Thinking about getting a tragus piercing? You’ve come to the right place. A tragus piercing is a type of cartilage piercing, located on the triangular flap in front of your ear canal. This piercing type looks amazing on its own, and it’s also frequently paired with other piercings for a stunning combination. Maybe you’re hoping to get your first cartilage piercing, or maybe you’re looking to add to your already in-depth constellation. Regardless, Spencer’s is here to help, providing you with some of the most essential info.
In short, we want to walk you through this ear piercing’s location, the healing process, aftercare tips, compatible jewelry types, and more. We will also answer plenty of FAQs, which you can easily navigate in our table of contents.
Before we get started, we want to mention that everyone’s body is different, and certain piercing types aren’t for everyone. We’re here to provide the basics, but we encourage speaking to a professional piercer for additional information before getting pierced.
Table of Contents
Tragus Piercing Types:
- What is a Tragus Piercing?
- What is an Anti-Tragus Piercing?
- What is a Double Tragus Piercing?
- What is a Vertical Tragus Piercing?
Tragus Piercing and Jewelry FAQs:
- How long do tragus piercings take to heal?
- Does getting a tragus piercing hurt?
- How much do tragus piercings cost?
- How do I clean my tragus piercing?
- How do you give yourself a tragus piercing?
- Why shouldn’t I get a tragus piercing?
- Can I wear headphones with my tragus piercing?
- What’s the most common type of tragus jewelry?
- When can I change my tragus jewelry?
- What material is used for tragus piercing jewelry?
- What if my tragus piercing gets infected or I have an allergic reaction?
Tragus Piercing Quick Facts
Placement
Tragus piercings are placed on the triangular ear cartilage flap in front of the ear canal. For more information, continue reading below.
Healing Time
Ear cartilage piercings generally take longer to heal than other types of piercings. The tragus piercing healing process can last between six months to a year (or longer).
Pricing
It depends on the studio you choose, but the general price range for tragus piercings is estimated to be between $30 and $100 (not including jewelry).
Gauge
Ear jewelry can come in a variety of gauge sizes, but tragus jewelry typically ranges from 18G-14G.
What is a Tragus Piercing?
Tragus Piercing Location:
The tragus piercing is placed on the small flap of cartilage that partially covers your ear canal, known as the cartilage fold.
Tragus Piercing Process:
To ensure precise placement, your piercer will likely first mark the spot with a pen or marker. After thoroughly disinfecting the area, a sterilized needle will pierce the cartilage flap. Once the piercing is complete, the jewelry will be carefully inserted.
Tragus Piercing Healing Time:
About six months to a year.
Recommended Jewelry:
Other Types of Tragus Piercings
What is an Anti-Tragus Piercing?
Anti-tragus piercings are on the tragus’s opposite side, just above your ear lobe. To learn more about anti-tragus piercings, read our in-depth guide!
What is a Double Tragus Piercing?
The double tragus piercing is located in the same spot as a standard single tragus piercing on the flap of cartilage that covers up the ear canal.
What is a Vertical Tragus Piercing?
The vertical tragus piercing is located in the same spot as a traditional tragus piercing, sitting directly on the flap of the cartilage covering the ear canal. The difference with this piercing is that it will rest vertically instead of horizontally.
Tragus Piercing FAQs (Pain, Aftercare, & More)
How long do tragus piercings take to heal?
A tragus piercing typically heals fully in about six months to a year. However, this process can take longer depending on how well you care for it or whether or not your body experiences any complications. Always use premium metals (stainless steel, titanium, etc.) to avoid any extra risk of infection, and stock up on aftercare solutions to help speed up the healing process.
Does getting a tragus piercing hurt?
This answer varies from person to person, as everyone’s pain tolerance is different. Getting a tragus piercing may be slightly more painful than a standard earlobe piercing, but it’s no more painful than any other type of cartilage piercing. Contact your doctor or a piercing professional about pain management before getting any type of body piercing. If you’re experiencing high pain levels, signs of infection, or signs of an allergic reaction after getting pierced, please contact a doctor.
How much does it cost to get a tragus piercing?
Getting a tragus piercing can cost between $30-$100 or more (not including jewelry), depending on where you live and the piercing shop you choose. For a precise piercing price, call some of your local piercing studios. Do your research and make sure you’re using a studio that has a great reputation.
How do I clean my tragus piercing?
We recommend using H2Ocean Aftercare Spray or saline solution to clean your piercing. Clean the piercing site twice daily during the healing process to avoid infection. Once your piercing is healed, continue regular jewelry maintenance. To clean the jewelry, gently wash it with antibacterial soap and warm water every few days. For more information, speak with your piercing professional for guidelines on piercing care and read How to Care For Your Body Jewelry & Body Piercings.
How do you give yourself a tragus piercing?
You don’t! We don’t recommend giving yourself a tragus piercing or any other body modification. Piercings must be done professionally to prevent infections or other complications. While you may find piercing kits online, we urge you to make a piercing appointment with an experienced professional.
Why shouldn’t I get a tragus piercing?
What if I don’t like it? What are the risks? What is the healing process like? If you’re still on the fence about getting a tragus piercing, we recommend talking to a professional piercer beforehand. If you’re a notorious side sleeper, constantly on the phone, or always using headphones, this piercing might prove tricky for you in the healing stages. Not every piercing is for everyone, and that’s okay! Try to learn as much as possible before deciding whether a tragus piercing is right for you.
Can I wear headphones with my tragus piercing?
You may experience some pain and discomfort immediately after getting your tragus pierced, but once your piercing is completely healed, you’ll be able to wear headphones and earbuds as usual.
Tragus Piercing FAQs (Jewelry)
What’s the most common type of tragus jewelry?
Your piercer will know what works best for you, but these are generally the most common types of jewelry used for tragus 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 tragus piercings.
- Curved or straight barbells are an excellent option for new tragus piercings since they are easy to clean and remove.
When can I change my tragus jewelry?
You should avoid changing your jewelry style until your tragus piercing is fully healed. Always check in with your piercer if you need clarification on where you’re at in the healing process!
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 tragus 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. If you have a nickel allergy, skip this one!
What if my tragus piercing gets infected or I have an allergic reaction?
If you suspect something is wrong with your piercing, contact your doctor immediately. Remember to let your piercer know if you’re sensitive or allergic to any materials! Watch out for any redness, inflammation, abnormal discharge, or severe pain.
Is a tragus piercing in your future? We hope you enjoyed our guide to this stunning piercing. 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, and jewelry. Lastly, check out our site for all your body jewelry needs. Whether you’re looking for earlobe or cartilage jewelry, we have everything you need!
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