Ear piercings are the perfect way to express yourself through style, and with so many 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.
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
Ear Piercing Overview
More Ear Piercing Info
- Things To Know Before Getting Pierced
- Things To Avoid After Getting Pierced
-
Ear Piercing FAQs
- How long do ear piercings take to heal?
- What is the most painful ear piercing?
- How do I care for my ear piercing?
- How much do ear piercings cost?
- What if my piercing gets infected?
- What do certain types of piercings symbolize?
- Does getting an ear piercing provide any health benefits?
- How do you give yourself an ear piercing?
- Why shouldn’t I get an ear piercing?
- Ear Jewelry FAQs
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-$70. Cartilage piercings can cost $30-$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:
The anti-tragus piercing goes through the small piece of ear cartilage located directly above your earlobe.
Anti-Tragus Ear Piercing Process:
This piercing procedure is typically performed with a hollow 16-gauge or 18-gauge piercing needle.
Anti-Tragus Healing Time:
About six months to a year (or longer).
Recommended Anti-Tragus Jewelry:
What is an Auricle Piercing?
Auricle Piercing Location:
The auricle piercing is located on the middle outer ear cartilage fold, between the helix piercing and the earlobe piercing.
Auricle Ear Piercing Process:
This piercing procedure is typically performed with a hollow 16-gauge or 18-gauge piercing needle.
Auricle Piercing Healing Time:
About six months to a year (or longer).
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 designed to support a cartilage stud, while an outer conch piercing (see image) is placed slightly closer to the edge of the conch cartilage and is designed to support a cartilage hoop.
Conch Ear Piercing Process:
This piercing procedure is typically performed with a hollow 16-gauge piercing needle.
Conch Piercing Healing Time:
About six months to a year (or longer).
Recommended Conch Jewelry:
What is a Daith Piercing?
Daith Piercing Location:
The daith piercing passes through the ear’s innermost cartilage fold, right above the ear canal.
Fun fact: While not scientifically proven, some studies suggest that daith piercings could help alleviate migraine pain and anxiety. To learn more, check out Surprising Benefits of Piercings.
Daith Ear Piercing Process:
This piercing type is usually done with either a standard hollow 16-gauge or 14-gauge piercing needle.
Daith Piercing Healing Time:
About nine months to a year (or longer).
Recommended Daith Jewelry:
What is an Earlobe Piercing?
Earlobe Piercing Location:
Earlobe piercings are easily 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 Piercing Process:
This piercing can be performed in two different ways. The most traditional method uses a sterilized hollow 20-gauge or 18-gauge piercing needle. The other method punctures the skin with an ear piercing gun.
Earlobe Piercing Healing Time:
About two to three months.
Recommended Earlobe Jewelry:
What is a Forward Helix Piercing?
Forward Helix Piercing Location:
A forward helix piercing is located on the upper outer cartilage ridge, toward the front of the ear, and close to your face. This piercing sits directly opposite the helix piercing and above the ear canal.
Forward Helix Ear Piercing Process:
Typically, forward helix piercings are done with a sterilized hollow 16-gauge or 18-gauge piercing needle.
Forward Helix Healing Time:
About six months to a year (or longer).
Recommended Forward Helix Jewelry:
What is a Helix Piercing?
Helix Piercing Location:
The helix piercing is placed on the upper outer ear cartilage rim, opposite the forward helix piercing and above the auricle piercing.
Helix Ear Piercing Process:
Your professional piercer will typically perform this piercing with a hollow 16-gauge or 18-gauge piercing needle.
Helix Piercing Healing Time:
About six months to a year (or longer).
Recommended Helix Jewelry:
What is an Industrial Piercing?
Industrial Piercing Location:
Also known as an industrial bar piercing, this piercing penetrates two parts of the upper ear cartilage. Typically, it connects the helix and forward helix with a single piece of jewelry.
Industrial Ear Piercing Process:
This body piercing is typically performed with a sterilized, hollow 14 or 16-gauge piercing needle.
Industrial Piercing Healing Time:
About six months to a year (or longer).
Recommended Industrial Jewelry:
What is a Rook Piercing?
Rook Piercing Location:
The rook is a vertical piercing that’s placed on a ridge of cartilage between the daith and forward helix.
Rook Piercing Process:
This piercing is typically performed with a sterilized 16-gauge hollow piercing needle.
Rook Piercing Healing Time:
About six months to a year (or longer).
Recommended Rook Jewelry:
What is a Snug Piercing?
Snug Piercing Location:
A snug piercing is placed on the inner cartilage ridge, located right next to the auricle laterally.
Snug Ear Piercing Process:
This cartilage piercing is typically performed with a sterilized 16-gauge hollow piercing needle.
Snug Piercing Healing Time:
About six months to a year (or longer).
Recommended Snug 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:
This cartilage piercing is typically performed with a sterilized 16-gauge hollow piercing needle.
Tragus Piercing Healing Time:
About six months to a year (or longer).
Recommended Tragus Jewelry:
Combination Ear Piercings
Now that you have a better idea about the typical types of ear piercings, we want to give you some insider information about combination ear piercings.
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 can be located on several different parts of the ear. To create an orbital piercing, two punctures are placed on the ear and connected by a circular piece of jewelry.
Things To know Before Getting Pierced
-
Who’s performing the piercing? Find a professional piercing studio that has an excellent reputation.
-
What piercing are you getting? Educate yourself on the piercing you’re considering before getting pierced.
-
How are they performing the piercing? Have the studio walk you through the piercing process. If they are considering using a piercing gun for anything other than an earlobe piercing, they are doing it wrong.
-
What happens next? Familiarize yourself with the healing process and aftercare instructions.
Things To Avoid After Getting Pierced
- Avoid touching your new piercing unless you’re cleaning it.
- Keep clothing away from the piercing, as it can catch on the jewelry or cause friction that can irritate the skin.
- Don’t remove the jewelry unless you’re cleaning the piercing site.
- Avoid swimming in pools and other bodies of water, as bacteria can be introduced to the piercing site.
Ear Piercing FAQs
How long do ear piercings take to heal?
It all depends! 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. We recommend talking to a piercing professional about healing times and ear care cleaning routines before you book an appointment.
What is the most painful ear piercing?
Piercing pain varies from person to person based on pain tolerance. A piercing procedure that hurts for some might not hurt at all for others. While it’s tough to predict, you can expect ear cartilage piercings, especially those placed on thicker parts of the cartilage, to hurt more than a standard earlobe piercing.
How do I care for my piercing?
To clean your piercings, we recommend using H2Ocean Aftercare Spray or saline solution. Clean the piercing site twice per day during the healing process. Once your piercing is healed, be sure to continue regular jewelry maintenance. To clean the jewelry, gently wash it with antibacterial soap and warm water every few days. Avoiding infection is important. Always be sure to keep up with the cleaning process so you don’t get an infection. For more in-depth information, we recommend reading How to Care For Your Body Jewelry & Body Piercings.
How much do ear piercings cost?
It depends on the piercing type, but the general price range for earlobe piercings is typically $20-$70. Cartilage piercings can cost $30-$100 or more.
What if my piercing gets infected?
Infections can happen if bacteria enter the piercing site, often due to improper aftercare or touching the jewelry with unwashed hands. Signs of infection include redness, swelling, warmth, discharge, and tenderness. Strictly following aftercare instructions is the best way to avoid infection, and remember, hands off your new piercing!
If you notice these symptoms, it’s not the end of the world. Carefully clean the area with saline solution and avoid further touching or irritating the piercing. If your symptoms worsen or persist, contact a doctor for treatment.
What do certain types of piercings symbolize?
To learn about the history, cultural relevance, and lesser-known meanings behind piercings, check out The Practice of Piercings: What Your Body Jewelry Symbolizes!
Does getting an ear piercing provide any health benefits?
While there’s no professional medical evidence to prove that piercings provide health benefits for a fact, there are plenty of theories. People have said that certain types of ear piercings can help with migraines, anxiety, stress, menstrual cramps, and weight loss. To learn more about these theories, check out Surprising Benefits of Piercings.
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.
Why shouldn’t I get an ear piercing?
If you’re questioning whether or not you should get an ear piercing, don’t rush the decision. Not every piercing is for everyone, and that’s okay! There are many things to consider before 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. Do your research and speak with piercing specialists to ensure you’re making the best decision for your body.
Ear Jewelry FAQs
What are some common types of ear jewelry?
Generally, the most common types of earlobe jewelry are:
- Stud earrings are a great everyday choice. Your piercer will most likely start you off with them. Once healed, you can choose from several fits, styles, and sizes.
- Hoop earrings are super stylish and come in a wide range of sizes. However, your piercing will need to heal before you can upgrade to hoops.
- Dangle earrings are flowy and fashionable. To explore options, check out our incredible selection!
Here are some of most popular types of cartilage jewelry. Some of these types of jewelry are only compatible with certain piercings:
- Curved or straight barbells are an excellent option for new cartilage piercings since they are easy to clean and remove.
- 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 cartilage piercing.
How do I care for my ear jewelry?
Practicing regular jewelry maintenance during and after the healing process is a must. To clean your jewelry, wash it with antibacterial soap and warm water. Be gentle so you don’t hurt the jewelry, but thorough so you know it’s fresh and safe to use. Do not use harsh, alcohol-based chemicals. Cleaning your jewelry is important to avoid infections. If you don’t keep up with maintenance, build-up can accumulate on your jewelry, causing it to chip and tarnish. For more tips, read How to Care for Your Body Jewelry & Body Piercings.
How much does ear jewelry cost?
There’s a whole wide world of ear fashion, and with so many jewelry types to choose from, it’s tough to give a precise answer here. The price of ear jewelry can depend on a few different factors, including the piercing type that you’re shopping for, the design of the jewelry, and the materials that the jewelry is composed of. A piece of jewelry crafted with 316L surgical steel and cubic zirconia stone will be more affordable than a piece of jewelry that’s crafted with solid gold and diamonds. At Spencer’s, you’ll find that most of our standard earlobe jewelry ranges from $8-$25 or more, while most of our cartilage jewelry ranges from $15 to $40 dollars. Typically, our jewelry collection is composed of 316L surgical steel or titanium.
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 use the same piece of jewelry throughout the healing process. We recommend using H2Ocean aftercare solution spray or saline solution to keep your piercing clean.
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. 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.
Care & Piercing Guides
Related Blogs
