn more about your allergies and overall health. Find out you have an allergy? No worries! Hypo-allergenic ear jewelry looks just as dazzling as the alternative (but without the grief of allergies!).


Did you enjoy our guide to conch piercings? As you progress in your piercing journey, make sure that you’re safely expressing yourself by doing what’s best for your body. Check out the Inspo Spot for more information on jewelry, piercings, and other body modifications. And be sure to visit our site for all your body jewelry needs!

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